Nikesh Gosalia

CACTUS Communications Limited

With over 18 years of leadership experience in scholarly publishing, I bring a partnership-oriented and future-focused perspective that aligns strongly with the evolving mission of ALPSP.

Currently serving as Chief Partnership Officer at Cactus Communications, I lead global strategic collaborations with academic publishers, societies, and institutions. I am also a member of the Executive Leadership team, representing Publishers and Societies segment at the Board level within the organization. This role has given me valuable exposure to governance discussions, long-term decision-making, and balancing strategic ambition with organizational priorities. My work sits at the intersection of research, technology, and innovation—providing a close view of how the scholarly ecosystem is evolving in response to AI, open science, and changing author expectations.

A defining aspect of my professional journey is a strong personal commitment to equity, inclusion, and responsible innovation. I am deeply passionate about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and I am proud that Cactus Communications is a member of the Publishers Compact. In my work and thinking, I consistently reflect on how our industry can contribute to these goals in meaningful ways. This includes addressing structural inequities in knowledge creation and dissemination and being mindful of how emerging technologies—particularly AI—can unintentionally reinforce bias. I actively engage in discussions on how we, as an industry, can build more inclusive and representative systems that better serve the global research community.

Alongside my professional role, I host a podcast titled “Insights Exchange,” where I engage with leaders across scholarly publishing and adjacent sectors. These conversations allow me to stay closely connected to diverse viewpoints and emerging trends, while also contributing to broader industry dialogue in a meaningful and accessible way.

Throughout my career, I have focused on building long-term, trust-based partnerships and developing solutions that support stakeholders across the research lifecycle—from researchers and institutions to publishers and societies. I have led global teams and worked across regions, which has given me a strong appreciation for cultural nuance and the growing importance of the Global South in shaping the future of research.

Over the last 24 months, I have spent time reflecting on how I can contribute more effectively at a board level. I bring greater clarity, confidence, and readiness to engage in governance conversations—offering both constructive challenge and a collaborative mindset. I am particularly motivated to support ALPSP in navigating key questions around innovation, inclusivity, and long-term relevance in a rapidly changing environment.

I am known for my persistence, integrity, and openness in how I work with others. I value thoughtful dialogue, and I am comfortable asking difficult questions when needed—always with the intent of supporting better decisions and stronger outcomes. I see the Non-Executive Director role not just as a position of oversight, but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the direction of an industry I care deeply about.

I would welcome the opportunity to bring my experience, perspective, and energy to the ALPSP Board, and to support its continued impact on the global scholarly publishing community.