Ajit is a senior business leader specialising in organisational change, OD, coaching, and group facilitation. With a background in financial services, he has successfully led transformative change across various sectors, guiding organisations through complex transitions at executive and board levels. Known for his strategic thinking and ability to challenge and influence, he fosters leadership development and collaborative problem-solving. His expertise includes organisational transformation, leadership development, group dynamics, and change management, where he effectively manages complexity to deliver lasting outcomes. Ajit’s approach balances strategic insight with practical facilitation, enabling organisations to navigate change with clarity and confidence. A recognised thought leader, Ajit regularly contributes to publications and has been a visiting faculty member at University College London and the London School of Economics. He is also the co-author of What Lies Beneath: How Organisations Really Work (Phoenix, 2021).
Qualifications
Ajit holds a DProf, Professional doctorate in advanced practice and research: consultation and the organisation. He also holds aMSc in Organisational and Social Psychology, The London School of Economics and Political Sciences, and a MA Psychology (Specialised in Industrial and Organisational Psychology), University of Mumbai,. He is an EMCC accredited Executive coach.
Examples of recent work
Ajit’s recent work spans a range of transformative initiatives across multiple organisations, focusing on change, culture, and leadership development. At Investec PLC, he led the complex people integration during the merger with Rathbones, balancing structural changes with cultural cohesion to create the UK’s largest discretionary wealth manager. Alongside this, he is reshaping the HR function, establishing a global shared services hub in South Africa and driving a £5 million cost reduction, all while maintaining a strong focus on cultural alignment and employee experience.
Ajit’s impact is evident in his consultancy work. At Blacklight Advisory, he guided organisations like Tokio Marine Kiln and the FCA through large-scale cultural transformations, working closely with leadership teams to align values and behaviours with strategic goals. His expertise in navigating complex organisational landscapes, fostering leadership, and embedding sustainable cultural change has been instrumental in driving lasting transformation across sectors.
Facilitation approach
My approach to facilitation is grounded in three key principles: process consultation, group relations, and a person-centred focus. I believe in working alongside individuals and teams rather than directing them, helping them explore their own challenges and solutions. This collaborative style encourages people to take ownership of their growth and decision-making. Understanding group relations is central to my work. Every group develops its own patterns of behaviour and communication, and I help participants become aware of these dynamics, fostering healthier and more effective interactions. Lastly, my approach is deeply person-centred. I respect the unique perspectives and needs of everyone, creating a space where they feel heard, valued, and empowered. By balancing these three elements, I aim to create an environment that supports both individual and collective development, leading to more sustainable outcomes for the group or organisation.