In a major leadership development for India’s apex industry body, Rajiv Memani, Chairman and CEO of EY India, has assumed office as the President of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for the year 2025–26. The announcement comes at a time when the Indian economy is navigating transformative shifts toward its ambitious $5 trillion target, and industry bodies like CII are playing a pivotal role in shaping the policy and growth narrative.
Rajiv Memani, a seasoned leader with deep expertise in business consulting, taxation, and corporate strategy, brings to the role a vision rooted in digital innovation, inclusive development, and proactive policy engagement. Under his stewardship, CII is expected to amplify its efforts in supporting both large-scale enterprises and MSMEs, especially in adopting emerging technologies, enhancing global competitiveness, and scaling sustainability initiatives.
During his earlier role as Chairman of the CII National Committee on Taxation, Memani was instrumental in steering high-impact policy recommendations on corporate tax reforms, ease of doing business, and digitization of compliance systems. His elevation to the presidency signals a renewed focus on collaborative public–private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development, boost skill enhancement, and ensure more equitable economic participation across sectors.
Memani succeeds Sanjiv Puri, Chairman & Managing Director of ITC Ltd., who led CII during a year of post-pandemic recovery, global uncertainties, and major trade realignments. Under Puri’s leadership, CII navigated global supply chain challenges and helped drive sustainability-focused dialogues at the national and international levels.
Looking ahead, Memani’s tenure will likely focus on fostering future-ready industries, enhancing India’s integration into global value chains, and pushing for reforms in labor, capital markets, and green financing. As India continues to attract foreign investment and expand its innovation ecosystem, CII’s role as a policy facilitator and industry advocate becomes even more critical.
Industry observers see Memani’s appointment as a strategic move that aligns with India’s evolving business landscape—one that demands bold, tech-driven, and inclusive solutions. With this leadership transition, CII reaffirms its commitment to being a dynamic platform for industry transformation and nation-building.
