**Thampy Koshy Resigns as ONDC CEO After Three Years**
Thampy Koshy, the managing director and CEO of the Open Network of Digital Commerce (ONDC), has announced his resignation after a three-year tenure. His last day in the role will be June 30. Following his departure, the ONDC board, which consists of 10 members, will temporarily oversee operations without an immediate plan to appoint a successor.
Koshy has expressed his intention to assist during this transition period. The responsibilities of the MD and CEO will be managed by an executive committee, with Koshy available to provide guidance to the board for the next three months. ONDC confirmed this development, highlighting Koshy’s contributions to the organization.
Under Koshy’s leadership, ONDC has experienced significant growth, achieving over 200 million transactions and making substantial progress toward its goal of democratizing e-commerce in India. The organization emphasized that leadership changes are a natural part of its evolution.
This leadership shift follows the recent resignation of ONDC’s chief business officer, Shireesh Joshi, who stepped down for personal reasons after three years. Additionally, R S Sharma, the former non-executive chairperson, resigned in December after a brief tenure.
The timing of these management changes is critical for ONDC as it continues to focus on key sectors, including food and beverage, grocery, and financial services, while being cautious not to overextend itself across various categories.
Before joining ONDC, Koshy served as an executive director at the National Security Depository Limited (NSDL) for 14.5 years and was a partner at consulting firm EY for over a decade. ONDC was established in December 2022 as a public infrastructure initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to create an inclusive e-commerce platform aimed at enhancing economic participation across India.
The organization aims to disrupt e-commerce monopolies by standardizing marketplaces, supporting local suppliers, and optimizing logistics. ONDC aspires to be the “UPI of e-commerce,” focusing on its role as a network rather than just a platform. In March alone, ONDC recorded over 16 million orders, showcasing its rapid growth.
As ONDC expands its offerings, it is preparing to launch a new initiative for quick commerce, promising grocery deliveries within 30 minutes to two hours. The organization has also ventured into sachetized insurance and investment products, such as mutual funds. However, it has faced challenges in scaling non-food categories like fashion and personal care.
In conclusion, Koshy’s resignation marks a pivotal moment for ONDC as it navigates leadership changes while striving to fulfill its mission of transforming the e-commerce landscape in India.
**FAQ**
**What is ONDC and what are its goals?**
ONDC, or the Open Network of Digital Commerce, is an initiative aimed at creating an inclusive e-commerce platform in India. Its goals include democratizing e-commerce, breaking monopolies, and promoting local suppliers while enhancing economic participation across the country.