Dr Gunveena Chadha named new secretary general of Indian Beverage Association

MUMBAI: The non-alcoholic beverage world just got a fresh pour of leadership and this one comes with serious policy fizz. The Indian Beverage Association (IBA) has appointed Gunveena Chadha as its new Secretary General, bringing over 30 years of heavyweight experience in policy strategy, business advocacy, international engagement and institution building.

Dr Chadha steps into the role after serving as Deputy Secretary General at FICCI, where she spearheaded the Forum of Parliamentarians, drove Track II diplomacy, B2B and B2G connections, and multilateral policy dialogues. Before that, she held senior positions at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the World Economic Forum (WEF), consistently working at the crossroads of industry, government and global institutions.

One of her standout chapters, appointed by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry as director of the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, she orchestrated India’s largest-ever global trade showcase, turning it into one of the most visited and talked-about pavilions of the event.

IBA, president C. K. Jaipuria welcomed the move, “We are delighted to welcome 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.”

Chadha herself sounded energised, “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.”

A doctorate in economics, Chadha has earned wide recognition, including a spot on the Top 100 Most Influential Sikhs Globally list for 2024–25. Her track record spans economic policy, trade and investment promotion, governance frameworks and global positioning exactly the toolkit IBA needs as the sector grapples with evolving regulations, sustainability demands and market shifts.

In an industry where every sip carries policy weight, Chadha’s arrival promises to keep the conversation bubbling productively between brands, regulators and consumers. Whether you’re a fizzy-drink fan or just someone who follows how India’s business voices shape the rules, this appointment adds real flavour to the mix.