Who is he?
Arun Kumar is the director general of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service and assistant secretary of Commerce for Global Markets. Kumar has had decades of experience in international business. Prior to his current post, he was a partner and a member of the board of directors at the services company KPMG. He founded and led the firm’s U.S.-India practice from 2007 to 2013.
Kumar has managed a string of technology companies, and mentored many entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley as well as in India.He also served on the board of directors of the U.S.-India Business Council.
Arun Kumar. Source U.S. Government Work.
Why is he in the news?
In his role at the Department of Commerce, Kumar leads the U.S. government’s trade and investment promotion efforts, and serves as the lead official advocating for better market access for U.S. exporters.
What can we expect from him?
Kumar’s extensive background in business, science and technology, and deep ties to Asia will be beneficial to the Obama administration’s efforts to deepen U.S. trade and investment relations with countries in the Asia Pacific. Expect him to remain Asia-focused as he advocates for U.S. businesses at a time when the United States is looking to increase its exports.
