Our People
Meet the business leaders, experts and industry specialists driving India–New Zealand trade, investment and commercial engagement.
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, INZCCI
Tourism · Hospitality · Brewing & Distilled SpiritsSunny Kaushal is a recognised New Zealand business, community and governance leader. He previously served as Chairman of the New Zealand Government's independent Ministerial Advisory Group on Retail Crime (2024–2026), providing advice to Ministers on addressing law and order, retail crime prevention and victim support initiatives. His family has diversified business interests across hospitality and tourism, alcohol production, food manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. He is widely recognised for his leadership in public policy advocacy, community engagement, and strengthening India–New Zealand business and community relations.
Treasurer & Director Finance, INZCCI
Food & Beverage · Dairy · RetailSandeep Aggarwal is a respected Auckland-based business and community leader with over 27 years of experience in New Zealand. He has successfully established and managed businesses across a range of sectors including food, dairy, international trade, hospitality and manufacturing. Known for his practical and thoughtful leadership style, his commitment to community wellbeing — combined with his business expertise — brings valuable governance insight and a grounded, real-world perspective to the Chamber.
Deputy Chairman, INZCCI
Property · Engineering & InfrastructureAnurag Rasela is an elite New Zealand property developer and commercial leader who leverages a rare mix of engineering precision and marketing psychology to close high-stakes deals. Built on a strong foundation in techno-commercial management, 18 years of property development success, and a track record of winning every top industry sales award, Anurag offers the master negotiation skills needed to scale businesses across technology, medical tourism, healthcare and whiteware goods.
Simon is the CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber, Chair of Waka Kotahi NZTA, and a non-executive chair and director on a number of company boards and works in a range of sectors. Simon Bridges was the National MP for Tauranga and is a former New Zealand Leader of the Opposition and senior Cabinet Minister. As a member of Cabinet in the last National-led Government, he held several ministerial portfolios including Energy, Transport, Communications, Economic Development and Leader of the House. During his tenure as a Minister, Simon helped roll-out nation-building infrastructure like Ultra-Fast Broadband, and opened major new roads like the Waterview Tunnel as Transport Minister. Prior to standing for Parliament, Simon was a litigation lawyer at prestigious law firm Kensington Swan in Auckland. He then moved to Tauranga in 2001, taking on the role of a senior Crown Prosecutor in the District and High Courts.
Harry Chawla is the Owner Operator of PAKnSave Mount Albert and an experienced Foodstuffs member with over two decades of experience in New Zealand's retail and FMCG sector. Having joined Foodstuffs in 2000 and becoming an owner in 2011, Harry has built expertise in store operations, leadership, customer service and business growth. He has strong governance experience, having completed governance programmes with Fonterra New Zealand and serving on the Middlemore Foundation Board and Mobility New Zealand Advisory Board. He is passionate about strengthening India–New Zealand business relationships.
Dr. Ashwin Jaiswal is a global technology leader who, over 25+ years, has reshaped Telco, Retail, Fintech, Healthcare, and Energy industries — driving extraordinary digital transformations at world giants including British Telecom, Reliance Group, Vodafone, Lloyds Bank, Tesco, Swisscom, ECU Worldwide and Spark NZ — across 15+ countries spanning the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, Oceania, Singapore and Hong Kong. Credited with pioneering AUS-NZ's first enterprise-scale GenAI deployments, he engineers Agentic AI solutions delivering multi-million dollar impact. Global CIO and PhD in Agentic AI.
A career academic, researcher and consultant actively involved in developing thought leadership, research and policy advice around New Zealand–India Trade and Economic Relations over the last 18 years. More than 14 years of experience working with international students from Asia, including India, and active research collaborations with Indian educational institutions (including IIT and IIFT), as well as industry engagement with government agencies and think tanks in both countries. Extensive experience in quantitative trade policy modelling and analysis.
