Business Today has officially announced the high-profile jury for the 14th edition of the BT India’s Best CEOs Awards. This prestigious annual platform, which honors exceptional leadership across India Inc., will see a panel of industry veterans convene on January 9, 2026, to select the country’s most impactful business leaders.
This year’s awards are framed against a backdrop of global economic challenges, shifting the spotlight toward “profitable growth” and “capital-efficient strategies.” The 14th edition aims to redefine leadership by rewarding CEOs who balance bold ambition with disciplined execution.
The distinguished jury is chaired by Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Ltd. Under his guidance, a panel of influential voices from diverse sectors will evaluate the nominees:
- Harsh Mariwala (Jury Chair): Chairman, Marico Ltd.
- Kaku Nakhate: Chair, India, BofA Securities
- Sanjeev Krishan: Chairperson, PwC in India
- Vibha Padalkar: MD and CEO, HDFC Life Insurance
- Abhijit Roy: MD and CEO, Berger Paints India
- Amish Mehta: MD and CEO, CRISIL
- Shanti Ekambaram: Former Deputy MD, Kotak Mahindra Bank
- Sanjiv Mehta: Executive Chairman, L Catterton
PwC India returns as the knowledge partner, working alongside Business Today’s senior editors to provide a data-driven evaluation process. The jury will assess candidates from the BT 500 list—India’s largest firms ranked by profitability—ensuring that winners are chosen based on sustainable value creation.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for the 2026 awards include:
- Financial Performance: Consistent earnings and shareholder returns.
- Strategic Direction: Success in global expansion and turnarounds.
- Operational Excellence: Execution of mergers, acquisitions, and innovation.
In addition to category-specific honors for CEOs, the platform will present the highly anticipated Business Icon of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The winners will be unveiled at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai on March 27, 2026, celebrating the leaders who have turned profitability into a long-term engine for innovation and talent attraction.
Key Highlights:
- Jury Announcement: Harsh Mariwala will lead the 8-member jury for the 14th BT India’s Best CEOs Awards on January 9.
- Core Theme: The 2026 edition focuses on profitable growth, capital efficiency, and resilient leadership in a volatile market.
- Elite Pool: Eligible candidates are drawn from the BT 500, focusing on the most profitable large-scale firms in India.
- Event Finale: The winners across various leadership categories will be honored at a grand event in Mumbai on March 27.