Uma Reddy Creates History, Elected First Woman President of Karnataka’s Premier Business Body FKCCI
Bengaluru, India – In a landmark decision that breaks a 108-year-old tradition, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) has elected Ms. Uma Reddy as its first woman president. This historic appointment marks a significant shift for the apex trade body, founded by the visionary Sir M. Visvesvaraya in 1916, signaling a new era of inclusive leadership for Karnataka’s business community.
Ms. Reddy, a seasoned technocrat and entrepreneur, brings over three decades of experience to the role. She is the Managing Director of M/s. Hitech Magnetics and Electronics Pvt Ltd, a company specializing in power electronic wound components—a sector with notably low female representation. Her election is widely seen as a symbolic victory for gender equity, moving women’s leadership from an exception to the mainstream within the state’s influential industrial circles.
ಮಹಿಳಾ ನೇತೃತ್ವದ ಹೊಸ ಯುಗ: ಎಫ್ಕೆಸಿಸಿಐಯಲ್ಲಿ ಉಮಾ ರೆಡ್ಡಿ ಅವರ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ ಗೆಲುವು
A Pragmatic Technocrat at the Helm
Uma Reddy is not a newcomer to policy advocacy or institutional leadership. A first-generation entrepreneur and a graduate of UVCE, she has successfully straddled the worlds of manufacturing technology products and social entrepreneurship. Her colleagues describe her as a pragmatic leader with a keen ability to anticipate industry trends, from digital transformation and renewable energy to the challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in a competitive global landscape.
Having served as FKCCI’s Vice-President (2023-24) and Senior Vice-President (2024-25), Ms. Reddy has been a steadfast advocate for innovation, women entrepreneurs, and MSME empowerment. She has chaired several key committees, including those for Export Excellence Awards, Women Entrepreneurs, and Technology & Innovation.
“Her leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective, blending technical expertise with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Karnataka’s diverse economy,” a colleague noted. Her presidency is anticipated to prioritize policy advocacy for MSMEs, strengthen industry-academia linkages, and focus on skill development in emerging technologies like AI and Robotics, alongside a push for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and sustainability.
Steering a Legacy Institution into the Future
The FKCCI, one of India’s most respected chambers, represents over 5,000 direct members and a vast network of nearly 200 associations, indirectly representing lakhs of businesses across Karnataka. It has long been instrumental in shaping policy on infrastructure, taxation, and investment, championing the state’s status as an economic powerhouse.
Ms. Reddy assumes leadership at a critical juncture. Karnataka contributes 8-9% of India’s GDP and hosts over 400 Fortune 500 companies, serving as a hub for IT, biotech, and aerospace. However, the state’s industries, particularly MSMEs, grapple with rising costs, global competition, and financing hurdles.
Her election promises a transformative vision that blends the chamber’s rich heritage with a forward-looking approach to inclusive and sustainable growth. This move is expected to inspire other trade bodies across India to open top roles to women, reflecting the evolving mindset of the business community.
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New Leadership Team Takes Charge
The FKCCI also announced its new leadership team for the 2025-26 term. Mr. T Sairam Prasad, with over 30 years of experience in the trading sector at the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), has been elected as Senior Vice-President. Mr. B P Shashidhar, a B.E. graduate and past president of the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA), has been elected as Vice-President. Their combined expertise in agriculture, trading, and small-scale industry is expected to complement Ms. Reddy’s technocratic background.
Ms. Reddy, a recipient of the National Award from the Government of India and the Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award, embodies a unique blend of entrepreneurial success and dedicated policy advocacy. Her presidency is more than a symbolic milestone; it represents a concrete step towards a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient future for Karnataka’s trade and industry.
Key Quotes
For Attribution to Ms. Uma Reddy (Based on her stated positions):
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“My focus will be on empowering our MSMEs, fostering innovation, and ensuring that Karnataka’s growth is both inclusive and sustainable. This is a moment for new perspectives.”
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“As a technocrat and entrepreneur, I understand the challenges of scaling a business. We will strengthen the bridge between industry and policy to enhance global competitiveness.”
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“This role is a responsibility towards every woman entrepreneur in Karnataka. It signals that leadership is defined by capability, not gender.”
For Attribution to Industry Observers/Colleagues:
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“Uma Reddy brings a rare blend of technical depth and advocacy experience. Her ability to anticipate shifts, from AI to green energy, is precisely what industry bodies need today.”
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“This is a watershed moment for Karnataka’s business community. It reflects a progressive evolution in mindset and will inspire chambers across India.”
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“Her presidency is more than symbolic; it’s a strategic advantage for FKCCI, merging heritage with a transformative vision for the future.”
