Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 22: Avendus Group has appointed Karan Sharma as the Head of Investment Banking, marking a key leadership transition at the institutional financial services firm.
Sharma will take charge of the investment banking business from Avendus Group co-founder and CEO Gaurav Deepak, who has led the franchise for several years. The appointment is effective immediately.
Sharma was earlier serving as Managing Director and Co-Head of Digital, Technology and Consumer Investment Banking at Avendus.
The leadership change comes months after Japan-based Mizuho Securities entered into an agreement in December 2025 to acquire more than 60 per cent stake in Avendus, providing an exit to private equity firm KKR and other investors.
In a statement issued on Monday, Avendus said the transition would provide “focused leadership” to the investment banking business for its next phase of growth, while allowing Deepak to focus on broader strategic priorities of the group.
The company said Sharma has spent 15 years with Avendus and played a significant role in building its digital and technology practice into a leading private equity and mergers and acquisitions advisory team.
In his new role, Sharma will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the investment banking division, driving growth initiatives and strengthening the firm’s institutional capabilities.
“As Avendus grows in scale and ambition, we have reached a point where the next phase of growth requires dedicated leadership for our investment banking franchise,” Deepak said.
He added that Sharma’s leadership qualities, client relationships, team-building skills and long association with the company made him the natural choice for the position.
“With Karan taking on this responsibility, I will be able to focus more fully on the firm’s broader strategic priorities, deepen engagement with our clients and help shape the next phase of growth for Avendus,” Deepak said.
Sharma said he was taking charge of the investment banking business at an exciting stage of Avendus’ journey.
“As we look ahead, my focus will be on strengthening client partnerships, deepening our sector expertise and reinforcing Avendus’ position as the trusted advisor to India’s most ambitious businesses,” he said.