Harsh Pati Singhania elected ICC Chair

Mr Singhania, having served as ICC First Vice-Chair, takes over the helm from French business executive Philippe Varin who has been ICC Chair since June 2024.  

Mr Singhania is Vice Chairman and Managing Director of JK Paper and a prominent figure within India’s industrial and international business community. His appointment reflects ICC’s continued commitment to leadership that combines global expertise, private-sector credibility and a strong commitment to international cooperation. 

Commenting on his election, Mr Singhania said: 

“It is a great honour to take on the role of Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce, an institution that has stood for more than a century as a force for open markets, trusted rules and human progress. I embrace this responsibility with humility and conviction, and with a clear sense of purpose: to ensure ICC remains a force for confidence in an uncertain world, and a champion of the power of business to make that world more open, resilient and prosperous.” 

ICC’s governance framework is underpinned by a transparent and formal election process determined by ICC’s World Council — representing ICC national committees and members from more than 90 countries.  

The leadership renewal comes as ICC continues to advance its mission to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere, supporting businesses of all sizes in navigating economic uncertainty, accelerating digital transformation and strengthening global trade and investment. 

Chairmanship appointments 

Outgoing ICC Chair Philippe Varin assumes his new role as ICC Honorary Chair, continuining his engagement with the world’s business organisation. 

Leadership transitions announced at the ICC World Council meeting also include the following appointments within the ICC Chairmanship: 

• Shinta Kamdani, CEO of Sintesa Group, becomes ICC First Vice-Chair; 
• Rebecca Enonchong, CEO of AppsTech and Chair of AfriLabs, becomes ICC Vice-Chair; and 
• Justin D’Agostino, Global CEO of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, also becomes ICC Vice-Chair. 

In addition, the World Council also approved the appointment of three new members of the ICC Executive board, responsible for overseeing ICC governance and institutional direction. 

The new members are: 

• Sara Akbar, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer at Oilserv  
• Eduardo Damião Gonçalves, Partner at Mattos Filho; Arbitrator  
• Helena Melnikov, CEO, DIHK  

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: 

“Today’s appointments underscore ICC’s continued commitment to excellence and regionally diverse leadership, bringing together leaders from Africa, Asia and beyond with deep expertise across industry, technology, finance and international law. We are deeply grateful to Philippe Varin for his outstanding service to ICC and to the global business community more broadly.”