{
  "id": 19509588,
  "title": "Gaurav Munjal steps down as Unacademy CEO, Akhilendra Kumar to take charge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/gaurav-munjal-steps-down-as-unacademy-ceo-akhilendra-kumar-to-take",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-11T15:10:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "YourStory",
    "slug": "yourstory",
    "url": "https://yourstory.com/2026/11/gaurav-munjal-steps-down-as-unacademy-ceo-akhilendra-kumar-to-take-charge"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Unacademy's co-founder Gaurav Munjal has resigned as CEO to take on the role of executive chairman. Akhilendra Kumar will assume the position of CEO. This change occurred two months after upGrad finished its acquisition of Unacademy for around $200 million. In a LinkedIn post, Munjal stated, \"I'm not leaving; I'll be fully involved daily, working alongside Akhilendra and supporting the upGrad IPO.\" Kumar rose through the ranks at Unacademy, holding the positions of AVP - Business, VP - Business, and Chief Business Officer between 2022 and 2025. Previously, he worked at OYO, overseeing operational and supply-network roles. He emphasized the importance of Unacademy's employees and educators, stating, \"Everything Unacademy has built is because of our Employees and Educators, who show up for learners every day.\" Kumar highlighted a focus on learner outcomes and a sustainable business model. Unacademy started as a YouTube channel in 2010, becoming an edtech platform in 2015, experiencing rapid growth during the pandemic. However, the return to in-person learning and reduced demand led to cost-cutting measures. In September, upGrad completed an all-stock acquisition of Unacademy, valuing the company at approximately Rs 1,955 crore, significantly lower than its peak in 2021. The Competition Commission of India approved the merger in July. This acquisition combines Unacademy's test-preparation, creator, and language-learning businesses with upGrad's higher education, study-abroad, careers, and corporate-skilling operations. Munjal's mention of upGrad's planned IPO in 2027 carries significance, as upGrad aims to create a larger, diversified edtech business under Ronnie Screwvala's leadership. In FY26, upGrad's consolidated revenue grew to Rs 1,687 crore, and EBITDA increased eightfold to Rs 123 crore. Its net loss narrowed to roughly Rs 131 crore. The edtech sector is undergoing changes, with funding decreasing by 95% since 2021, and the number of funded rounds dropping from 368 to 36. Despite 94 acquisitions and seven public listings between 2021 and 2026, including PhysicsWallah's November 2025 IPO, increased government scrutiny on coaching fees, course content, and success claims is emerging.",
  "summary": "The leadership change comes two months after upGrad completed its acquisition of Unacademy. Munjal, however, will stay involved in the company's operations as executive chairman.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gaurav Munjal resigns as Unacademy CEO to become executive chairman",
    "Akhilendra Kumar appointed as new CEO",
    "UpGrad acquired Unacademy for $200 million in September"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}