upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated skilling and lifelong learning platforms, has announced the appointment of Ferzad Palia to head its newly launched Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) business.
This strategic move marks upGrad’s next phase of growth, focusing on on-demand skilling to cater to India’s next-generation learners who seek flexible, always-on learning solutions.
With a strong foundation in university-led programs, industry certifications, and study-abroad offerings, upGrad is now expanding into mass-market digital learning, leveraging AI-driven personalization, micro-learning formats, and scalable access.
Ferzad’s leadership is expected to accelerate this transformation, making continuous learning more accessible and consumer-centric.
Ronnie Screwvala, Co-founder & Chairperson of upGrad, emphasized the significance of this appointment.
He stated, “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.”
upGrad Lead D2C Business Ferzad Palia’s Professional Background
Ferzad brings over 25 years of experience across Consumer Tech, Media, and Advertising.
His most recent role was as Senior EVP at JioStar (formerly Viacom18), where he played a pivotal role in scaling JioCinema, one of India’s largest streaming platforms.
Prior to JioStar, Ferzad led key businesses for Viacom18, including:
- Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) initiatives
- International distribution
- Youth, Music & English content portfolios
He began his career at J Walter Thompson, managing Unilever’s Personal Care brands, and later contributed to CNBC-TV18.
His diverse experience in digital content, consumer engagement, and media strategy positions him as a strong leader for upGrad’s D2C expansion.
upGrad’s Expansion into Mass-Market Digital Learning
Since its inception in 2015, upGrad has established itself as a leading skilling and workforce development company.
The platform offers:
- Online & hybrid skilling programs
- Industry certifications and bootcamps
- Diploma, Master’s, and Executive Doctorate programs in collaboration with top Indian and global universities
- Corporate skilling solutions, including recruitment and staffing services
With the launch of its D2C business, upGrad aims to democratize learning, ensuring that on-demand skilling is accessible to millions of learners across India.
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