Nadira Hamid has steered ICBC as a voice of change in the India-Canada economic relationship since taking over as CEO in 2011. Nadira has positioned the Chamber as a prime interface for business interests of Indian and Canadian companies wanting to tap into bilateral opportunities, having leveraged on her valuable experience in corporate affairs at the ITC Group of Hotels and as an entrepreneur with her own HR and steel detailing company Lafance Overseas Private Ltd.

Nadira has contributed significantly to building the India-Canada trade and investment dynamics and economic partnership through a multipronged strategy of delegation visits, B2B meetings, flagship events and interactive sessions between Indian and Canadian businesses. As CEO of ICBC, Nadira takes a lead role in encouraging Indian companies to explore the Canadian market and supporting them in establishing their presence in Canada.

Nadira is also active in supporting the Indian Government’s measures to create an investor friendly ambience through her focused advocacy of the ease of doing business for Canadian companies and stakeholders. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting the enhanced prospects and attractiveness of the Indian market among Canadian companies across many sectors.

As an integral member of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC), developed by the Centre for Responsible Business (CRB) for Project Progress, Nadira is actively involved in promoting responsible value chains in India for an effective contribution of the private sector to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. A strong champion of women’s empowerment, Nadira has hosted numerous panels over the years on the role of women in the work place. She also voiced her stand in platforms like the Film Forum organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation (Lucknow-Kanpur Chapter) on various issues including empowerment and impetus for women artisans and entrepreneurs where she was given an award for International Contribution.

As a key influencer in the India-Canada bilateral orbit, Nadira has been the recipient of an award by Air Canada in recognition of ICBC’s support and valuable contribution to the promotion of the Air-Canada brand throughout India.

Recognized as an excellent communicator, Nadira holds a Masters’ degree in Communications and has an early background of public oratory. Her wide reach and well-cultivated network in India among government and industry is an asset in building global business links and demystifying India to Canadians and vice versa.