Bharti Enterprises’ Sunil Mittal named ICC Chairman

NEW DELHI: Sunil Bharti Mittal, Bharti Enterprises’ founder and chairman, has been elected Chairman of the International Chamber of Commerce ( ICC), taking over from Terry McGraw, Chairman Emeritus of S&P Global.

McGraw has now become ICC's honorary chairman.

The International Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business organisation with over 6.5 million members in over 130 countries and Mittal will be it's 51st chairman.

Mittal, who has served on the Prime Minister of India's Council on Trade and Industry, has become the third Indian Chairman of the world business organisation in its near-100 year history.

"At a time when the global economy is facing unprecedented challenges, I am committed to ensuring ICC plays a central role as the voice of business in shaping policies to support inclusive growth,” Mittal said.

He added that there is an urgent need to restore trade and investment as a driver of growth and jobs, particularly in developing economies affected by the slowdown in raw materials and agricultural commodities markets. “This will be a central focus for my tenure as Chairman of the world business organization."

Bharti Enterprises has interests in telecom, insurance, real estate, hospitality, agri and food, besides other ventures. Bharti Airtel, the group's flagship company, is world's third largest telecommunications company with over 350 million customers across India, South Asia and Africa.

John Denton, Partner and CEO of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, has been elected to take over from Mittal as the organisation's First Vice-Chair.