Upgrad appoints Deepesh Dhakad as Chief Product and Technology Officer

Upgrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and lifelong learning companies, has appointed Deepesh Dhakad as its new Chief Product and Technology Officer (CPTO), effective October 2025.

Dhakad will lead Upgrad’s product, design, and technology teams, overseeing the company’s entire ecosystem for both learners and enterprise clients. His appointment underscores Upgrad’s commitment to innovation, scalability, and delivering a world-class user experience as the company continues its global expansion.

With nearly two decades of experience at leading consumer technology firms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Unacademy, and Games24x7, Dhakad is recognised for building and scaling digital platforms that serve millions worldwide. 

His leadership includes driving cross-functional teams in product, design, engineering, and analytics, as well as championing data-driven experimentation and AI-powered product innovation.

In a statement regarding his new role, Dhakad said, “Upgrad stands at a pivotal moment where technology is not just an enabler but the engine powering our next phase of growth. As learning becomes increasingly borderless and outcome-driven, our focus will be on designing intelligent, AI-native systems that personalise learner journeys and deliver measurable results for both individuals and enterprises.”

Amit Mehta, Chief Human Resources Officer at Upgrad, welcomed Dhakad’s appointment, noting, “It’s an exciting phase for Upgrad. As we expand deeper into global markets, product and technology remain the backbone of how we deliver scale, consistency, and measurable outcomes for learners and enterprises alike. Deepesh’s strong experience in building high-growth, tech-led ecosystems comes at the perfect time as we sharpen our focus on innovation.”

Dhakad is an alumnus of IIIT Allahabad and IIT Bombay’s Shailesh J. Mehta School of Management.

He will be based in Upgrad’s Bengaluru office, leading the company’s global product and technology strategy.