A Rotary Foundation Scholarship in 1984 provided the critical airfare and academic funding that allowed Punit Renjen to relocate from India to the United States. This transition from his early life in Rohtak, Haryana, to postgraduate studies at Willamette University ultimately paved the path for his ascent to the global leadership of a major professional services firm.
Early Development and Academic Path
Born in 1961, Renjen spent his childhood in Rohtak, where his father operated an electrical switchgear factory. His formal education began at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, though financial setbacks in the family business necessitated his return home to assist in the factory while completing a bachelor’s degree in economics at a local college. He later gained professional experience at Usha International in Delhi before securing his master's degree from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in 1986.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Rise at Deloitte
Following his graduation in Oregon, Renjen joined Touche Ross after a partner noticed his profile in a local magazine. This firm later merged into Deloitte in 1989. Over more than three decades, his expertise spanned mergers, acquisitions, and operational strategy. He progressed through leadership roles, serving as chairman and CEO of Deloitte Consulting LLP before becoming chairman of Deloitte LLP in the United States from 2011 to 2015. In June 2015, he achieved a milestone as the first Asia-born leader of one of the Big Four professional services firms when he assumed the role of global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
Global Leadership and Initiatives
Under his guidance, Deloitte reached significant financial benchmarks, becoming the first Big Four firm to surpass $50 billion in global revenue during the 2021 fiscal year. Beyond financial performance, he spearheaded WorldClass, a global initiative focused on education and skills training. In 2019, he expanded this program's reach in India with the objective of supporting 10 million girls and women by 2030. Renjen served two consecutive four-year terms as global CEO before transitioning to the position of Global CEO Emeritus on December 31, 2022.
Board Memberships and Later Engagements
Renjen maintains various advisory and governance roles, including membership in the President’s Export Council and the Wall Street Journal CEO Council. He has contributed to the boards of the U.S.-India Business Council, United Way Worldwide, and the Catlin Gabel School. Although he was nominated to chair the SAP Supervisory Board in 2023, he departed that role in February 2024 following disagreements regarding the position's perspective. He has received numerous honors, including the 2020 Oregon History Makers Medal and the 2017 Gaurav Samman from the Haryana government.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Rohtak, India
- Education: The Lawrence School, Sanawar; Willamette University
- Career Start: Touche Ross
- Joined Deloitte: 1989
- Role: Global CEO of Deloitte (2015–2022)
- First Global CEO of Big Four firm born in Asia
- Global CEO Emeritus effective: December 31, 2022
- Member of the President's Export Council
Questions readers ask
What was Punit Renjen's role at Deloitte?
He served as the global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited from 2015 until 2022, becoming Global CEO Emeritus thereafter.
Where did Punit Renjen study in the United States?
He earned his Master of Management from the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
Achievements
- Educated at Willamette University and The Lawrence School, Sanawar
