The US-India Business Council on Thursday announced the appointment of Ron Somers as the organisation's new president.

Somers, a US national who is often referred to as a 'Friend of India' for his long association with the country, will assume the leadership of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) on December 1, 2004.

"In this position, Somers will provide valuable leadership and focus to the premier organisation in the United States representing American business interests in India," USIBC said.

In addition to his corporate credentials, Somers has a long-standing association with India having stayed here for over a decade.

"The timing and selection of Somers as USIBC's president is significant given the major policy initiatives now underway between the US and India, including the economic dialogue and enhanced collaboration in the areas of defence, high technology, trade and investment," USIBC said.

At present, Somers serves on the board of directors of India's first private-sector oil exploration company, Hindustan Oil Exploration Corp.

Prior to this, he served as India's country manager for Unocal Corp and had the responsibility of developing commercial opportunities related to India's emerging natural gas market, strategic alliances, and maintaining government relations with key Indian states.