Subhrakant Panda becomes 1st Odisha industrialist to lead top Indian commerce body FICCI

Leading Indian industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has announced Subhrakant Panda as its president-elect.

Panda, who currently is the senior vice president of FICCI, will succeed Sanjiv Mehta as the president of the apex chamber at the conclusion of the 95th Annual General Meeting to be held on December 16-17, 2022.

Panda is currently the managing director of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA) -- India's leading, fully integrated producer of ferroalloys with captive mining and power generation employing 6,500 people.

He has handled various responsibilities in IMFA and implemented expansion plans after he was appointed Managing Director which led to significant growth in revenue and profitability.

Commenting on the announcement, Panda said, "I consider it a privilege to helm this great institution at a crucial time."

"Even as the India growth story gathers momentum, there is work to be done pushing the reforms agenda further besides engaging with stakeholders on important issues such as decarbonisation and sustainability. I will work to strengthen FICCI and take these forward."

Notably, he is the first industrialist from the eastern state of Odisha to take up a leadership role in FICCI.

India is seen to have emerged as a bright spot at a time when the global economy is facing turbulence; with his deep understanding of the economic and industry issues, Panda is determined to strengthen further FICCI's position as the leading industry chamber which will contribute to the India growth story through its engagement with various stakeholders, the industry body said in a statement on Wednesday.

Panda has been active in FICCI for two decades and was the first chairman of the FICCI Odisha State Council besides heading the FICCI National Manufacturing Committee.

Panda has also been the president of the International Chamber of Commerce (India Chapter) and the Paris-based International Chromium Development Association.