The Inspection Panel welcomes Ajay Deshpande as its newest Panel Member. Ajay joined the Panel on March 10, 2025, succeeding Mark Goldsmith, whose term concluded on March 7, 2025.

Dr. Deshpande, an Indian national, is a seasoned environmental governance and sustainability expert more than 30 years of experience in environmental compliance and governance. Holding a Doctorate in Environmental Engineering from IIT Delhi and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Mumbai University, he specializes in pollution control, environmental governance and policy, climate change mitigation, environmental, social and governance (ESG), circular economy, and environmental safeguards. He has held key positions, including as Expert Member at India’s National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Compliance Review Panel Member at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), advising on large-scale environmental restitution and sustainability projects. He has been an environmental regulator and has experience in environmental investigations, consultations, grievance redressal, enforcement, and compliance.

Ajay has played a pivotal role in shaping environmental policies, including contributions to India’s environmental improvement action plans, Circular Economy Action Plan and Resource Efficiency initiatives. As an Adjunct Professor at IIT Bombay, he continues to teach environmental policy and sustainability while driving research and thought leadership in environmental governance, climate action and circular economy.

Ibrahim Pam, Chairperson of the Inspection Panel, said, “We are pleased to welcome Ajay Deshpande as the newest member of the Inspection Panel. His extensive background in compliance, specifically as it relates to the environment and the shaping of environmental policy, will be a great asset to the Panel."

Ajay was selected to this position through an international competitive recruitment process. His appointment is for a term of five years effective March 10, 2025.