Board Takes Lead After ONDC Chief T Koshy Steps Down Following 3-Year Stint

In a significant leadership transition, T Koshy, the Managing Director and CEO of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), has officially stepped down after a three-year journey that played a vital role in shaping India’s e-commerce landscape. With the ONDC Board taking charge post his departure, the move signals a new phase for the ambitious government-backed digital commerce initiative aimed at democratizing online trade in India. As this milestone sets the stage for the platform’s next chapter, let’s explore the leadership shift, its implications, and what lies ahead for ONDC and digital commerce in the country

“Empowering Commerce, One Digital Step at a Time.”

Who is T Koshy and What Did He Achieve at ONDC?

T Koshy, an industry veteran with a background in digital transformation and governance, was one of the founding architects of ONDC. Prior to this, he played an integral role at organizations like Infosys and the National Securities Depository Ltd. As the MD and CEO of ONDC, Koshy was instrumental in converting the platform’s vision into a scalable and operational network. Under his leadership, ONDC moved from a theoretical framework to active participation by thousands of sellers, buyers, and logistics partners. His mission was clear: level the playing field for small and medium businesses to compete with e-commerce giants by enabling interoperability and inclusivity across digital commerce platforms.

“The future of commerce is open and inclusive. ONDC is here to make that future a reality.” – T Koshy

What is ONDC and Why is It Important for India?

Redefining E-Commerce Infrastructure

ONDC is a government-backed initiative under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry designed to decentralize digital commerce by creating a neutral, open network. The platform allows sellers, buyers, and service providers to interact freely across networks, similar to how UPI transformed payments. With ONDC, a user on one platform can discover and transact with a seller listed on another, breaking the silos that currently dominate the digital retail ecosystem. This innovation is especially crucial for India, where small retailers often struggle to gain digital visibility or manage high platform commissions.

Growth of ONDC (2022–2025)

Why Did T Koshy Step Down as ONDC CEO?

While the official reason for Koshy’s departure has not been made public, sources suggest that the move was a planned transition as ONDC shifts from its initial rollout phase to a more execution and scale-up driven model. Koshy’s role was largely strategic — laying the foundational policy framework, building stakeholder trust, and establishing a robust pilot. With those elements now in place, ONDC is ready for its next phase of growth, focusing on large-scale adoption, revenue models, and deeper integration across retail, mobility, and financial services. The board stepping in signals a desire for continuity and strategic oversight during this crucial growth stage.

“Change in leadership, not in vision.”

What Role Will the Board Play After Koshy’s Exit?

Ensuring Strategic Continuity

The ONDC Board, consisting of representatives from government, industry experts, and digital pioneers, is expected to ensure a seamless leadership transition. Their key priority now is to maintain momentum and facilitate the appointment of a new MD & CEO with a strong background in scaling digital platforms. Meanwhile, the Board will oversee the operational continuity of the platform, particularly in areas like expanding seller onboarding, enhancing logistics capabilities, and refining user experience. The interim leadership model emphasizes transparency, collective governance, and a steady push towards a milestone-based rollout plan across India.

ONDC Board Responsibilities Post-Koshy

What’s Next for ONDC and Its Vision for 2025 and Beyond?

ONDC’s future appears both ambitious and impactful. The platform aims to reach 250+ cities by 2026, onboard over 1 million sellers, and handle millions of daily transactions across diverse verticals such as grocery, mobility, fashion, and financial services. The inclusion of financial partners like SBI and HDFC Bank ensures robust support for seller financing and transaction settlements. More importantly, the government plans to institutionalize ONDC within the MSME and retail development frameworks, ensuring its long-term sustainability. As ONDC continues to evolve, public trust, technological robustness, and inclusivity will remain its pillars of growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is replacing T Koshy as ONDC CEO?

A: As of now, the ONDC Board is handling interim leadership responsibilities while the search for a new CEO is underway.

Q: What made T Koshy’s leadership impactful?

A: T Koshy laid the strategic and technical foundation of ONDC, building credibility and scalability during its formative years.

Q: Will the platform’s direction change after Koshy?

A: No major shift in direction is expected. The Board aims to maintain the vision and ensure growth with new leadership.

Q: How does ONDC benefit small retailers?

A: ONDC gives small retailers access to a wider market, reduces dependency on big tech, and ensures fair commissions and visibility.

Conclusion: Leadership Transitions Are Growth Opportunities

The stepping down of T Koshy from ONDC is not an end but rather a pivotal transition in the journey of one of India’s most ambitious digital initiatives. His contributions laid a powerful foundation, but the future now lies in scalable implementation and deeper outreach. The ONDC Board stepping in ensures strategic consistency while allowing space for new ideas and innovations. As the platform gears up for wider adoption, all eyes will be on who takes up the mantle next and how they accelerate ONDC’s inclusive digital commerce vision. In the world of technology and governance, evolution is the only constant—and ONDC seems ready for it.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker

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