New Delhi: The Indian Beverage Association (IBA), India’s national apex body for the non-alcoholic beverage industry, has announced the appointment of Dr. Gunveena Chadha as its new Secretary General, marking a new phase of leadership for the sector.
A seasoned business leader with over three decades of experience, Dr. Chadha brings deep expertise in policy strategy, business advocacy, international relations and institution building. Her appointment comes at a time when the non-alcoholic beverage industry is navigating a dynamic regulatory and market landscape.
Prior to joining IBA, Dr. Chadha served as Deputy Secretary General at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where she led the Forum of Parliamentarians, advancing Track II diplomacy and fostering dialogue between policymakers and industry. Her role also involved strengthening B2B and B2G engagements and contributing to multilateral policy discussions.
Earlier, she held leadership positions at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), working extensively at the intersection of industry, government and global institutions.
A key milestone in her career was her appointment by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry as Director – India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, where she led India’s largest-ever global trade representation. She oversaw operations, programming and partnerships, making it one of the most visited pavilions at the Expo.
Speaking on the appointment, C. K. Jaipuria, President, Indian Beverage Association, said, “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Gunveena Chadha as the new Secretary General of IBA. The non-alcoholic beverage industry is navigating a dynamic policy and business environment, and Dr. Chadha brings a rare blend of policy depth and global industry experience. As the beverage sector engages with increasingly complex regulatory and market realities, her leadership will help IBA engage more effectively with policymakers and stakeholders.”
Dr. Chadha has worked closely with policymakers, global industry leaders and multilateral institutions across regions. Her experience spans economic policy, trade and investment promotion, governance frameworks and global industry positioning — areas expected to play a central role in advancing IBA’s strategic priorities.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr. Gunveena Chadha said, “I am honoured to take on the role of Secretary General of the Indian Beverage Association at a time when the non-alcoholic beverage industry is at a critical inflection point. IBA has emerged as a credible and unified voice for the sector, and I look forward to building on this strong foundation to further strengthen policy engagement, enable constructive dialogue with government and stakeholders, and support an ecosystem that is innovation-led, responsible, and growth-oriented.”
Dr. Chadha holds a doctorate in economics and has been widely recognised for her contributions to business leadership and policy advocacy, including being named among the Top 100 Most Influential Sikhs Globally (2024–25).
