Naina Lal Kidwai is first woman president of Ficci

<p>Marking a distinction of being the first woman and a professional manager to take the charge of the leadership of Ficci, Country Head of HSBC India Naina Lal Kidwai assumed the office of Ficci president on Saturday.

“Kidwai, 55, is the first woman and professional manager to be elected as president of the chamber,” Ficci said in a statement at the conclusion of its AGM. She is also a recipient of the country’s prestigious civilian award Padma Shri for her contribution to trade and industry, it said. Kidwai succeeds R V Kanoria of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd. Sidharth Birla, Chairman of Xpro India Ltd and Digjam Ltd, has been elected as senior vice-president. Also, Jyotsna Suri, chairperson and managing director of Bharat Hotels, has been elected as the vice-president of the chamber. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also congratulated Kidwai. He said, “I would also like to note that Ficci is going to have its first ever lady president when Smt Kidwai takes over after this AGM. She has been an icon to many young ladies in our country and has been a role model for women to aspire to reach the top. I am sure she will steer the ship of Ficci well in the coming year.”