We are delighted to welcome Shri Shantibhai Mehta (“Shaandaar Shantibhai”) as a distinguished speaker at the 1st ICAI International Conference – Europe 2026

A renowned entrepreneur and motivational storyteller, Shri Shantibhai has inspired millions through his daily stories that promote positivity, resilience, and meaningful life lessons.

Widely celebrated for his impactful social media presence, his stories have garnered millions of views and have been appreciated by prominent personalities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Harsh Goenka.

Join us as he shares his journey, insights, and powerful message on creating positive change through the art of storytelling.

Pranay Verma assumed the office of the Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union on May 26, 2026.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1994 and has held diplomatic assignments in Hong Kong, San Francisco, Beijing, Kathmandu, Washington DC, Hanoi and Dhaka.

Before arriving in Brussels, Ambassador Verma served as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh (2022-2026) and Ambassador of India to Vietnam (2019-2022).

Earlier, he held the position of Joint Secretary (Director General) of the East Asia Division at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi (2017-2019) and Joint Secretary (Director General) for External Relations at the Department of Atomic Energy in Mumbai (2014-2017).

He also served as Director in Foreign Secretary’s office (2009), Director for climate change negotiations (2009- 2010), and Deputy Secretary for China desk (2004-2006) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Ambassador Verma has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master’s degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, U.S.   Before joining the Indian Foreign Service, he started his professional career as a Graduate Trainee at India’s steel manufacturing company, Tata Steel, where he served for five years (1989-1994).

We are delighted to welcome CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI, as a distinguished speaker at the 1st ICAI European Regional Conference 2026

A Fellow Chartered Accountant with over four decades of experience, CA. Prasanna Kumar D is widely respected for his leadership, professional excellence, and contributions to the growth of the accounting profession. As President of ICAI, he continues to champion governance, innovation, and member development across the global accounting community.

We are delighted to welcome CA. Mangesh P. Kinare, Vice-President, ICAI, as a distinguished speaker at the 1st ICAI European Regional Conference 2026

A seasoned Chartered Accountant with over 33 years of experience, CA. Mangesh P. Kinare is recognized for his leadership in taxation, auditing, corporate governance, and professional development. As Vice-President of ICAI, he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of the profession both in India and globally.

We are delighted to welcome Sundeep Kochar, Celebrity Astrologer, Life Coach, and Motivational Speaker, to the 1st ICAI European Regional Conference 2026.

With over 26 years of experience in Vedic Astrology, Palmistry, and Face Reading, Sundeep Kochar has guided individuals, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and public figures in making informed decisions and gaining deeper self-awareness. Renowned for his practical and empowering approach, he is also the first Indian astrologer to deliver a TEDx Talk.

Join us for “Planets by Sundeep Kochar: A Journey Through the Stars” as he shares thought-provoking insights on self-discovery, timing, and personal growth.

We are delighted to welcome Pedro Alonso-Lamberti, Senior Portfolio Manager – Private Markets at Allianz Global Investors, to the 1st ICAI European Regional Conference 2026.

Based in Luxembourg, Pedro brings extensive experience across Private Equity, Infrastructure, and Private Debt. He specializes in portfolio construction, alternative investments, and private markets solutions for institutional and wealth management clients. A respected industry leader, he is a regular speaker on private markets, portfolio diversification, and long-term investment trends.

Join us as Pedro shares valuable insights into the evolving world of private markets and the opportunities shaping the future of global investing.

We are delighted to welcome Rohit Kumar, CEO, ResearchWire, as a distinguished speaker at the 1st ICAI European Regional Conference 2026

An IAM 300 Strategy Leader with nearly 20 years of experience in innovation, R&D, and intellectual property, Rohit has led ResearchWire’s growth into a trusted global consulting partner serving Fortune 500 companies. He is widely recognised for helping organisations leverage innovation, AI, and intellectual property to create lasting business impact.

We are delighted to welcome Surendra Patawari, Founder, Gemini Corporation, as a distinguished speaker at the 1st ICAI European Regional Conference 2026.

A visionary entrepreneur and sustainability leader, Surendra has built Gemini Corporation into a global business operating across 60+ countries while advancing circular economy initiatives worldwide. He serves on the Board of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and is a recognised voice on sustainability, innovation, and responsible business leadership.

