City’s Payal becomes IFCCI Secretary General

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 5

A Chandigarh native, Payal S Kanwar, was today announced as the new Secretary General of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), one of India’s most prominent bilateral chambers, with effect from May 16.

Payal had joined IFCCI in 2012 and served as its Regional Director prior to taking up the new role. She played a key role in setting up the Chamber’s operations in Northern India and also took charge of launching the chamber’s advocacy related initiatives by creating a platform for interaction between French investors and the Government of India.

In her last role, she worked closely with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and also created opportunities for dialogue between CEOs of French groups and Chief Ministers in leading states in India.

An alumnus of Rouen Business School in France, Payal has over 10 years of professional experience involving international relations, corporate communications and public relations. As the new Secretary General, she will be responsible for IFCCI to further understand the nuances of the Indian market, while providing local assistance to French businesses and prospects having interest in this region.

IFCCI president Pierre Behnam said, “France and India share a strategic relationship and IFCCI will continue to strengthen this partnership by bringing Indo-French businesses closer. Payal has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, drive growth, ensure disciplined execution and deliver results. The collective knowledge, expertise and experience that she brings to the chamber, further strengthens our advisory function and reinforces our position as one of the strongest bilateral chambers in India”.

“I am honoured to have been asked to take on this role, and excited about the possibilities that lie in IFCCI’s future,” said Payal. “IFCCI is well-positioned to tap new opportunities during this time of economical, technological and business change that India is witnessing. I look forward to working with the entire IFCCI team as we embark on this exciting journey,” she added.