Anant Goenka takes charge as Ficci president for 2025 to 2026

NEW DELHI: Ficci has opened a new chapter in its leadership story with Anant Goenka, vice chairman of the RPG Group, taking over as president for 2025 to 2026 at the chamber’s 98th annual general meeting in New Delhi. He succeeds Harsha Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Limited, marking a smooth handover at one of India’s most influential business bodies.

Vijay Sankar, chairman of The Sanmar Group, has been elevated to senior vice president while Puneet Dalmia, managing director and CEO of Dalmia Bharat Limited, joins the top table as vice president. Together, the three form a leadership line-up that blends industrial pedigree with boardroom heft.

Goenka brings a seasoned track record to the presidency. As vice chairman of the $ 4.8 billion RPG Group and former head of Ceat, he led a decade of transformation from 2012 to 2023 that saw the company’s market capitalisation multiply 25 times. Ceat also clinched global accolades including the Deming Grand Prize and Lighthouse recognition from the World Economic Forum. His earlier stints at Unilever and KEC International, along with honours from Kellogg, Forbes and the Economic Times, add further shine. A Wharton graduate with an MBA from Kellogg, he is widely regarded as one of India’s next generation business leaders.

Sankar, now senior vice president of Ficci, heads the $ 1.6 billion Sanmar Group, a multinational enterprise with roots in Chennai and manufacturing hubs spanning Mexico, Egypt and India. Known for its strong ethical culture and governance practices, the group has interests in chemicals, engineering technologies and shipping. Sankar also holds board positions at leading companies including TVS Motor Company and serves in several philanthropic and educational institutions. A Kellogg MBA and chartered accountant, he also represents Denmark in Chennai as its honorary consul general.

Joining them is Puneet Dalmia as vice president. At the helm of Dalmia Bharat since 2004, he has driven the company’s rapid expansion with a philosophy of responsible and sustainable growth. A tech entrepreneur in his earlier avatar, he co-founded JobsAhead.com before it was acquired by Monster.com. His leadership has earned recognition including the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and the best CEO title in the cement category from Business Today. Dalmia, a BTech from IIT Delhi and MBA gold medallist from IIM Bangalore, also chairs the Board of Governors of IIM Raipur.

Together, the new leadership trio signals a forward-looking agenda for Ficci as it navigates the evolving contours of Indian industry with seasoned hands and fresh energy.