ICSI Leadership 2026: CS Pawan G. Chandak Takes Charge as President, CS Dwarakanath Chennur as Vice-President
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has announced its new leadership for the year 2026, marking an important transition for the Company Secretary profession in India. With a renewed focus on good governance, regulatory excellence, and ease of doing business, the newly elected office bearers are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future roadmap of ICSI and its members.
For 2026, CS Pawan G. Chandak has assumed the office of President of ICSI, while CS Dwarakanath Chennur has been elected as the Vice-President. This leadership change comes at a time when the role of Company Secretaries is expanding significantly across corporate governance, compliance, ESG, and global regulatory frameworks.
CS Pawan G. Chandak Appointed as President of ICSI for 2026
CS Pawan G. Chandak has officially taken over as the President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for the year 2026. He succeeds CS Dhananjay Shukla, who served as the President during 2025 and has now been elected as the Vice-President of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA) for 2026.
With more than 20 years of professional experience, CS Pawan G. Chandak brings deep expertise in:
Labour Laws
Corporate Laws
Foreign Exchange Management laws
His elevation to the presidency reflects his long-standing contribution to the profession, the Institute, and capacity-building initiatives for Company Secretaries across India.
Professional Journey and Leadership Roles of CS Pawan G. Chandak
Before assuming the top position at ICSI, CS Pawan G. Chandak served as the Vice-President of ICSI in 2025, where he was actively involved in policy discussions, professional development programs, and stakeholder engagement with regulators.
Key leadership roles held by CS Pawan G. Chandak include:
Chairman, Western India Regional Council (WIRC) – 2021
Chairman, Pune Chapter of ICSI – 2012 and 2017
Active contributor to governance reforms, professional training, and compliance awareness
His interactions with senior government officials and regulators underline ICSI’s collaborative approach with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other stakeholders.
CS Dwarakanath Chennur Elected as Vice-President of ICSI for 2026
Alongside the President, CS Dwarakanath Chennur has been elected as the Vice-President of ICSI for the year 2026. He brings with him extensive experience in corporate governance, board advisory, and strategic management.
CS Dwarakanath Chennur has been associated with various institutional initiatives and management committees, including roles linked to governance research, training, and policy development. His professional background strengthens ICSI’s focus on multidisciplinary and industry-aligned governance practices.
Role of Outgoing President CS Dhananjay Shukla
The year 2025 witnessed the leadership of CS Dhananjay Shukla as President of ICSI. During his tenure, ICSI actively engaged with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on compliance rationalisation, extension of statutory filing timelines, and strengthening governance culture.
His election as Vice-President of the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA) for 2026 further highlights India’s growing influence in the global Company Secretary profession.
ICSI’s Vision for 2026: Governance, Compliance & Global Outreach
Under the leadership of CS Pawan G. Chandak and CS Dwarakanath Chennur, ICSI is expected to:
Strengthen corporate governance standards in India
Promote ease of doing business through simplified compliances
Expand professional outreach under government initiatives
Enhance global recognition of Indian Company Secretaries
Encourage knowledge-driven and multidisciplinary roles for CS professionals
Recent interactions between ICSI leadership and senior MCA officials reinforce the Institute’s commitment to policy collaboration and ethical business practices.
Why This Leadership Change Matters for CS Students and Professionals
For CS students, members, and corporates, the 2026 ICSI leadership signals:
Greater regulatory engagement
Increased focus on practical compliance and governance
Stronger global networking opportunities
Policy advocacy aligned with professional growth
This transition is especially relevant for CS Executive and CS Professional students preparing for careers in corporate governance, compliance management, and advisory roles.
Conclusion
The appointment of CS Pawan G. Chandak as President and CS Dwarakanath Chennur as Vice-President of ICSI for 2026 marks a progressive step for the Institute and the profession at large. With experienced leadership, strong regulatory coordination, and a future-ready vision, ICSI is well-positioned to enhance the role of Company Secretaries in India’s evolving corporate ecosystem.
Stay connected for more updates on ICSI, MCA developments, and Company Secretary career insights.
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ICSI Leadership 2026 – 50 Questions & Answers
1. What is ICSI?
Answer:
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is a statutory professional body established under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980, to regulate and develop the profession of Company Secretaries in India. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
2. Who is the President of ICSI for the year 2026?
Answer:
CS Pawan G. Chandak has assumed the office of President of ICSI for the year 2026.
3. Who is the Vice-President of ICSI for 2026?
Answer:
CS Dwarakanath Chennur is the Vice-President of ICSI for the year 2026.
4. Who was the President of ICSI in 2025?
Answer:
CS Dhananjay Shukla served as the President of ICSI during the year 2025.
5. From whom did CS Pawan G. Chandak take over the presidency?
Answer:
CS Pawan G. Chandak took over the presidency from CS Dhananjay Shukla, the President of ICSI for 2025.
6. What is the professional background of CS Pawan G. Chandak?
Answer:
CS Pawan G. Chandak is a qualified Company Secretary with over 20 years of professional experience.
7. In which areas does CS Pawan G. Chandak specialize?
Answer:
He specializes in:
-
Labour Laws
-
Corporate Laws
-
Foreign Exchange Management laws
8. What position did CS Pawan G. Chandak hold before becoming President?
Answer:
He served as the Vice-President of ICSI in 2025.
9. Name some key leadership roles held by CS Pawan G. Chandak within ICSI.
Answer:
-
Chairman, Western India Regional Council (WIRC) – 2021
-
Chairman, Pune Chapter of ICSI – 2012 & 2017
10. Who is CS Dwarakanath Chennur?
Answer:
CS Dwarakanath Chennur is a senior Company Secretary and has been elected as the Vice-President of ICSI for 2026.
