FDCI appoints Tridib Sengupta as COO

New Delhi, Aug 19 (IANS) After having closely worked with designer Rohit Bal, fashion impresario Tridib Sengupta has been appointed as the chief operating officer (COO) of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

'Sengupta's mandate will be to work closely with the board and the management committee. He will provide strategic direction to FDCI and look into the overall planning and management of events and develop new strategies for the Council,' an FDCI statement Tuesday said.

'Sengupta's long-term goals would be to promote the fashion industry and further FDCI's capacity building and research and development efforts,' the statement added.

The appointment comes ahead of two important FDCI events: the spring-summer edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week here Oct 15-19 and before that, the inaugural edition of the Couture Week at Mumbai Sept 16-21.

Sengupta said he looked forward to his new innings with FDCI.

'I am privileged to be on board as COO for FDCI and delighted to work with a dynamic industry that has made India an important fashion destination,' the FDCI statement quoted him as saying.

'With my past experience in business planning, cost management and strategic development, I am sure we at FDCI will take the industry to unexplored vistas,' Sengupta added.

Not new to the fashion industry, Sengupta was President and CEO of Rohit Bal's label - Balance - where he introduced new business systems.

Prior to that, he held senior positions with several banks, including the National Bank of Dubai, Emirates Bank International, Dubai, ANZ Grindlays Bank in India and Dubai during a career spanning over 20 years.

Welcoming Sengupta on board, FDCI president Sunil Sethi said: 'He will bring with him invaluable experience, having directed and managed large business operations and projects in India and abroad.

'FDCI will gain tremendously from his guidance for a long and prosperous future for the council,' Sethi added.