Mumbai, India — In a strategic move aligned with India’s accelerating mergers and acquisitions (M&A) landscape, Howden has appointed Mandira Gupta as Managing Director & Head of M&A, IMEA (India, Middle East, and Africa). Mandira will be based at Howden’s India headquarters in Mumbai and will lead the company’s growing focus on private equity and transactional risk insurance solutions across the region.
The announcement comes at a time when India’s M&A and private equity ecosystem is witnessing exponential growth. According to the latest Grant Thornton Bharat report, the first quarter of 2025 saw deals totalling $5.3 billion, reflecting a 204% year-on-year increase in value and a 25% rise in deal volume compared to Q1 2024. The sharp uptick underscores India’s growing appeal as a global investment destination, making Howden’s leadership move both timely and strategic.
ALSO READ: Rahul Kanwal Resigns from India Today Group to Pursue New Opportunities
A Veteran Dealmaker with Deep Industry Roots
Mandira brings over 20 years of industry experience, with a track record spanning insurance broking, investment banking, and transactional risk advisory. Prior to joining Howden, she served as Managing Director at Marsh India Insurance Broking, where she led the Private Equity and M&A (PEMA) practice and was responsible for the Transaction Risk (TR) business across India, the Middle East, and Africa.
She is widely credited with building and scaling India’s TR practice, establishing herself as a go-to expert for complex, high-profile deals in the region. Her professional journey includes over a decade in M&A insurance and nine years in investment banking with experience in both India and London, giving her a comprehensive and global perspective on deal-making.
Focused on Tailored Solutions for High-Profile Transactions
Speaking on her new role, Mandira Gupta expressed enthusiasm about joining Howden at this pivotal moment:
“I am delighted to join Howden, and look forward to contributing to its growth and business objectives. My main emphasis will be on creating customized solutions for high-profile transactions, leveraging my long-standing relationships within the industry.”
Her vision aligns closely with Howden’s strategy of offering bespoke, value-driven insurance solutions for investors navigating an increasingly competitive and high-stakes market.
ALSO READ: Deltin’s ‘Be The Gamechanger’ Campaign Boosts Local Employment in Goa, Partnering with FC Goa
Leadership Endorsement
Welcoming her to the team, Amit Agarwal, CEO & MD of Howden India, said:
“We are proud to welcome Mandira to our team. Her appointment strengthens Howden India’s dynamic growth and firm dedication to enhancing its expertise in the PE and M&A sectors, as we continue to expand our capabilities and deliver exceptional value to our clients.”
With Mandira at the helm of the M&A, IMEA division, Howden is set to deepen its footprint in key markets, expand its service portfolio, and offer specialized transactional risk coverage to clients involved in high-stakes investments and acquisitions.
Strategic Expansion Amid Booming Market
India’s M&A boom in Q1 2025 has redefined the market landscape, with private equity firms and corporations actively seeking innovative risk mitigation tools. Mandira’s appointment positions Howden to be a trusted partner for investors, offering not just insurance products, but strategic guidance throughout the deal lifecycle.
As global and regional investors increasingly prioritize risk management in their investment strategies, Howden’s expanded leadership under Mandira Gupta is set to deliver value-driven, future-ready solutions that meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
