Diane Farrell steps in as Acting President.
By The American Bazaar Staff
WASHINGTON, DC: Ron Somers, the president of the US-India Business Council (USIBC), is retiring from the organization to focus on other professional pursuits.
The announcement came via a press release today, which stated that Somers’ resignation is effective immediately. Diane Farrell, USIBC’s Executive Vice-President and Senior Director, will step in as the organization’s Acting President until a permanent successor to Somers is determined.
Somers is leaving in order to found his own “strategic consulting practice,” according to USIBC. In a statement, Somers expressed his gratitude for the time he served at the head of the venerable advocacy and policy group, and said that his departure has been a long time coming.
“With elections underway in India and a new government forming, this is the perfect time for me to do what I have long planned – hang out my shingle,” said Somers. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to lead the exceptional USIBC staff, work with an outstanding board, and advance the critical U.S.-India commercial relationship.”
Born in Massachusetts, Somers has degrees from Vermont’s Middlebury College, and the prestigious Oxford University. In 1992, he was recruited by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to be stationed in India as a Resident Adviser, during which period he oversaw critical energy deals between the US and India.
Somers spent several years working in the US energy sector, mostly in Texas, both before and after his time with the USAID. In 2004, he joined USIBC as its President, and has shepherded the council through some of the most important years in the US-India bilateral relationship; most notably, the signing of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2006.
“Ron has brought incredible energy, experience, and insight to the U.S.-India Business Council,” said Ajay Banga, USIBC Chair and President/CEO of MasterCard Worldwide, in a statement. “On behalf of the entire board and staff, we want to thank him for his remarkable efforts and accomplishments.”
Founded in 1975 in collaboration between the US and Indian governments, USIBC is “the premier business advocacy organization advancing U.S.-India commercial ties.” It is currently headquartered in Washington, DC, where it works under the umbrella of the US Chamber of Commerce, and has offices in New York City, Silicon Valley, and New Delhi.