CII succession was planned a year ago

Tarun Das, who transformed the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and turned it into the country's leading business association, is stepping down as director-general and moving to a new role as "chief mentor" of the organisation.

Another CII veteran N Srinivasan will take over from Das as director-general on June 1, the CII announced today.

Das, who will be 65 this year, has been appointed chief mentor for a three-year term and will continue to play a key role in the organisation.

Most importantly, he will coordinate a newly established Global Advisory Council for the CII that will maintain links with international organisations and opinion-makers around the world. In addition, Das will also take part in meetings of the CII National Council and Steering Committee.

CII President Anand Mahindra said, "Das has been associated for 40 years with the shaping and remarkable growth of the CII."

The succession plan was announced by Mahindra at a meeting of the CII's National Council. The resignation of the CII's chief economist Omkar Goswami was also announced at the meeting.

Das is said to have been given a standing ovation when he addressed the council. No other organisational changes have been announced so far.

"This decision was taken a year ago by the CII and, in keeping with its plans for a smooth transition, Srinivasan relocated from Bangalore to New Delhi in June 2003 to overlap with Tarun Das and to assume charge as director-general. This was according to a plan and process for restructuring of CII with the involvement of external consultants," a CII release said.

The CII has a string of international offices and there are plans to open an office in Pakistan in the near future. In addition, the organisation has close links with organisations like the Confederation of British Industry.

Praising Das, Mahindra said: "Under his leadership, the organisation evolved from the Association of Indian Engineering Industry to the Confederation of Engineering Industry and to the CII as its membership and the scope of its activities expanded. During his tenure as director-general, the CII has become the largest association of business and industry in India."