Canada-based investment firm Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd has appointed Amitabh Kant, India’s former G20 Sherpa and ex-CEO of NITI Aayog, as a Senior Adviser. With deep experience in economic policy and transformative development initiatives, Kant’s new role is expected to strategically support Fairfax’s long-term investments in India, particularly aligning with the nation’s ambitious Viksit Bharat 2047 goals.
Why in News?
Amitabh Kant recently stepped down from his position as India’s G20 Sherpa after leading a successful G20 Presidency in 2023, which included consensus-building for the New Delhi Declaration. His new appointment at Fairfax on June 27, 2025, signals the firm’s growing interest in leveraging India’s development trajectory and policy innovation.
About Amitabh Kant
- Former G20 Sherpa of India (2022–2025)
- Former CEO of NITI Aayog (2016–2022)
Known for leading.
- Aspirational Districts Programme
- Startup India, Make in India, Digital India
- Widely respected for his consensus-building skills and governance insights
About Fairfax Financial Holdings
- Headquartered in Canada
- Led by Prem Watsa, often called the “Warren Buffett of Canada”
Operates through subsidiaries in,
- Property & casualty insurance
- Reinsurance
- Investment management
- Major Indian investments:
- Go Digit General Insurance
- Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
- Financial services, infrastructure, logistics
Fairfax’s India Focus
Sees India as a long-term growth story with a target to transition from a $4 trillion economy to $30 trillion by 2047
Kant’s appointment is aligned with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision
Aims to benefit from reforms and initiatives in,
- Urbanisation
- Digital Infrastructure
- Sustainability
- Private enterprise
Significance of the Appointment
Kant brings,
- Government and policy experience
- Strong understanding of development programs
- Alignment with Fairfax’s values of integrity and inclusive growth
- Will serve as a bridge between government policy and private sector investment
Summary/Static | Details |
Why in the news? | Amitabh Kant Appointed Senior Adviser to Fairfax Financial Holdings |
Previous Roles | G20 Sherpa (India), CEO of NITI Aayog |
Significance | Strengthens Fairfax’s India investment strategy aligned with Viksit Bharat 2047 |
Fairfax in India | Invested in Digit Insurance, Bengaluru Airport, financial and urban sectors |
Key Traits | Consensus-building, integrity, development expertise |