In a strategic shift aimed at capturing India’s rapidly growing base of digital learners, upGrad has announced the appointment of Ferzad Palia to head its newly launched Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business.
The move signals a significant expansion for the learning and skilling platform as it ventures into mass-market, on-demand education.
Palia, a veteran in media and consumer technology, will spearhead the development of a digital-first ecosystem underpinned by micro-learning formats, AI-led personalisation, and scalable access.
The offering is designed to serve next-generation learners seeking flexible, always-on learning.
"It strengthens our mission to own the entire learning journey and turns skilling into a household habit, not just a job-switch trigger. Ferzad’s deep expertise in building high-scale, high-engagement content-driven platforms will help us unlock a wider segment - combined with tech that appeals to their fast-learning patterns," said Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson, upGrad.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Palia most recently served as Senior Executive Vice President at JioStar (formerly Viacom18), where he played a key role in the rise of JioCinema as one of India’s largest streaming platforms.
Earlier in his career, he established and led Viacom18’s international, youth and music portfolios, and also managed Unilever’s personal care brands during his time at J. Walter Thompson. He began his career with CNBC-TV18.
Commenting on the new role, Ferzad added, “The opportunity to transform India’s upskilling and learning landscape at scale, is an exciting mandate. upGrad’s solid foundation and commitment to outcome-led learning provides the perfect springboard."
The move signals a significant expansion for the learning and skilling platform as it ventures into mass-market, on-demand education.
Palia, a veteran in media and consumer technology, will spearhead the development of a digital-first ecosystem underpinned by micro-learning formats, AI-led personalisation, and scalable access.
The offering is designed to serve next-generation learners seeking flexible, always-on learning.
"It strengthens our mission to own the entire learning journey and turns skilling into a household habit, not just a job-switch trigger. Ferzad’s deep expertise in building high-scale, high-engagement content-driven platforms will help us unlock a wider segment - combined with tech that appeals to their fast-learning patterns," said Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson, upGrad.
With over 25 years of industry experience, Palia most recently served as Senior Executive Vice President at JioStar (formerly Viacom18), where he played a key role in the rise of JioCinema as one of India’s largest streaming platforms.
Earlier in his career, he established and led Viacom18’s international, youth and music portfolios, and also managed Unilever’s personal care brands during his time at J. Walter Thompson. He began his career with CNBC-TV18.
Commenting on the new role, Ferzad added, “The opportunity to transform India’s upskilling and learning landscape at scale, is an exciting mandate. upGrad’s solid foundation and commitment to outcome-led learning provides the perfect springboard."
