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.
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. 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 international award-winning, New Zealand-based fashion designer and wearable sculpture artist. Her practice combines art, culture, storytelling and craftsmanship through large-scale artistic wearable creations. Her work has been recognised internationally and nationally — receiving French Fashion Awards, IDA Awards, Miss World Design 2025, and the Hokonui Fashion Design Award in New Zealand. Sheetol is excited to contribute to creative and cultural collaborations 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 is a highly experienced professional in Accounting and Advisory based in New Zealand, with a background spanning the accounting and construction industries.
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.