Indian-origin executives make record gains in US corporate boardrooms. What is behind the rise?

Indian-origin executives are securing boardroom positions at some of the biggest companies in the United States, with a record 16 Indian men joining the boards of S&P 500 companies in 2026.

The new appointments include Walmart, Southwest Airlines and Western Digital, according to data from ISS-Corporate and Equilar, as reported by Bloomberg News. Only White men and women secured more board seats during the year.

The rise reflects a longer-term shift in corporate America. The share of Indian-origin executives on the boards of Fortune 500 and S&P 500 companies has tripled since 2018, according to data from executive search firm James Drury Partners.

A key reason is the growing demand for executives with experience in running businesses, managing operations and overseeing profits. Many Indian-origin leaders have spent decades building these skills in the US before moving into boardroom roles.

Of the 184 Indian men serving on Fortune 500 and S&P 500 boards, 77 per cent have experience in operating roles with direct responsibility for business performance. Around two-thirds have held chief executive officer (CEO) positions, the James Drury Partners data show.

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Why are Indian-origin executives gaining boardroom seats?

Companies are increasingly looking for directors who have managed large businesses, handled financial responsibilities and led teams. These skills are often seen as valuable in guiding a company’s strategy and overseeing its management.

The trend is visible among the Indian men appointed to S&P 500 boards this year. Around two-thirds are current or former CEOs. They include executives associated with medical technology company Stryker, industrial gases maker Linde and supermarket operator Albertsons.

Indian-origin executives have also expanded their presence in the top ranks of American companies. They now lead roughly a dozen major businesses, including Alphabet, Microsoft and Procter & Gamble.

Their experience in running large companies has helped build a pool of candidates for board positions.

Boardroom gains remain uneven

The increase in Indian men’s representation comes as companies reassess their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. However, the gains have not been evenly distributed across the broader Asian American community.

Norman Chen, CEO of the Asian American Foundation, said other Asian groups remain under-represented on corporate boards. Some researchers have described the barriers faced by East Asian executives as a “bamboo ceiling”.

Indian-origin women have also not seen the same pace of progress as men.

Former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi joined the board of Honeywell International in 2026, while former Gap CEO Sonia Syngal joined the board of Tractor Supply.

Could US immigration rules affect the talent pipeline?

Tighter US immigration rules could make it harder for future generations of Indian professionals to follow a similar path into corporate leadership.

The Trump administration has introduced a $100,000 payment requirement for employers seeking to bring certain H-1B workers into the US. The measure is facing a legal challenge, while a separate proposal involving similar fees has also been put forward.

Indian-born workers accounted for around 71 per cent of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal 2024, according to US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The visa programme has been widely used by Indian professionals in technology, healthcare and other specialised fields.

(With inputs from agencies.)