Pavan Varma took on the role of President and CEO of the Canada-India Trade and Investment Council on June 1, 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise. Notably, he serves as the Executive Chair of Precision AI Tech, a pioneering ag-tech company spearheading the autonomous farming revolution while advocating sustainable agricultural practices. Throughout his illustrious career, Pavan has forged strong ties with high-growth private sector entities in both Canada and Australia, with a keen focus on connecting with markets in India, China, South East Asia, USA, and the UAE.

Pavan’s commitment to advancing technology is evident through his prior leadership as Chair of Innovation Place in Regina and Saskatoon, instrumental in fostering the growth of Saskatchewan’s tech sector within a vast 1.7 million square feet real estate space. Furthermore, he served as a valuable member of the Board of Directors of SasksEnergy, the natural gas distribution utility in Saskatchewan, from 2008 to 2018, culminating in his role as Vice-Chair from 2012 to 2016. In 2011, Pavan achieved a significant milestone as the youngest-ever Chair of the Regina and District Chamber of Commerce, making history as the first visible minority to hold that position in the Chamber’s extensive 130-year legacy.

Pavan’s academic prowess includes a Master of Administration in Leadership from the University of Regina. He achieved an exceptional feat by becoming the youngest graduate of the Directors College Program and earned the esteemed designation of Chartered Director from McMaster University, where he also served as a faculty member. Additionally, he holds the esteemed Governance Designation Human Resources Compensation Committee Certified through McMaster University.

Beyond his professional achievements, Pavan actively contributes to esteemed organizations, holding the position of Chair on CARE Canada’s Board of Directors and serving as a member of the CARE International Council. He has held significant leadership roles in prestigious entities like Canada’s Banff Forum, the Rideau Hall Foundation Board of Directors (director emeritus), the Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference, the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region – North American Advisory Council, and Canada’s Energy for a Secure Future Advisory.

Pavan’s exceptional leadership skills have garnered recognition through numerous awards and honors, including the Public Policy Forum’s Emerging Leaders Award for Canada in 2011, the Canadian Red Cross’s highest honor, the Order of the Red Cross in 2014, and most recently, The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023.