Dr Hanoku Bathula is a Professional Teaching Fellow in at the University of Auckland Business School. A former banker and bureaucrat, he has over two decades of experience in New Zealand’s higher education and health sectors. He brings expertise in sustainability, the SDGs, and evidence-based business practice, and has coordinated and mentored consultancy-style projects with industry partners and global virtual teams. A Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA) and Fellow of the International Society for Quality in Healthcare (FISQua), he leverages extensive global research and educational networks.
Dr. Sandhya Sriram is CEO of Sprout Agritech, a startup accelerator and early-stage investment firm based in New Zealand. A serial entrepreneur, she has raised more than US$40 million for her ventures, successfully completed two M&As, and serves as a board member and investor to foodtech and biotech startups around the world. She holds a PhD in stem cell biology and is part of the 2021 class of Bloomberg New Economy Fellows.
Dr. Surinder Tandon is an International Textile Consultant specialising in process and product innovation, sustainable fibres (wool, hemp, cotton) and commercialisation. With 27 years as a Senior Textile Scientist at WRONZ/AgResearch, he has collaborated globally with industry and research partners on textile R&D, technology transfer and innovative product development. A Fellow of the Textile Institute (UK), he holds over 70 publications and is an MNZM (Queen's Award) recipient for services to the textile industry and community. He has been involved in several successful collaborative commercial projects between New Zealand and India.
Mitali Purohit is a prominent New Zealand-based venture capitalist, commercialisation expert, and General Partner at Nuance Connected Capital. With 17 years' experience in deep technology investment and commercialisation from both public and private sectors, she serves on a number of boards including Wellumio Ltd, AUT Ventures Ltd and the Angel Association of NZ. She is highly regarded in the Australasian startup ecosystem for her advocacy of diversity, equity, and female participation in venture capital.
Neeraj Lala graduated from Massey University's Executive MBA as top of his class and served 27 years with Toyota NZ, the last four as CEO. His motivation is driven by making a positive social impact on New Zealand society. Mobility and food security for Kiwis sit at the heart of his ambition, and the bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand allows him to serve the country of his birth and contribute to his country of cultural heritage.
Sheetol Chawla is an internationally award-winning New Zealand-based wearable sculpture artist whose practice bridges art, culture, storytelling and craftsmanship. Recognised through the French Fashion Awards, International Design Awards (IDA), Miss World Design Award 2025, and the Hokonui Fashion Design Award, her work explores cultural heritage through museum-quality artistic practice. Her long-term vision is to build a permanent artistic archive that fosters cultural diplomacy by preserving stories, encouraging intercultural dialogue and strengthening connections between nations. As INZCCI's Textiles, Fashion & Apparel representative, she is committed to advancing creative collaboration, innovation and cultural exchange between India and New Zealand.
Vinod Kumar is a prominent New Zealand property developer and retail businessman, best known as the founder of Nido — New Zealand's largest furniture and homeware store. He spent decades in the building, construction, and hardware sectors, notably serving as an early managing director and pioneer of the Mitre 10 MEGA brand sites in Australasia.
Manish Thakkar is a prominent supermarket owner, retail entrepreneur, property developer and community advocate based in Hamilton, New Zealand. He owned the SuperValue Parkwood supermarket in northern Hamilton and Gordonton Superette, and is co-owner of FIFO (Fresh In Fresh Out) — which opened in May 2024 as the largest independent supermarket in New Zealand.
Kiran Reddy Balasani is an Auckland-based entrepreneur and senior business professional with over 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning retail, FMCG, logistics and technology across India and the Asia-Pacific. He is the founder of Home Cuisine Limited (food compliance advisory, aligned with the Food Act 2014 and MPI guidelines) and Nourvia.life, a platform bridging New Zealand and Australia with India's professional AYUSH wellness ecosystem. An alumnus of AUT and the Executive Programme at IIM Kolkata.
Qualified Chartered Accountant with 25+ years of experience across Banking, Financial Services, Capital Markets, and Commercial Finance in New Zealand, the United States, and India. Extensive expertise in financial management, FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, controllership, audit, and process transformation. Proven ability to partner with senior stakeholders, lead finance teams, and deliver process improvements through technology and automation.
