Leadership Team
Jyoti Bowen Nath
Managing Partner
Jyoti Bowen Nath is the Founder and Managing Partner of Claricent Partners, where her leadership
has been instrumental in driving the company’s growth in the executive search industry. Prior to this,
Jyoti was a key member of the leadership team and a board member at Gilbert Tweed Associates,
where she established and managed their Mumbai operations for nearly two decades.
With extensive expertise in Executive Search, Jyoti has helped clients hire senior leadership roles
such as CEO, CFO, and Independent Director across various sectors. She is a trusted advisor in
areas such as succession planning, diversity and inclusion, and talent development.
Holding a law degree, Jyoti is passionate about people development. Her diverse experience makes
her a valuable partner to businesses. Jyoti actively supports TEACH, a non-profit organization for
students with hearing and speech impairments and is a certified coach.
Hirak Adhikari
Associate Director
Hirak brings more than two decades of experience in executive search, having worked with esteemed
firms such as Stanton Chase, Cornerstone, and Gilbert Tweed Associates. She is currently an
Associate Director at Claricent Partners, leading the consumer practice group with a focus on FMCG,
consumer, retail, fashion, and luxury sectors. Hirak has also handled numerous assignments in the
jewellery space and has successfully managed complex searches for both Indian and global
organizations.
An Executive Search professional who prioritizes cultural fit, Hirak believes in finding the “right fit” for
her clients. She is a fitness enthusiast dedicated to maintaining her and her family’s health through a
combination of intense workouts and yoga, balancing physical exercise with mind-body relaxation.
Ramakrishna Jonnalagadda
Client Partner
Ramakrishna Jonnalagadda (RJ) is a Client Partner at Claricent Partners, bringing 25 years of diverse
experience. Before joining the firm, RJ worked with Amrop, handling senior-level executive search
assignments in sectors such as FMCG, Paints, and Telecom.
RJ holds a BE from NIT Rourkela and an MBA from XIMB. He has held significant Sales and
Marketing roles in leading companies like Airtel, Tata, Coca-Cola, Berger, and Nerolac Paints. RJ’s
strategic expertise enables him to identify candidates who align with client needs and corporate
cultures, creating long-term value.
RJ regularly shares his insights on public policy, the economy, and international affairs on his blog, www.MeetRK.Blogspot.com.
Ram Iyer
Associate Director
Ram Iyer is an Associate Director at Claricent Partners with extensive experience in assessing
leadership talent. He has successfully led multiple C-suite searches across various industries and
sectors. Ram currently spearheads the firm’s Education and Technology practices while also
managing key accounts and collaborating with the global network, IIC Partners on international
leadership assignments.
Before joining Claricent, Ram worked with top executive search firms like Korn Ferry and EMA
Partners. He holds an Executive Master’s degree from the University of Canterbury and dual master’s
degrees in marketing and human resources.
Outside of work, Ram was actively involved with the International Rotaract community earlier in his
career and has recently collaborated with Rotary International on community-focused initiatives.
Meenal Arekar Shukla
Principal - Special Projects
Meenal Arekar Shukla is the Principal - Special Projects at Claricent Partners, bringing nearly two
decades of experience in executive search. She was a founding member of Claricent Partners and
has managed high-profile searches, particularly at the C-suite level across various sectors. Meenal
also plays a key role in business development contributing to securing major contracts for the firm.
Meenal started her career in Hospitality before discovering her passion for Executive Search. Over
the years she has worked with respected boutique executive search firms like Gilbert Tweed
Associates and RGF.
Meenal holds a Science degree from Nagpur University and a master’s degree in Tourism
Management.
Deepali Kishor Panchal
Principal
Deepali Panchal is a Principal at Claricent Partners, specializing in driving the firm’s Textile practice
while also supporting the Industrial practice group. With 15 years of experience in executive search,
Deepali is an expert in research, mapping, and executing senior leadership assignments, including C-
suite roles. She also leads the team of researchers and consultants, ensuring execution excellence
and adherence to best industry practices.
Previously, Deepali collaborated with firms such as Transearch and Gilbert Tweed, where she was a
founding member of Claricent Partners. She holds a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and a Post
Graduate Diploma in Human Resources.
