Former bureaucrat Shailesh Pathak has been appointed as the new secretary-general of Ficci, the industry association said on Monday. Pathak will take charge on March 1.

“In a career spanning 37 years, Pathak has spent time in the government as an IAS Officer as well as helmed large companies in the private sector. His extensive international exposure includes an Eisenhower Fellowship in 2000 as an emerging Indian Leader, an EU Visitor Programme hosted by the European Commission 2003, and a Chevening scholarship at the University of Oxford in 2011,” Ficci stated.

Ficci also announced that Arun Chawla, director-general, will superannuate on June 30 and transition to an advisory role. Pathak has an MBA degree from IIM Calcutta. He graduated from SRCC Delhi and has an LLB degree and a diploma in Ornithology from BNHS.

He has scaled a 6831m peak in the Himalayas and has trekked extensively. He was also the best all-round officer trainee in his Foundation Course at LBSNAA, Mussoorie. He has over 40 publications on infrastructure, cities, finance and public policy.

Commenting on the appointment Subhrakant Panda, president, Ficci, said, “I am delighted to welcome Shailesh and look forward to working closely on a comprehensive agenda for Ficci which takes into account the interests of all stakeholders. I am sure he will help me, and successive presidents carry forward the organisation’s rich legacy.”