By Ghulam Haider
In recent times, individuals of Indian descent have been making significant strides in the realms of global business and politics, with many achieving higher positions. One such recent example is Neal Mohan, who gained recognition as the upcoming CEO of Youtube following the news of Susan Wojcicki’s departure.
Several reasons behind this trend, including the growing influence of India as a global economic power, are the emergence of a highly-educated and skilled Indian diaspora, and the increased acceptance of diverse cultural identities in various industries.
Indian-origin entrepreneurs have been making waves in business, establishing successful startups and scaling them into large corporations. Some notable examples include Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, and Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, who have both led their companies to record-breaking profits. In fashion, designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee and Manish Malhotra have gained international recognition for their unique fusion of traditional Indian textiles and modern Western styles.
In politics, Indian-origin individuals have also been making a mark. Kamala Harris, the first female, Black, and South Asian Vice President of the United States, has broken multiple barriers and inspired people worldwide. In the UK, Priti Patel serves as the Home Secretary, while Rishi Sunak is the Prime Minister of the UK.
Here are six Indian-origin pioneers to watch out for:
1. Kamala Harris, Vice-President, United States of America
Hailing from California, Kamala Harris is a Senator of mixed heritage, with a Jamaican father and an Indian mother. She started her career as a prosecutor, where her composed demeanor and sharp questioning of Trump’s nominees propelled her to stardom within the Democratic Party.
Harris embarked on her political journey in 2003, clinching her first election and assuming the role of San Francisco’s district attorney. In 2010, she made history as the first woman of color to be elected as California’s attorney general. Her success continued, and in 2016, she emerged victorious in the US Senate elections.
2. Sundar Pichai, CEO, Alphabet Inc
Sundar Pichai, the current CEO of both Google and its parent company, Alphabet, took on his position in 2015.
Last year, the Indian-born tech magnate was honored with the Padma Bhushan, one of the country’s most distinguished awards. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day that Pichai would receive the prestigious recognition.
3. Neal Mohan, to-be CEO, Youtube
An Indian-American, Neal Mohan, is poised to become the next Chief Executive Officer of YouTube, and he expressed enthusiasm to continue the platform’s “awesome and important mission.”
Following Susan Wojcicki’s announcement of resignation, Mohan was selected to lead the online video-sharing service. On Twitter, he conveyed his appreciation to Wojcicki, acknowledging the opportunity to work with her and the remarkable contributions she made to the company. Mohan also conveyed his excitement to continue the mission, saying, “Looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Currently, Mohan serves as YouTube’s Chief Product Officer. Before joining the video-sharing platform, he worked as Senior Vice President (SVP) of Display and Video Ads at Google.
4. Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister, United Kingdom
Last year, Rishi Sunak made history as the youngest Prime Minister of the UK and the first person of color to hold the position.
After the brief and tumultuous term of Liz Truss, the Conservative Party selected Sunak as their leader on Monday, with the aim of stabilizing both the economy and the party’s plummeting popularity.
Truss resigned a mere 49 days after winning the election, following a failed budget proposal in parliament.
5. Leena Nair, CEO, Chanel
Leena Nair, a long-time executive at Unilever, was appointed as the new global CEO of the French fashion house Chanel in 2021. Chanel, one of the world’s largest luxury goods groups, selected a veteran of the consumer goods industry to lead their company.
Nair worked at Unilever for 30 years, where she served as the Chief of Human Resources and was a member of the company’s executive committee.
Although Nair is a British national born in India, she is an uncommon outsider appointed to lead the closely controlled family-owned fashion house. Chanel is renowned for its tweed suits, quilted handbags, and No. 5 perfume.
Nair succeeded US businesswoman Maureen Chiquet, who came from a fashion background and served as CEO of Chanel for nine years until early 2016.
6. Satya Nadella, Chairman, Microsoft
In 2021, Microsoft Corp appointed its Chief Executive Officer, Satya Nadella, as the new chairman of the company, replacing John Thompson.
Nadella, who assumed the position of CEO in 2014, succeeding Steve Ballmer, has played a pivotal role in expanding Microsoft’s business, including the acquisition of billion-dollar companies such as LinkedIn, Nuance Communications, and ZeniMax.
Microsoft confirmed that Thompson, who became chairman in 2014, succeeding the company’s co-founder Bill Gates, will now serve as the lead independent director.
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