A New Chapter in India Inc’s Leadership: Rajiv Memani Takes the Helm at CII

As India’s economic landscape continues to evolve with technology, sustainability, and global competitiveness becoming central themes, leadership at the top matters more than ever. In a significant move that could shape industry priorities for the coming year, CII has announced Rajiv Memani, Chairman and CEO of EY India, as its new President for 2025-26.

This announcement came following the meeting of CII’s newly formed National Council, with Sanjiv Puri, Chairman & Managing Director of ITC Ltd., passing the baton to Memani. Joining him in this new leadership team are two other stalwarts of Indian industry — R Mukundan, Managing Director & CEO of Tata Chemicals Limited, as President-Designate, and Dr Suchitra K Ella, Co-founder and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, as Vice President.

From Tax Reform to Corporate Transformation: The Rise of Rajiv Memani

Rajiv Memani isn’t just a leader known for heading a Big Four consulting firm. He is someone who has had a front-row seat in shaping India’s economic reforms and corporate strategies for over two decades. Under his leadership, EY India not only expanded its footprint but also became deeply engaged in advising major Indian conglomerates, global multinationals, and private equity firms on critical deals, capital strategies, and mergers.

Beyond boardrooms and balance sheets, Memani’s involvement in national policy-making stands out. He was a key member of the Ministry of Finance’s taskforce for the Direct Tax Code in 2019, where he contributed to reshaping India’s tax landscape with recommendations aimed at simplicity and investor confidence.

His global exposure as Chair of EY’s Growth Markets Council — a role on the firm’s Global Executive Board — is testament to the confidence EY places in his strategic vision. His focus on emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia has consistently reflected his belief in the region’s potential to be a global growth engine.

But Rajiv Memani’s impact isn’t limited to economics and enterprise. He is also a strong proponent of social development. As President of the Him Jyoti School in Uttarakhand, a school dedicated to girls from underprivileged backgrounds, and as part of the Boards of IIM Sirmaur and KREA University, he has consistently backed education as a transformative tool. His work through the EY Foundation includes promoting rural women’s entrepreneurship and sustainability, revealing a values-driven approach to leadership.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University, and a Chartered Accountant by training, Memani represents a rare blend of technical depth, policy insight, and human-centered leadership — all qualities CII will rely on during this pivotal year.

R Mukundan: The Tata Veteran Poised for the Presidency

Joining Memani in this leadership team is R Mukundan, an industrialist with over three decades of experience at the Tata Group. Mukundan, currently at the helm of Tata Chemicals, brings in a steady hand and deep insights from a career that has spanned multiple sectors — from manufacturing and innovation to sustainability and strategy.

An alumnus of IIT Roorkee and FMS Delhi, Mukundan also holds a strong academic pedigree and is a Fellow of the Indian Chemical Society. He’s honed his leadership philosophy not just in corporate circles, but also through rigorous training at Harvard Business School, adding a global perspective to his vision.

Mukundan has long been involved in shaping CII’s direction. In 2024-25, he served as Vice President and chaired several important CII national committees dealing with quality, industrial relations, and the environment — all critical issues for India’s industrial future.

As President-Designate, Mukundan’s emphasis is likely to remain on enabling manufacturing excellence, supporting circular economy transitions, and strengthening India's competitiveness in global markets. His Tata roots bring credibility and depth to the CII’s focus on long-term, value-driven growth.

Dr Suchitra K Ella: A Science-Driven Entrepreneur Leads with Impact

Completing this influential trio is Dr Suchitra K Ella, the Vice President of CII for 2025-26 and the Co-founder of Bharat Biotech, a name that resonated globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. But her contributions span far beyond vaccine development.

Dr Ella co-founded Bharat Biotech in 1996 alongside her husband, and over the years, she has built one of India’s most respected biotechnology companies. Her leadership has led to not just innovation in human health but also pioneering work in veterinary sciences, agri-biotech, food processing, and pre-clinical research infrastructure. She has made it a point to ensure Indian science doesn't just follow global trends but creates them.

Her efforts earned her the Padma Bhushan in 2022, one of India’s highest civilian honors. And within CII, she’s been a familiar face — leading from the front as Chairperson of the CII Andhra Pradesh State Council, Southern Region, and as the founding Chairperson of the CII Indian Women’s Network.

Dr Ella’s inclusion as Vice President signals a strong push by CII to incorporate science, innovation, and inclusive development in its industrial roadmap. Her presence also underscores the growing influence of women leaders in Indian industry — especially those who lead from a place of purpose and progress.

What This Leadership Change Means for India Inc.

The new leadership of CII comes at a critical juncture for India. With startups becoming mainstream, manufacturing gaining new traction under the "Make in India" initiative, and India positioning itself as a global hub for sustainability and digital innovation, there is a need for sharp, future-focused leadership.

From Rajiv Memani’s policy acumen and global perspective, R Mukundan’s manufacturing and sustainability expertise, to Dr Suchitra Ella’s science-led innovation and grassroots development — this trio brings together the best of India’s corporate, technological, and social thought leadership.

For India’s startup ecosystem, in particular, this new CII leadership may offer fresh opportunities. With Memani’s experience working with high-growth firms, Mukundan’s understanding of industrial scale, and Dr Ella’s biotech innovation mindset, one can expect a stronger focus on entrepreneurship, research, and global competitiveness in the coming year.

CII’s Broader Vision for 2025-26

As CII sets its sights on 2025-26, its focus is expected to span across:

• Policy reforms for ease of doing business

• Digital and manufacturing transformation

• Climate action and sustainability initiatives

• Enabling startup growth and innovation

• Inclusive development with gender and regional diversity

In an economy as dynamic and diverse as India’s, the Confederation of Indian Industry remains a key bridge between the government and the private sector. And with this new leadership, the bridge seems stronger than ever.

This isn’t just a routine leadership announcement. It’s a strategic reset for Indian industry at a time of tremendous opportunity and challenge. With visionaries like Rajiv Memani, R Mukundan, and Dr Suchitra K Ella steering the ship, the CII seems well-poised to not only drive business growth but also shape the socio-economic future of the nation.

Stay tuned — India Inc is entering a new era of leadership.