Discovery, the South African financial services group founded by businessman Adrian Gore, has appointed Vivek Agrawal, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Principal Financial Group, as an independent non-executive director, effective November 2, 2026.

The appointment, announced on November 3, follows the company’s nomination policy and a board assessment confirming that Agrawal meets the required fit-and-proper standards. Discovery also confirmed that there are no matters arising from his integrity declaration requiring disclosure to shareholders and noteholders.

The appointment adds an experienced financial services executive with more than two decades of international consulting and corporate leadership experience to Discovery’s board.

Vivek Agrawal brings more than 20 years of McKinsey experience

Before joining Principal Financial Group in 2023, Vivek Agrawal spent more than 20 years as a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, where he advised financial institutions across North America and Asia on performance transformation.

His work focused particularly on insurance, retirement, and wealth management, giving him experience in sectors closely connected to Discovery’s financial services operations.

At McKinsey, he worked with financial institutions on improving business performance, strengthening operations and pursuing strategic growth opportunities. His international experience across major Asian and North American markets also adds a global perspective to Discovery’s board.

Principal Financial Group executive oversees growth strategy

At Principal Financial Group, Vivek Agrawal serves as executive vice president and chief growth officer, with responsibility for distribution, enterprise sales, strategic growth initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and business development.

Working alongside business unit presidents, he is responsible for accelerating growth opportunities and advancing strategic initiatives across the organisation. He also oversees the company’s enterprise planning process.

His role involves working directly with Principal’s board of directors, executive management team and business leaders to shape strategy, develop execution plans and advance the company’s long-term vision.

Academic credentials and financial services research

Vivek Agrawal holds a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he serves on the boards of trustees of American Public Media Group and Minnesota Public Radio. He has also authored several articles examining innovation and performance in financial services.

His recent work, The Life Journey, explores strategies adopted by leading life insurers in markets including the United States, Japan, South Korea, China, India and Southeast Asia.

Vivek Agrawal previously served as a fellow of the McKinsey Global Institute, where he co-authored research on productivity growth in the United States and the impact of foreign direct investment.

His appointment comes as Discovery strengthens its board with international financial services expertise, strategic growth experience, and an understanding of insurance and wealth management markets.