Lord Karan Bilimoria, a prominent British-Indian entrepreneur and leader, has been named the new chair of the International Chamber of Commerce United Kingdom (ICCUK), with his tenure set to begin on January 1, 2025. He will take over from Paul Drechsler CBE, who has held the role for the past four years.

Lord Bilimoria is a distinguished figure with a varied career, being the founding chairman of the UK India Business Council. He also serves as the deputy lieutenant of Greater London and has previously held the position of Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, becoming the first Indian-born individual to do so.

Bilimoria's educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Osmania University in Hyderabad, where he also qualified as a Chartered Accountant in London. He later pursued law at Cambridge University.

As the founder of Cobra Beer, Lord Bilimoria chairs both Cobra Beer Partnership Limited and Molson Coors Cobra India. His leadership extends to several esteemed roles, including being the deputy lieutenant for Greater London, lieutenant for the City of London, and the former Chancellor of the University of West London. From 2014 to 2024, he held the position of Chancellor at the University of Birmingham, a prestigious Russell Group university.

In 2006, Lord Bilimoria made history by becoming the first Zoroastrian Parsi to be appointed to the House of Lords. Two years later, he was honored with the Pravasi Bharti Samman by the President of India for his contributions.

In his new position at ICC UK, Lord Bilimoria voiced strong support for the UK government's push to resume negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India. He highlighted the pivotal role of the ICC in fostering dialogue among leading trading nations, enhancing international partnerships, and supporting both governmental and industrial objectives.

Lord Bilimoria expressed his gratitude to his predecessor, Paul Drechsler, for his outstanding contributions, stating, “I am truly honored to step into this role at such a critical time for the UK. Paul Drechsler has set an incredible precedent, and I look forward to building upon the solid foundation he has created.”

He also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the ICC's influence on global economic discussions, particularly within the frameworks of the G7 and G20.

Chris Southworth, Secretary General of ICC UK, welcomed Lord Bilimoria's appointment, lauding his vast experience, enthusiasm for international trade, and extensive global network.