Vighnesh Shahane

Vighnesh is a complete people’s person - you are more likely to see him at various employee workstations in the head office getting a first-hand update on business challenges and opportunities, than working in the confines of his cabin. This informal and passionate management style has evolved from his sportsman spirit, having played Ranji Trophy for Mumbai for 3 years.

After a successful stint as President - Bancassurance, Vighnesh assumed leadership of Ageas Federal Life Insurance Company Limited (formerly known as IDBI Federal Life Insurance Co Ltd) as CEO in 2014. During this period, he has been instrumental in setting clear goals for the organisation and driving performance towards their attainment. Under his leadership, the Company has attained numerous milestones and awards, notably the recording of ten consecutive years of net profit, wiping out of all accumulated losses, declaring maiden dividend and being recognised as one of the Top 10 Most Trusted Life Insurance Brands in the country by ET Brand Equity. The Company also recorded a Gross Written Premium CAGR of 13.07% from FY14 to FY22.

Vighnesh believes that sports help inculcate core values like integrity, dedication and accountability, in addition to positively influencing physical and mental fitness. This has led Ageas Federal to adopt the path of sports and fitness as an unconventional approach to build a deeper connect with our audiences, create awareness and change behaviour. This conviction has also led him to steer the Company’s corporate social responsibility programme to contribute immensely towards the country’s sports framework. However, his philanthropic vision also extends to areas of healthcare and urban development.

A post-graduate from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Vighnesh brings with him over 25 years of experience in consumer banking and life insurance, across diverse geographies, varied markets and multiple customer segments. He has worked with well-known financial services organisations like ANZ Grindlays and Standard Chartered Bank in India, and Mashreq Bank in the UAE.

Vighnesh is committed to the growth and advancement of the life insurance industry and works tirelessly with other life insurance players and the regulator in their deliberations on the implementation of various guidelines and regulations. He is also a key member and speaker at prominent industry platforms like CII, ASSOCHAM and FICCI.