The Committee for Economic Development (CED) recently recognized two Indian American business leaders, Raj Subramaniam and Nikesh Arora, for their exceptional leadership during challenging times. The awards were presented at a ceremony in New York where both Subramaniam, the President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, and Arora, CEO and Chairman of Palo Alto Networks, were honored with the CED Distinguished Leadership Awards.
The awards this year highlighted individuals who have worked towards advancing equal opportunity, promoting a more civil and just society, and upholding a rules-based international order in the face of economic uncertainty. Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, Co-Chair of the 2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards, praised the honorees for their agility, integrity, and commitment to making a positive impact within their companies, communities, and the global community.
Raj Subramaniam, who took over as the CEO of FedEx Corporation in June 2022, has been instrumental in revolutionizing the transportation and logistics industry with his innovative approaches. With over 30 years of experience at FedEx, Subramaniam’s leadership has brought about lasting changes within the company and beyond. He has also been recognized with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award for his outstanding achievements in India and abroad.
On the other hand, Nikesh Arora, who has led Palo Alto Networks through a significant transformation, has a diverse background in the tech industry. Before joining Palo Alto Networks, Arora held executive positions at SoftBank Group Corp and Google, Inc. His leadership at Palo Alto Networks has solidified the company’s position as a cybersecurity partner of choice for organizations worldwide.
Both Subramaniam and Arora bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective roles, contributing to the success of their companies and making a positive impact on the industries they operate in. Their dedication to collaboration with policymakers and commitment to navigating the complexities of the global landscape have been key factors in their recognition by the CED.
In addition to their professional achievements, both Subramaniam and Arora have also been actively involved in various organizations and initiatives outside of their corporate responsibilities. From serving on the boards of public companies to supporting non-profit organizations, their contributions extend beyond the business realm.
Overall, the recognition of Raj Subramaniam and Nikesh Arora by the CED highlights the importance of strong and visionary leadership in driving positive change and innovation in today’s business world. Their accomplishments serve as inspiration for aspiring leaders and underscore the value of integrity, responsibility, and collaboration in leadership roles.