The government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has named Vibhor Jain as acting CEO with immediate effect. This appointment follows the departure of Thampy Koshy, the network’s founding Managing Director and CEO, and comes as ONDC embarks on the search for a permanent successor to steer the government-backed initiative into its next phase.
With Jain’s appointment, all executive powers previously held collectively by the executive committee will now be consolidated under his authority, marking the end of the committee’s interim leadership. The move is intended to ensure continuity and unified direction as ONDC navigates a period of strategic expansion and key decision-making. Board members, including Suresh Sethi and Jaxay Shah, have expressed full confidence in Jain’s ability to guide ONDC through this critical transition, citing his pivotal role in shaping the platform’s operational framework and his deep commitment to ONDC’s mission.
Jain’s leadership is expected to provide the stability and cohesive execution required as ONDC navigates several key strategic initiatives and continues to build its presence across diverse sectors. Launched in late 2021 under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, ONDC has rapidly established itself as a transformative force in the Indian digital economy. In less than three years, the platform has surpassed 200 million transactions, operating across a wide array of segments including food and beverage, grocery, fashion, home and kitchen, electronics, financial services, and mobility. Despite fluctuations in retail order volumes in recent months, ONDC has maintained notable traction, particularly in logistics, underscoring its growing relevance and reach.
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This leadership change comes amid a broader reshuffle at ONDC, with other top executives such as Chief Business Officer Shireesh Joshi and non-executive chairperson R.S. Sharma also stepping down. As the organisation continues its search for a new Managing Director and CEO, Jain’s appointment as Acting CEO is widely seen as a move to ensure operational stability and drive the cohesive execution of ONDC’s ambitious vision for inclusive and open digital commerce in India.
