The Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI), India's leading platform for corporate public affairs practitioners, today announced its newly elected office bearers for the term 2026-27. Shivnath Thukral, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, PhonePe Limited, has assumed the role of President, PAFI. He takes over from outgoing President Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President, Public Policy, Amazon India. Major Ranjeet Goswami, Retd., Global Head, Corporate Affairs, TATA Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS), is the new Vice President. Sandeep Aurora, Group Director & Head of Public Policy & Government Affairs, Microsoft India & South Asia, is the new Secretary while Rakesh Dubey, Director - Global Government Affairs, Carlyle Group, is the new Treasurer.  PAFI's members lead public policy initiatives for over 135 major Indian and global companies, making it a pivotal force in shaping India's business environment. The Forum has made significant strides in strengthening sectoral engagement, capacity building, and inclusion. It continues to focus on advancing collaboration that fosters inclusive dialogue among key stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society. Sharing his thoughts, Shivnath Thukral, the newly elected President of PAFI, said, “I am honoured to take over as President of the Public Affairs Forum of India at a time when India’s role in the global economy is rapidly evolving. As we enter what we describe as ‘India 3.0’, there is a growing need for deeper collaboration between government, industry and society to navigate disruption, drive competitiveness, and support inclusive growth. With the continued support of our Members, Secretariat, and Leadership, I look forward to working together to make PAFI a stronger platform for impactful public affairs that shapes a better future for all.” Chetan Krishnaswamy, the outgoing President of PAFI, and Vice President, Public Policy, Amazon India, said "It has been an honour to serve as President of PAFI over the past year. During this time, we have not only stayed on the course but also actively strengthened PAFI, steering it toward a brighter and stronger future. PAFI has several impactful platforms, including the PAFI Dialogues, Roundtables, Councils, Experiential Learning Series, the flagship Annual Forum, and Capacity Building initiatives. These efforts are helping shape the next generation of public affairs leaders, further reinforced by the launch of the new Leadership Conversations series. These achievements are a matter of immense pride, and I am confident that under its new leadership, PAFI will continue to build on these important initiatives. I look forward to supporting PAFI’s continued success and further strengthening its position as India’s leading and most respected voice for ethical and effective public affairs.”

Public Affairs Forum of India (PAFI) is India?ÇÖs primary platform for corporate public affairs practitioners, with its members leading public policy initiatives for over 100 major Indian and global companies. It is at the forefront of driving ethical and respectful dialogue and interaction amongst stakeholders and serves as a professional resource for public affairs practitioners. PAFI today announced its new office bearers for 2024-25. Deepshikha Dharmaraj took over as the President of PAFI for 2024-25 with immediate effect from Vinita Sethi, who completed her very successful tenure as President for 2023-24. ?Ç£This is a pivotal year as the world turns its attention to India and its influence in geopolitics, climate change, and business uncertainty," said Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO of BCW India Group (soon to be Burson India Group). ?Ç£With the collective experience and guidance of PAFI?ÇÖs exceptional past presidents, office bearers and the PAFI Secretariat, I am looking forward to foster meaningful ideas and facilitate dialogue to support the government, policy and corporate decision makers.?Ç¥ Vinita Sethi, the outgoing President of PAFI and Senior Vice President & Chief Public Affairs at the Apollo Hospitals Group, said, ?Ç£Over the last year, we have implemented steps towards increasing member engagement through sectoral councils, hosted a very well- received 10th Annual Forum, and continued our efforts to build capacity among young public policy professionals. We also initiated a focused initiative towards accelerating the participation of women in the workforce and leadership. Looking ahead, I believe PAFI will continue to deepen this work and lead public policy practitioners across more areas.?Ç¥Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President, Public Policy, Amazon India is the new Vice President. Medha Girotra, Vice President- Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard is the new Secretary, and Shivnath Thukral, Director and Head Public Policy, Meta India is the new treasurer.