USISPF adds three prominent executives to its board

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has inducted three prominent executives to its board, continuing its goal to strengthen business ties across the two nations at the highest level.

XCoal Founder and CEO Ernie Thrasher, Bank of the West CEO Nandita Bakhshi and Varian Medical Systems President and CEO Dow Wilson will be the three new board members at USISPF.

"With the addition of these three business leaders, USISPF continues its goal to strengthen business ties across the two nations at the highest level by attracting high caliber board members. USISPF's board members are prominent business leaders and global influencers who possess an ability to impact international relations and corporate affairs worldwide," the organisation said.

Welcoming the new board members, USISPF President Mukesh Aghi said the three leaders have already made a tremendous impact on US-India relations.

"Their knowledgeable backgrounds and distinct interests bring even greater value to the strong Board of Directors that leads The Forum's strategic goals. With the most valuable leadership team for US-India relations, we look to bring the two countries closer together than ever before," Aghi said.

Thrasher served as the President of the AMCI Export Corporation and EVP of Marketing for AMCI International from 1997 to 2003, where he was responsible for the international marketing and trading of coals produced by AMCI Group, and has had over 34 years of experience in the coal mining industry.

"India has become a vital country for the US in coal and LNG trade. I'm proud to join the USISPF Board and work to further strengthen the US-India energy partnership," Thrasher said.

Bakhshi is CEO of BancWest Corporation and is Co-Chief Executive Officer of BNP Paribas USA. She joins the USISPF Board with a nearly 30-year long career in the banking industry. She previously was an Executive Vice President and Head of North American Direct Channels at TD Bank, and served in leadership positions at Washington Mutual.

On her appointment to the Board, Bakhshi said as a native of India, she has seen the country grow and believe in its potential.

Wilson joined Varian in 2005 and had previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and President of Varian's Oncology Systems business.

"Varian has been working with USISPF on a number of issues, and I'm excited to join the Board of Directors. USISPF has brought together an impressive group of business leaders to help people globally and further strengthen this important partnership," he said.