Rishi Pathania has joined Jindal Steel Ltd as Vice President and Head – Corporate Social Responsibility. The move reinforces the company’s focus on purpose-led growth and structured ESG integration.
Pathania brings nearly 28 years of experience across corporate and development sectors, with expertise in designing integrated CSR strategies aligned with business priorities and sustainability frameworks.
Global CSR Leadership at UPL
Before joining Jindal Steel, Pathania served for over 13 years as Global Head – CSR at UPL Group.
In that role, he led CSR strategy design and implementation across operations in India, Latin America, and Africa. His portfolio included business-linked social programmes, ESG-aligned social frameworks, national-level advocacy initiatives, and large-scale community development efforts.
He also held trustee and director positions across foundations and universities supported by UPL. His work spanned employee volunteering, impact assessments, and CSR communications.
Experience at Tata Chemicals and the Development Sector
Earlier, Pathania spent nearly nine years at Tata Chemicals Ltd as Head – CSR (Chemical Business). Based in Mithapur, Gujarat, he led location-specific CSR programmes, stakeholder engagement, compliance initiatives, and reporting aligned with UN Global Compact and GRI standards.
His career began in the development sector at the Society for Development of Appropriate Technology, where he worked on rural livelihoods, women’s empowerment, sanitation, health,h and sustainable agriculture. He later served as CEO of the organisation.
Academic Foundation in Sustainability and Rural Development
Pathania holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Environmental Law and Policy from WWF India and National Law University, Delhi. He also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from Xavier Institute of Social Service and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Nagpur University.
His academic training complements his operational experience in sustainability, ESG reporting, and community development strategy.
Driving Social Impact at Jindal Steel
At Jindal Steel, Pathania will oversee CSR programmes spanning education, healthcare, skill development, women’s empowerment, water stewardship, and community infrastructure across operational regions.
The appointment reflects the company’s intent to deepen ESG alignment and institutionalise measurable social impact within its growth strategy. With structured CSR leadership, Jindal Steel aims to strengthen long-term community partnerships and sustainability-driven value creation.