Dev Dhingra is an award-winning New Zealand financial professional, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Fundmaster — a prominent mortgage brokerage firm based in Auckland. Originally from Chandigarh, India, Dhingra graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy before pivoting into business and finance in New Zealand, earning a Graduate Diploma in Business Management from AUT.
Uttam Seth holds qualifications in Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretaryship and a Bachelor of Law. With 38 years of working experience, he has served as CFO across the Pacific Nations and New Zealand, and remains associated with supermarkets, 5- and 7-star hotels, large development and construction companies, and international auditing firms as a senior auditor, among numerous other fields. He played a key role in assisting the Government of New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has supported the conduct of New Zealand elections and the census.
Neelu Taore is a prominent New Zealand-based cosmetologist, business entrepreneur, and well-being coach based in Auckland. She is best known as the co-owner and director of Avana Cosmetic & Laser Clinics — the oldest, most trusted aesthetic and skin treatment clinic business in New Zealand and recipient of the Excellence in Retail Trade Award — dedicated to helping clients achieve healthier, more confident skin through advanced cosmetic solutions.
Sunil Das is a Global Technical Product Specialist with over 30 years of industry experience and a strong technical background in appliances. He brings valuable international connections across the Middle East and India, supporting opportunities in areas such as timber supply, wellbeing tourism, and broader trade initiatives between India and New Zealand.
Pritesh Raniga is the Managing Director of Forum Films NZ Ltd, carrying 27 years of experience in bringing the best of Indian cinema to audiences with consistency and credibility. Rooted in a strong entertainment legacy, Pritesh continues to shape how cinema is experienced in New Zealand. His areas of expertise include distribution, production and entertainment.
Manu Lambai is the Country Head of Operations for global retail giant Malabar Gold & Diamonds in New Zealand, overseeing the brand's premiere retail presence — officially launched in late 2025. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is one of the world's largest jewellery retailers, renowned for its extensive collections of hallmarked gold, certified diamonds, and traditional Indian craftsmanship, with over 400 showrooms spanning 14 countries.
Ron Chauhan is a New Zealand entrepreneur and business leader passionate about building scalable, sustainable businesses and identifying opportunities that create long-term value. He is the Director of ITAD NZ, specialising in IT asset recovery, data security, reverse logistics and circular economy solutions. Ron has led businesses across tech, telecommunications, e-commerce, retail, franchising and sustainability sectors with a hands-on leadership style and strong commercial acumen. He is committed to strengthening business and investment ties between India and New Zealand while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Ghanshyam Sharma is a strategic people leader and licensed financial advisor with over a decade of New Zealand leadership experience driving operational excellence across major public and private organisations. Founder & Principal Advisor at IndoKiwi Finance NZ, he specialises in navigating complex banking landscapes, optimising finance and procurement systems, and transforming operational challenges into value-driven outcomes. He has spearheaded nationwide digital payment and e-invoicing initiatives, significantly uplifting contract and procurement performance within New Zealand's public services, and has led large-scale sustainability initiatives within the New Zealand energy sector.
Suresh Krishnan is an international trade strategist with an established track record of driving market penetration across India, Dubai, South Africa, Russia, and China. A specialist in the forestry and timber sectors, he has successfully directed the commercialization of New Zealand Pine to diverse global industries while guiding Indian timber enterprises in establishing operations within New Zealand. Augmenting his global acumen with recent NZ construction sector expertise, Suresh combines cross-cultural vision with local insights to drive high-value international joint ventures and secure global supply chains.
Jimmy Singh is a timber and forestry professional with over 15 years of experience in New Zealand's forestry sector, specialising in international trade and export market development across Asia. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Finance) from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and has a background in banking, with experience in business lending, credit and risk management. Jimmy is passionate about strengthening New Zealand–India business relationships and promoting trade and investment opportunities, particularly in forestry, timber, manufacturing and sustainable supply chains, to create long-term value for both countries.
Bhrigu Bhaskar is a dairy and food professional with 22 years of rich experience with world-leading organisations including Cadbury, PepsiCo, Nestlé, Danone, Yashili and the a2 Milk Company, spanning research and development, manufacturing operations, supplier quality and project management.