MUMBAI: Skilling just got serious, and perhaps even a little snackable. Edtech major upGrad has roped in Ferzad Palia to lead its freshly minted direct-to-consumer (D2C) vertical as the company bets big on always-on learning to serve India’s digital-first, byte-sized learning generation.
With a legacy in university-led programs, industry certifications and study abroad pathways, upGrad is now gearing up to make skilling a habit — not just a career intervention. The move signals the company’s next phase of growth: a high-octane, AI-fuelled ecosystem of micro-learning, personalisation, and scalable access.
“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 Upgrad co-founder & chairperson Ronnie Screwvala.
In his new role, Palia will lead upGrad’s efforts to serve a new wave of learners seeking flexibility, speed and relevance. He brings more than 25 years of experience across consumer tech, media and advertising, most recently as senior EVP at JioStar (formerly Viacom18), where he played a pivotal role in scaling JioCinema. Before that, he spearheaded multiple divisions at Viacom18 including international distribution, youth media and the D2C business.
Palia, who began his career at J Walter Thompson managing Unilever’s personal care portfolio, also had a stint at CNBC-TV18.
“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”, he said.
With the new D2C push, upGrad is looking to turn binge-watching into binge-learning— minus the guilt, and with outcomes attached.
