Lord Davies Appointed Chair Of The UK India Business Council

Lord Davies is set to replace The Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt as Chair of the UK India Business Council (UKIBC). He will take up this role from 1st September 2017, initially to serve a three-year term. Patricia Hewitt will be stepping down after 8 years in the role.

On his appointment, Lord Davies said; “Businesses in both countries have always placed a high priority on the bilateral relationship. This relationship is now even more critical as Brexit becomes more of a reality. The UK India Business Council plays a vital and unique role, and we could and should be doing more to shape and drive a business-led agenda that benefits both countries. I am very excited to be helping the team meet this challenge.”

Outgoing Chair Patricia Hewitt said; “It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to chair the UK India Business Council, and I am absolutely delighted that Lord Davies has agreed to take on the role. Although it is with sadness that I will be stepping down as Chair, I will remain involved to support Lord Davies and I am overwhelmingly optimistic for the future of both the UKIBC and the UK-India economic relationship. The last eight years have seen us grow as an organisation, and we have significantly contributed to the UK-India partnership, which Prime Minister Modi has described as an ‘unbeatable combination’. This is an exciting point in the history of both countries, and I wish Lord Davies all the best for the coming years.”

UK India Business Council CEO, Richard Heald OBE said; “I am delighted to welcome Lord Davies as our new Chair. He has a wealth of expertise and joins us at a fascinating time for the UK-India relationship, with new and exciting opportunities for both countries. Lord Davies’ unique experience of global business, of the UK and Indian Governments, and of Indian corporates will be invaluable in taking the UKIBC to the next level of activity and catalysing the development of the UK-India relationship.”