New Delhi, Jun 27 (PTI) Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa鈥檚 company Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited on Friday said it has appointed former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant as a senior advisor.
In a statement, Fairfax said former G20 Sherpa Kant鈥檚 extensive expertise in economic development, innovation, and sustainable growth is expected to significantly benefit the company鈥檚 long-term investment approach in India.
As India is pursuing an ambitious roadmap toward becoming a developed economy by 2047, Fairfax expects many opportunities for it and its affiliates, including Fairfax India Holdings Corporation (Fairfax India) to participate and benefit from the 鈥榁iksit Bharat鈥 initiative, which aims to help India transition from a USD 4 trillion economy to a USD 30-plus trillion powerhouse, according to the statement.
Fairfax Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Prem Watsa said, 鈥淲e are truly excited to welcome Amitabh to our Fairfax family.鈥 Kant was a key figure during India鈥檚 G20 presidency, culminating in the historic New Delhi Leaders鈥 Declaration. As CEO of NITI Aayog, he was a driving force behind the Aspirational Districts Programme, which uplifted some of India鈥檚 most disadvantaged regions, the company said.
His tenure as Secretary of the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) saw pivotal reforms, including the Make in India and Startup India campaigns, significantly improving ease of doing business rankings by 79 places, the company said, adding that his work in promoting tourism with the 鈥業ncredible India鈥 campaign showcased his keen understanding of the power of cultural and economic integration.
Fairfax is a holding company, which through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance as well as associated investment management. PTI BKS SHW SHW