Avendus Wealth Management appoints Umang Papneja as Executive Vice Chairman & CEO

Key Financial Takeaways

  • Umang Papneja, former CEO of Julius Baer India and ex‑CIO of IIFL Wealth, joins Avendus as Executive Vice Chairman & CEO.
  • Avendus Wealth Management oversees more than USD 9 billion in assets under management and serves family offices, UHNIs and corporates.
  • The appointment is part of Avendus’ plan to deepen its wealth, asset and lending solutions for founders and high‑net‑worth families.
  • Co‑founders Gaurav Deepak and Kaushal Aggarwal highlighted Papneja’s investment expertise and fit with the firm’s entrepreneurial focus.

💡 Why It Matters

The appointment signals Avendus’ intent to capitalize on India’s rapid wealth creation by enhancing its UHNI services. Papneja’s experience in scaling private‑banking operations is expected to deepen the firm’s product suite and attract more high‑net‑worth clients, potentially increasing its assets under management and market share in a competitive sector.

New leadership for Avendus Wealth Management Avendus Wealth Management announced today that Umang Papneja will take charge as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The move is positioned as a catalyst for the firm’s next stage of expansion, particularly in serving founders, corporates and family offices.

Papneja’s background Papneja arrives with more than two decades in private banking and wealth management. He most recently served as CEO of Julius Baer India, where he oversaw the growth of the bank’s on‑shore franchise. Prior to that, he spent over ten years as Chief Investment Officer at IIFL Wealth (now known as 360 ONE), directing investment strategy across multiple asset classes.

Statements from the leadership team In his first public comment, Papneja said, “I am excited to join the firm at an important stage in its evolution. Few firms bring together institutional expertise, investment capabilities and client relationships the way Avendus does, and that is what makes this opportunity so compelling.”

Co‑founder and CEO of Avendus Group, Gaurav Deepak, added that the firm’s long‑standing ties with India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem make the new role critical. “Building a distinctive wealth platform around these relationships is an important priority for us,” he said, noting Papneja’s rare blend of investment know‑how and trust among leading families.

Co‑founder Kaushal Aggarwal highlighted the broader market context, stating that India is experiencing an “extraordinary period of wealth creation” and that the firm needs sophisticated solutions for founders and families. He also thanked outgoing leader Apurva Sahijwani for his contributions.

Avendus Wealth Management at a glance Founded in 2010, Avendus Wealth Management operates as the wealth‑focused subsidiary of Avendus Group. The business manages assets exceeding USD 9 billion and offers an open‑architecture platform that integrates research, investment ideas, execution and credit solutions for ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals and institutions.

Looking ahead Papneja’s mandate includes strengthening the firm’s wealth, asset‑management and lending capabilities while leveraging Avendus’ broader research and investment franchise.

--- *The announcement was made through an official press release from Avendus Wealth Management.*

🏛️ Background & Context

India’s ultra‑high‑net‑worth segment has been expanding swiftly, driven by entrepreneurship, technology startups and rising corporate profits. Wealth managers are increasingly competing to offer integrated solutions that combine investment advisory, credit facilities and family‑office services. Avendus, with its research‑driven approach, aims to differentiate itself by leveraging its broader investment platform.

👁️ What To Watch Next

Watch for any announcements on new product launches or expanded credit facilities under Papneja’s leadership, as well as potential changes in AUM growth rates. Further statements from Apurva Sahijwani regarding his next role may also provide insight into the firm’s succession planning.