Gaurav Munjal Steps Down as Unacademy CEO; Akhilendra Kumar Takes Over

The leadership change comes two months after upGrad completed its acquisition of Unacademy in September 2026. Munjal will continue to remain involved in the company's daily operations and support its future growth.

Gaurav Munjal to Continue as Executive Chairman

Announcing the leadership change in a LinkedIn post, Munjal said he would continue working closely with the company’s leadership team.

“To be clear, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll stay fully involved in operations every day, work alongside Akhilendra and help with the upGrad IPO,” he said.

As Executive Chairman, Munjal will remain involved in business operations and support upGrad's planned initial public offering (IPO).

Akhilendra Kumar Appointed as New CEO

Akhilendra Kumar's appointment is an internal promotion at Unacademy. He joined the company's leadership team and progressed through several business roles between 2022 and 2025, including AVP – Business, VP – Business and Chief Business Officer.

Before joining Unacademy, Kumar worked at OYO, where he held operational and supply-network positions.

In his LinkedIn announcement, Kumar credited Unacademy's employees and educators for building the platform.

“Everything Unacademy has built is because of our Employees and Educators, who show up for learners every day,” he said.

He added that the company would continue focusing on learner outcomes and building a sustainable business.

Unacademy Acquisition by upGrad

Founded by Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini and Hemesh Singh, Unacademy started as a YouTube channel in 2010 before becoming an edtech platform in 2015.

The company expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for online education increased. However, the return of physical classrooms and declining demand for online learning later pushed the company towards cost-cutting and restructuring.

In September 2026, upGrad completed an all-stock acquisition of Unacademy for just over $200 million. The transaction valued Unacademy at approximately Rs 1,955 crore, around 94% below its peak valuation in 2021.

The acquisition brings Unacademy's test-preparation, creator and language-learning businesses together with upGrad's higher education, study-abroad, career development and corporate-skilling operations.

upGrad Prepares for Planned IPO

Under Ronnie Screwvala's leadership, upGrad is working towards a planned public listing in 2027.

The acquisition of Unacademy is part of its strategy to build a larger and more diversified education business.

In FY26, upGrad reported consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 1,687 crore. Its EBITDA increased more than eightfold to Rs 123 crore, while its consolidated net loss narrowed to approximately Rs 131 crore.

About Unacademy

Unacademy is an India-based edtech company founded in 2015 by Gaurav Munjal, Roman Saini and Hemesh Singh. The platform provides online learning and test-preparation courses for students preparing for competitive examinations and other educational goals.

The company offers educational content through online classes, live courses and learning resources, connecting educators with learners across India.

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