11. What is the role of the Vice-President of ICSI?
Answer:
The Vice-President assists the President in policy formulation, governance initiatives, and professional development, and represents ICSI in institutional and regulatory forums.
12. Why is ICSI leadership important for the CS profession?
Answer:
ICSI leadership shapes policies, professional standards, regulatory engagement, student education, and global recognition of Company Secretaries.
13. What is CSIA, and how is it related to ICSI?
Answer:
CSIA stands for Corporate Secretaries International Association, a global body representing Company Secretaries worldwide. ICSI is a member organization.
14. What new role did CS Dhananjay Shukla take up in 2026?
Answer:
CS Dhananjay Shukla was elected as the Vice-President of CSIA for 2026.
15. How does CSIA representation benefit Indian Company Secretaries?
Answer:
It enhances global visibility, international networking, cross-border professional recognition, and knowledge sharing.
16. Under which ministry does ICSI function?
Answer:
ICSI functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India.
17. What is the vision of ICSI leadership for 2026?
Answer:
The vision includes strengthening governance, simplifying compliance, promoting ease of doing business, and expanding global engagement.
18. How does ICSI contribute to corporate governance?
Answer:
ICSI sets professional standards, issues guidance notes, conducts training, and advises regulators on governance and compliance frameworks.
19. Why is the role of Company Secretaries expanding in India?
Answer:
Due to increasing regulatory requirements, ESG norms, compliance complexity, and the focus on ethical governance.
20. What is the significance of leadership change in professional bodies?
Answer:
It brings new perspectives, strategic priorities, and renewed momentum for institutional growth.
21. How does ICSI leadership impact CS students?
Answer:
Leadership decisions influence curriculum updates, training opportunities, exam reforms, and career pathways.
22. What initiatives are expected under ICSI leadership 2026?
Answer:
-
Compliance simplification
-
Governance reforms
-
Digital initiatives
-
Professional capacity building
23. What is the importance of regional councils in ICSI?
Answer:
Regional councils decentralize professional activities and ensure grassroots engagement with members and students.
24. What is WIRC in ICSI?
Answer:
WIRC stands for Western India Regional Council, one of the regional councils of ICSI.
25. How do chapter chairmanship roles help professional growth?
Answer:
They provide leadership exposure, policy involvement, and interaction with regulators and corporates.
26. What does “ease of doing business” mean in corporate governance?
Answer:
It refers to simplifying procedures, reducing compliance burden, and enabling ethical business operations.
27. How does ICSI support government initiatives?
Answer:
Through policy inputs, compliance advisory, stakeholder consultations, and capacity building.
28. Why is ethical governance emphasized by ICSI leadership?
Answer:
Sustainable growth depends on transparency, accountability, and legal compliance.
29. How does ICSI interact with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs?
Answer:
Through consultations, committees, representation, and joint initiatives.
30. What is the statutory status of ICSI?
Answer:
ICSI is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.
31. How many members and students does ICSI have approximately?
Answer:
ICSI has over 78,000 members and around 2.5 lakh students.
32. What role does leadership play in global recognition of the CS profession?
Answer:
Leadership drives international collaborations, MOUs, and representation in global forums.
33. Why is 2026 considered important for ICSI?
Answer:
Due to governance reforms, global engagement, and expanding professional scope.
34. What is the role of ICSI in compliance management?
Answer:
ICSI guides corporates on statutory compliance and governance best practices.
35. How does ICSI leadership influence policy reforms?
Answer:
Through expert inputs, professional recommendations, and regulator interaction.
36. What is the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the CS profession?
Answer:
It allows Company Secretaries to handle legal, financial, governance, and strategic roles.
37. How does leadership continuity benefit ICSI?
Answer:
It ensures stability, consistency, and smooth execution of long-term initiatives.
38. What are the key expectations from ICSI President 2026?
Answer:
Strong governance advocacy, regulatory collaboration, and professional development.
39. How does ICSI ensure professional excellence?
Answer:
Through education, training, ethical standards, and continuous professional development.
40. Why are leadership announcements important for professionals?
Answer:
They provide clarity on institutional direction and future priorities.
41. What is the significance of CS Pawan G. Chandak’s experience?
Answer:
His long experience strengthens ICSI’s strategic and governance leadership.
42. How does ICSI promote student engagement?
Answer:
Through seminars, internships, academic reforms, and digital learning platforms.
43. What role do committees play in ICSI?
Answer:
Committees handle specialized areas like governance research, education, and policy.
44. How does ICSI leadership address compliance challenges?
Answer:
By advocating simplified laws and issuing practical guidance.
45. What is the future scope for Company Secretaries under new leadership?
Answer:
Expanded roles in ESG, compliance advisory, risk management, and global governance.
46. Why is global collaboration important for ICSI?
Answer:
It enhances international recognition and professional mobility.
47. How does ICSI contribute to India’s economic growth?
Answer:
By ensuring compliant, transparent, and well-governed businesses.
48. What message does ICSI leadership 2026 send to stakeholders?
Answer:
Commitment to ethical governance, professionalism, and growth.
49. How can CS students benefit from leadership initiatives?
Answer:
Through better education, training, exposure, and career guidance.
50. Summarize the importance of ICSI Leadership 2026.
Answer:
ICSI Leadership 2026 represents continuity, experience, and a forward-looking vision aimed at strengthening governance, easing compliance, and enhancing the global stature of Indian Company Secretaries.
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