Dipen Rughani GAICD

Executive Profile
Dipen Rughani is a recognised authority on Australia–India economic engagement, with over 29 years at the intersection of trade, investment, and public policy. As Founder and CEO of Newland Global Group (NGG), he leads Australia’s foremost bilateral advisory firm, trusted by corporates, governments, and institutions to deliver commercially astute, policy-aligned, and culturally attuned outcomes across the Indo-Pacific.

A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), Dipen is a board-level advisor and institutional strategist, known for aligning cross-border execution with geopolitical context. His leadership has enabled over 300 enterprises, from ASX/NSE-listed corporates to high-growth SMEs - successfully enter, scale, and navigate complexity across both markets.

NGG: Converting Bilateral Complexity into Strategic Opportunity
Under Dipen’s leadership, NGG operates at the forefront of government relations and commercial execution, providing end-to-end advisory services across:

• Market Strategy & Entry: Enabling cross-border growth through stakeholder mapping, regulatory navigation, and strategic support.
• Policy Engagement: Advising governments on bilateral frameworks, including contributions to the India Economic Strategy (Australia) and Australia Economic Strategy (India).
• Institutional Partnerships: Curating high-impact public–private dialogues, including official Industry Roundtables with the Government of India shaping CECA negotiations.
• Thought Leadership: Publisher of the Australia–India Business Case Studies Compendium, the definitive playbook for bilateral business success.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: Leveraging sport and diaspora engagement as strategic enablers of economic diplomacy.

Governance, Advisory & Leadership Appointments

Dipen brings extensive board and advisory experience across sectors and jurisdictions:

• Director, Polycab Australia (2021–present): Leading growth for India’s largest cable manufacturer (NSE: POLYCAB) in the Australian infrastructure sector.
• Independent Director, Wollongong Resources (JSPL) (2019–2024): Governance and sustainability oversight for a leading NSE-listed mining and energy group.
• Former National Chairman, Australia India Business Council (2012–2016): Elevated AIBC into a premier policy platform, initiating landmark events in collaboration with the Australian Financial Review and FICCI.
• Advisory Boards: Australia India Institute, FICCI Australia, India Global Week, NSW Government Ministerial Committees and International Education Taskforce.
• Multicultural Ambassador, Cricket Australia (2023–present): Driving strategic inclusion and bilateral engagement through sport diplomacy.

Strategic Influence & Global Engagement
Dipen has played a central role in shaping the bilateral narrative and policy environment through:

• Government Advisory: Consulted by federal and state governments on trade missions, diaspora strategy, and sectoral policy - from education exports to critical minerals.
• Summit Leadership: Curated signature bilateral events including PM Modi’s 2014 CEO Roundtable and the Australia–India Addresses, convening heads of government and ASX/BSE executives.
• Global Dialogues: Speaker and delegate at forums including Raisina Dialogue, Delhi Dialogue, UK–India Week, Asialink, and CII/FICCI business summits.

Philanthropy & Social Impact
As President of Anoopam Mission Australia, Dipen oversees community development initiatives across underdeveloped villages in Gujarat, supporting healthcare, education for women, and disability inclusion. His advocacy for inclusive economic participation has been integral to diaspora policy and Australia’s international education reform agenda.

Credentials

• GAICD, Australian Institute of Company Directors
• Recognised for cross-border execution, institutional trust, and deep operational insight across both public and private domains
• Extensive networks across ministerial, corporate, and community spheres in Australia and India

In a corridor defined by nuance and potential, Dipen offers a rare blend of boardroom credibility, government trust, and cross-cultural fluency. NGG’s track record of enabling high-value outcomes across policy, business, and diplomacy positions it as the partner of choice for clients navigating Australia–India opportunity.