Mr. Utkarsh Palnitkar, a veteran in advisory services has joined KPMG India as National Head - Life sciences practice and Partner, Head - Transactions and Restructuring. Mr. Palnitkar has over 25 years of experience in strategic planning, policy development, program management across multiple sectors.

Prior to joining KPMG India he was Executive Director for Centrum Capital responsible for setting up and building Centrum's Investment Banking practice in the Life Sciences space. Prior to joining Centrum he had a 15 year stint with Ernst & Young in the capacity of Partner & Head - Advisory Services in the sectors of Infrastructure, Real Estate and Government. He was engaged in Transaction Advisory Services, Business Advisory Services and Risk advisory Services.

At Ernst & Young, he also served as National leader- Life Sciences practice and the Engagement Partner for assignments with some of the largest global pharmaceuticals and biotech companies. He led Engagements in Life Sciences Infrastructure including the country's first and largest biotech cluster- Genome Valley, Hyderabad, health cities and pharma parks leading to Ernst & Young's dominance in life sciences infrastructure.

Mr. Palnitkar is a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. In addition, he has completed an Advanced Management Program - Harvard Business School and Leadership Programs from Indian School of Business.