Australia India Business CouncilSheeba is the new chair of AIBC!

Australia India Business Council appoints new National Chair and Vice Chair

Sydney, July 15: The Australia India Business Council Ltd (AIBC) has announced the newly elected National Chair, Ms. Sheba Nandkeolyar and National Vice Chair, Mr. Jim Varghese based on votes from AIBC members in an election concluded on 17 June, 2016.

Ms. Sheba Nandkeolyar is AIBC’s first woman National Chair.

Ms. Nandkeolyar has held CEO roles at major international companies including McCann World Group, Interpublic and WPP Group.

She established her own award-winning company, MultiConnexions among others and has extensive business relationships in Australia, India and internationally. She initiated the a business leaders meet during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia and also worked towards the AFR-AIBC National Conference ‘Engaging with India’.

As a leading cross-cultural expert, she is often consulted on governance issues arising through cross cultural differences in doing business.

Ms. Nandkeolyar previously led the AIBC as National Vice Chair and also was the former NSW Chapter President.

Ms. Nandkeolyar and Mr. Varghese acknowledged the significant contributions of the former National Chair, Mr. Dipen Rughani during his four year tenure, particularly for his work with the recently concluded ‘Engaging with India Conference 2016’.

The newly appointed National Chair and National Vice Chair also expressed their eagerness to continue AIBC’s valuable work towards growing Australia-India relationships for industry, businesses, government and AIBC members.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms. Sheba Nandkeolyar said: “I am excited and honoured to take on this new role as National Chair, and look forward to driving the delivery of many ambitious programs for the Australia India Business Council.

“With the Indian economy growing faster than any other major nation, at approximately 8 per cent, and with the upcoming Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement discussions, the time is ripe to forge newer business links and promote further investments between India and Australia.”

Jim Varghese, Vice Chair, Australia India Business Council is Chairman and owner of Leadership Company Qld Pty Ltd.

He has also completed a successful tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the SLC, and continues as an Executive Director of the SLC.

He brings a wealth of experience and a comprehensive and successful track record as a CEO and strategic leader in the public, not- for-profit and private sectors to his role as Vice Chair at the AIBC.

Mr Varghese said: “In the coming years, the Australia-India trade relationship will be central to the future of both nations in the broader Asia Pacific region and the global economy.

“I look forward to working with Ms. Sheba Nandkeolyar and the leadership team of the AIBC to bolster even closer economic, cultural and business ties between Australia and India.”

Outgoing National Chair, Mr. Dipen Rughani said: “Interest in India has started going up and the Australia India Business Council, as the peak body facilitating the bilateral business relationship, will continue to play an integral role.”

Ms. Nandkeolyar will replace outgoing National Chair, Mr. Dipen Rughani, and will be succeeded by Mr. Jim Varghese as National Vice Chair.

AIBC is a business advocacy organisation promoting bilateral trade and expanding Australia-India commercial ties.

AIBC provides its members with a forum to provide input into the policy and agenda for both countries, exchange business ideas, and provide networking opportunities through interaction across government and business groups.

By K. Dev