ICSI Announces New Leadership for 2026
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has officially announced a significant change in its leadership structure. CS Pawan G. Chandak has been elected as the new President, while CS Dwarkanath Chenur will serve as the Vice President. Both leaders officially assumed their respective roles on January 19, 2026, marking a new chapter for the institute.
Profile and Professional Journey of CS Pawan G. Chandak
CS Pawan G. Chandak brings a wealth of experience to his new position as President of ICSI. His association with the institute spans several years, during which he has held numerous key positions. In 2025, he served as the Vice President of ICSI, demonstrating his readiness for the top role. He was also elected as a member of the Central Council of ICSI for the term spanning 2023 to 2026.
His leadership journey within the institute’s regional framework is equally notable. From 2019 to 2022, he was an active member of the Western India Regional Council (WIRC), where he progressively took on greater responsibilities. His tenure with the WIRC included serving as Secretary in 2019, Vice President in 2020, and ultimately Chairman in 2021.
At the local level, Chandak has been instrumental in the growth of the Pune Chapter of WIRC. He previously held the position of Chairman for the Pune Chapter in both 2012 and 2017, showcasing his long-standing commitment to the institute’s grassroots development.
Professionally, Chandak is recognized as a hands-on leader with over two decades of proven experience. His expertise lies in guiding organizations through complex corporate and allied legal frameworks, managing risk effectively, and implementing new systems that enhance operational efficiency. He has also worked extensively as an independent director and advisor, collaborating with major corporate houses and multinational companies. His deep understanding of corporate legal affairs, deal structuring, and mergers and acquisitions makes him well-suited to lead the institute forward.
Profile and Career Highlights of CS Dwarkanath Chenur
CS Dwarkanath Chenur, the newly appointed Vice President, is a Fellow Member of ICSI. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sri Venkateswara University and a specialized LLB from Gulbarga University. He is also a qualified insolvency specialist and holds accreditation as a listed social auditor, adding diverse expertise to the institute’s leadership.
Chenur began his professional career as a Company Secretary in 1992. After gaining valuable experience working with various companies for nearly a decade, he transitioned to legal practice in 2002. Currently, he provides advisory and compliance services to a wide range of clients, including private and public companies, listed entities, and subsidiaries of foreign corporations. His practice areas encompass the Companies Act, FEMA regulations, and the rules set forth by the RBI and SEBI. His core specialization, however, lies in corporate law and matters pertaining to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Within ICSI, Chenur has shouldered several significant responsibilities. His recent roles include serving as Chairman of the Regulations and Election Reforms Committee in 2025, Chairman of the PCS Committee in 2024, and Chairman of the Peer Review Committee in 2023. He was also elected to the Central Council of ICSI for the 2023-2026 term. Earlier in his tenure with the institute, he contributed as a member of the Secretariat Standards Board in 2019 and 2020.
His contributions extend to the regional level as well. He was a member of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) from 2011 to 2014 and assumed the role of SIRC Chairman in 2013. Furthermore, he served on the managing committee of the ICSI Bangalore Chapter for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2010, during which he also held the position of Chapter Chairman in 2007.