A seasoned wealth management leader with over 30 years of international experience, Christian has held senior roles at leading global institutions including UBS, Credit Suisse, Clariden Leu, Merrill Lynch, and Coutts. Having managed over USD 1 billion for wealthy families, he brings deep expertise in global investment strategies, private wealth management, and family office advisory.

Dr. Ankur Aggarwal leads one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing real estate companies, with projects exceeding AED 32 billion in gross development value. A Chartered Accountant turned entrepreneur, he has built BNW into a leading force in the region through strategic partnerships with globally renowned brands and a commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

A strong advocate for ESG-led development and a respected voice at international business forums, Dr. Aggarwal has received numerous accolades, including Visionary of the Year, Icons of the UAE, and CEO of the Year. In 2026, he was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), Honoris Causa.

A Chartered Accountant and cross-border wealth strategist with over 20 years of experience, Sagar specializes in NRI taxation, FEMA, DTAA, repatriation, and India-linked wealth planning. He advises NRIs, OCIs, returning Indians, HNI families, and institutions across 25+ countries on navigating complex cross-border financial matters.

A recognized authority on global wealth structuring, his insights have been featured in leading publications including Mint and Financial Express. He is also the author of What NRIs Are Not Told About India, which will be released at the conference.

A seasoned Chartered Accountant and cross-border financial advisory specialist, Amit brings nearly two decades of experience in international finance, regulatory frameworks, and global investment structuring. His expertise spans IFSC (GIFT City), FEMA, FDI, ECBs, FTAs, GCCs, and cross-border transactions, helping businesses unlock opportunities in an increasingly connected world.

An author of leading publications on GIFT IFSC and a respected thought leader in the field, Amit regularly shares his insights at prominent forums organized by ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI, CII, CREDAI, and NAREDCO.

His work continues to shape conversations around emerging regulatory developments and international investment strategies.

CA Atul Kumar Gupta is a distinguished Fellow Chartered Accountant and former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI, 2020-21). An All India Rank holder in Law and Commerce, his two-decade career is defined by institutional leadership, digital advocacy, and pivotal contributions to India’s economic reforms.

Key Areas of Impact
Institutional & Global Leadership: Beyond serving as ICAI President, he completed three terms as a Central Council Member (2013-2022). Globally, he represented the Indian accounting fraternity on the boards of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA).

Nation-Building & Policy Reforms: Gupta served as a vital link between the profession and the government. He was a key facilitator for India’s GST implementation, serving on the GSTN Advisory Committee. Notably, he mentored the landmark project that transitioned the Indian Railways to an accrual-based accounting system.

Regulatory Advisory: He has lent his expertise to apex regulatory bodies, holding positions on SEBI’s Primary Market Advisory Committee, the IRDAI, the C&AG Audit Advisory Board, and serving as the first Chairman of the accounting committee under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Education & Digital Progress: To future-proof the profession, he spearheaded the Digital Accounting and Assurance Board (DAAB) and aligned the 2017 CA curriculum with global standards.

Enterprise board-level mentor and international conference speaker.

Global advocate of Technology Evolution by Design and Cognitive Digital Twins.

Thought leader in Industry 4.0, Zero Waste Economy, and Agriculture 4.0.

Founder of Logosworld, specializing in international IT, ERP transformation, and Industry 4.0 strategies. • Recognized bridge builder between Europe, India, and Africa.

Member of the 50 Experts Global Alliance for technology strategy and innovation.

Leads India’s first international exchange based in GIFT IFSC with more than twenty years of experience in capital markets and financial products.

Former Head of Debt Segment at BSE and active contributor to key SEBI committees and industry initiatives.

Active contributor to market development through participation in key SEBI committees and industry initiatives.

Senior Chartered Accountant with extensive academic credentials spanning finance, law, management, economics, and related disciplines.

Associated with ICAI since 1995, including leadership roles such as Chairman of Surat Branch, Vice Chairman of WIRC, and Central Council member for three consecutive terms. 

Has chaired over 30 national and international committees and contributed significantly to professional and institutional development.

Recognised with multiple honours for contributions to the profession, public service, research, and leadership, including awards such as Legend of Surat and Youth Icon.