Appointments

Indian-origin scientist Jay Bhattacharya has been confirmed as the 18th Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 🎉 Nominated by President Donald Trump, he was confirmed on March 25, 2025, with a 53-47 vote by US Senate.

Dr. Bhattacharya is a renowned expert in health policy and economics, holding an MD and PhD from Stanford University. He has an impressive career as a professor at Stanford, a research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. 📚 His groundbreaking research spans Economics, Public Health, and Health Policy, impacting lives across the globe.

Former Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has been appointed as a full-time member of the NITI Aayog, effective 25 March 2025. A distinguished 1982-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, Mr. Gauba served as India’s top bureaucrat from 2019 to August 2024. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping India’s COVID-19 response and driving economic recovery strategies.

With an illustrious career that includes serving as Union Home Secretary, Secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, and Chief Secretary of Jharkhand, Mr. Gauba’s appointment has been approved by the Prime Minister. He will continue to contribute to India’s growth and development under the same terms as other full-time members of the NITI Aayog, further solidifying his legacy in the nation’s administrative framework.

The Government of India has designated Ajay Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, as the new Finance Secretary on March 24, 2025. This appointment follows the elevation of Tuhin Kanta Pandey to the position of SEBI Chairperson.

Ajay Seth, who previously served as the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, brings over three decades of expertise in public finance, taxation, and governance. Known for his pivotal role in shaping India’s economic policies, he has been instrumental in managing infrastructure investments, coordinating with global financial institutions, and steering macroeconomic strategies.

With a strong academic foundation, including a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, Seth has also held key positions at the state level, such as Managing Director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by critical contributions to Union Budgets and economic recovery initiatives.

Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe has been elected as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), becoming the first woman and the first African to hold this esteemed position. 🥇

🏊‍♀️ A celebrated Olympian with seven medals, Coventry’s remarkable leadership journey includes her role as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation and her tenure as Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission. She has consistently championed athlete welfare, grassroots sports development, and fair competition.

📍 Elected at the 144th IOC Session in Greece, Coventry won a decisive 49 out of 97 votes in the first round. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized her commitment to fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and mental health support for athletes.

💡 Coventry’s leadership comes at a critical time, as the IOC navigates challenges like gender equality, environmental sustainability, and global sports development. Her presidency is expected to bring a fresh perspective and drive positive change within the Olympic movement.

Atul Kumar Goel assumed the role of Chief Executive (CE) of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) on March 11, 2025. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades in the banking sector, Goel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position.

Prior to this appointment, Goel served as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB) from February 2022 to December 2024. He also held the position of Chairman of the IBA for two consecutive terms, from 2021 to 2022 and again from 2022 to 2023. His predecessor, Sunil Mehta, also had a notable tenure as MD & CEO of PNB and Chairman of the IBA.

Goel’s extensive banking experience includes key roles at Allahabad Bank (now Indian Bank), Union Bank of India, and UCO Bank. As a qualified Chartered Accountant, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision throughout his career.

The IBA, under Goel’s leadership, is expected to continue its mission of representing and advocating for the banking industry in India, addressing key issues, and fostering collaboration among member banks.

Vikas Kaushal has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on March 7, 2025. His appointment is historic as he becomes the first private sector executive to lead a state-run oil refinery.

With over 30 years of experience in the energy, oil & gas, and power sectors, Kaushal has previously served as Managing Director and Country Head for Kearney India. He holds a chemical engineering degree from Panjab University and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. His expertise in digital transformation, refinery maintenance, and net-zero strategies is expected to drive HPCL’s growth.

Kaushal’s five-year tenure comes at a crucial time as the government strengthens public sector leadership. His vision and leadership are set to enhance HPCL’s strategic direction and contribute significantly to India’s energy sector.