Former Journalist Rahul Sharma Named India-based Managing Director of U.S.-India Business Council
- His appointment comes as USIBC prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee in 2025, marking 50 years of its role as the top business voice in the U.S.-India corridor.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has appointed former journalist and newspaper editor Rahul Sharma as the new India-based managing director of the U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC), effective Aug. 20. He will lead a strong team of policy experts dedicated to the over 200 member companies of the council, and the partnership and prosperity of the both the U.S. and India,” according to a USIBC press release. Alexander Slater, USIBC’s managing director, is returning to Washington next month and has assumed a new role as senior advisor to USIBC president Atul Keshap.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rahul Sharma to the USIBC family,” said Keshap. “Rahul’s vast experience and proven track record in media, policy, and corporate advisory and communications will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the U.S.-India partnership and achieve a shared goal of $500 billion in trade,” he added. “Rahul’s globally recognized leadership and hands-on experience managing regulatory and policy developments will further enhance our ability to advocate for our members and build U.S.-India business and investment ties.”
Sharma’s appointment comes as USIBC prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee in 2025, marking 50 years of its role as the top business voice in the U.S.-India corridor. In a statement, Sharma, long recognized as a leading voice in India’s public affairs landscape said he is “looking forward to his new role at USIBC and working with a unique set of people who are committed to enhancing and deepening business and strategic ties between the world’s two greatest democracies.”
Sharma joins USIBC following six years of leading APCO India, where he guided corporate clients, managed business and policy advocacy goals, and advised state governments in investment communications. He previously served as deputy secretary general for the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where he was instrumental in driving the organization’s membership growth. His background in journalism includes roles with organizations such as Reuters, Hindustan Times, Khaleej Times, and The Economic Times. He is a founding member and past president of the Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI.)
Sharma holds a master’s degree in international affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, a master’s degree in international trade and economy from Flinders University, and a post-graduate diploma in journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.