Scholars Merit, a leading online platform committed to comprehensive growth in both educational and professional spheres, announces the appointment of Sumit Shukla as its Chief Executive Officer. With over two decades of experience in India's IT industry, Sumit brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to lead Scholars Merit into its next phase of growth and innovation.
Sumit's impressive career spans various sectors, including FinTech and EdTech, where he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision. His extensive background in product management, business development, and IT strategy perfectly aligns with Scholars Merit's mission to bridge the gap between academic learning and market-ready skills.
Throughout his career, Sumit has held significant roles, including Founder CEO at Connexrm Pte Ltd and Product Head & Senior VP at Apar Technologies. His leadership has been marked by successful business development and strategic growth. His entrepreneurial ventures, including founding Zven Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and serving as Managing Director & CEO for ZTCommerce, further highlight his proficiency in building strong relationships and implementing effective strategies.
As CEO, Sumit Shukla will focus on addressing the critical gap between academic preparation and industry expectations. “There is a noticeable disconnect between academic institutions and the corporate world. While 70 percent of academic institutions believe their graduates are well-equipped, only 16 percent of companies share this view. Furthermore, a McKinsey & Company report indicates that 87 percent of companies globally are either facing or will face a skills gap in the near future. Considering the demand and with the right approach, Scholars Merit has a unique opportunity to bridge this divide by enhancing its programs to better prepare individuals with the skills needed for success in today’s competitive job market,” said Sumit Shukla.
Welcoming the CEO, Rashi Wadhwa, EVP at Scholars Merit said, “Sumit’s extensive experience and visionary approach align perfectly with our goals and industry demands. His leadership will be crucial in refining our programs and enhancing the value we offer to both students and industry partners.”
Sumit's appointment comes at a crucial time for both Scholars Merit and the broader education technology field in India. Recent studies have highlighted significant challenges in the job market, with only a small fraction of engineering graduates securing employment upon graduation. Scholars Merit, through its i-merit program, aims to address these challenges by providing comprehensive skill development and job-assured programs.
Under Sumit's leadership, Scholars Merit is set to expand its impact, continuing to foster holistic growth in both educational and professional spheres. The company's multifaceted approach, which includes programs for K12 students, interview skill refinement, and corporate excellence initiatives like TaskOne and CloudOne, is expected to thrive with Sumit's innovative vision.
Sumit's commitment to social responsibility aligns perfectly with Scholars Merit's mission. His involvement in social initiatives, including efforts to fund scholarships for underprivileged students, highlights the company's dedication to making a meaningful contribution to national progress by nurturing the next generation of leaders.