Smartworks appoints ex-SEBI whole-time member Rajeev Agarwal to board, recommends Justice Dilip Deshmukh

Smartworks Coworking Spaces has appointed Rajeev Krishnamuralilal Agarwal, a former whole-time member of the SEBI, as an additional non-executive and independent director.

The company’s board has also recommended the appointment of Dilip Deshmukh, a retired judge and former chairman of the Company Law Board, as a non-executive and independent director. His appointment is subject to shareholder approval, Smartworks said in a stock exchange filing.

The company said the appointments will add experience in capital markets, financial regulation, corporate governance, and judicial and corporate adjudication to its board.

Commenting on the development, Neetish Sarda, Founder and Managing Director, Smartworks, said “Strong governance has always been central to how we have built Smartworks, and it will remain just as important as we continue to grow. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Rajeev Krishnamuralilal Agarwal to our Board, and are equally pleased with the Board’s recommendation to appoint Justice (Retd.) Dilip Deshmukh, subject to shareholders’ approval. Their respective experience across capital markets, regulation, and judicial and corporate governance will meaningfully strengthen our Board’s oversight and further reinforce the institutional foundation we are building for the long term.”

Agarwal is a 1983-batch Indian Revenue Service officer. During his tenure at SEBI, he oversaw policy and regulatory areas including securities markets, mutual funds, foreign portfolio investments, market intermediaries, surveillance and enforcement.

He was also involved in regulatory reforms, including the introduction of the Offer for Sale mechanism, stronger market governance frameworks and measures aimed at improving investor protection. Smartworks said he also serves on the boards of several listed and financial services companies.

Deshmukh has more than four decades of experience across the judiciary and corporate adjudication. He previously served as chairman of the Company Law Board, now the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), and as a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court. He later established a practice in domestic and international arbitration.

The board changes come as Smartworks expands its presence in India and Singapore. The company has announced plans to acquire Singapore-based flexible workspace provider Workstudio Spaces through its wholly owned subsidiary, Smartworks Space. The transaction is expected to be completed in July 2026, subject to approvals.

Earlier in June, Smartworks added more than 15,000 sq ft of managed office space at Manulife Tower in Singapore’s Central Business District, taking its Singapore footprint to more than 50,000 sq ft.

As of 31 March 2026, Smartworks had about 16.1 million sq ft of space across 66 centres in 15 cities in India and Singapore. The company said it primarily serves mid-to-large enterprises and has more than 770 clients, including Fortune 500 companies, Forbes 2000 companies, global capability centres, multinationals and high-growth Indian businesses.