Kolkata, 30^th April 2025: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) announced the appointment of Ms. Smita Chatterji, Founder and CEO of Centreax Group, as the Chairperson of the Indian Women Network (IWN) – West Bengal Chapter for the 2025–26 term. In a parallel development, Ms. Chatterji has also been elected as a member of the CII West Bengal State Council for 2025–26, establishing her as one of the state’s foremost voices in industry, innovation and gender inclusion.

A pioneering first-generation entrepreneur, Ms. Chatterji leads the Centreax Group—comprising Centreax Technologies and Centreax Textiles—with flagship consumer brands such as Shu Sam & Smith and Haathe Bona. Under her leadership, the group has delivered digital transformation solutions across banking, insurance, education, manufacturing and agro sectors, with sustainability and ethical governance at the core of its mission. Notably, her ventures introduced India’s first end-to-end sustainability solution for the tea industry, addressing climate and compliance challenges in one of the country’s most heritage-rich sectors.

Her election to both roles comes at a critical time, as India targets a $5 trillion economy and pushes key national missions including Viksit Bharat @2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India. With her new leadership responsibilities, Ms. Chatterji is expected to drive convergence across technology, gender parity and sustainable industrial policy in West Bengal-a state poised for accelerated growth but still navigating structural disparities.

A consistent advocate for responsible entrepreneurship, Ms. Chatterji has been recognised by the Indian Chemical Council for her work in industrial safety and best practices. She has served as an interlocutor at major policy forums, including the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, where she championed entrepreneurship-led policy changes that culminated in the state government announcing a women-exclusive industrial park and a dedicated entrepreneur support cell at IPICOL.

As Chairperson of CII IWN West Bengal, she will focus on strengthening mentorship networks, advancing digital and vocational skills among women in Tier II and Tier III cities and collaborating with policymakers to create enabling environments for women-led businesses. Mental health, workplace wellbeing and emotional resilience-long under-addressed aspects of leadership-will also be central to IWN’s agenda under her stewardship.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms. Smita Chatterji said, “Being nominated is a privilege but to be elected is an honour I deeply value. This is an opportunity to bridge gaps, build resilient ecosystems and ensure that women not only participate in but also shape the future of industry in West Bengal.”

She added, “IWN is not just a network—it is a movement. A movement to nurture the potential of women who are often underestimated or underserved. My goal is to strengthen this ecosystem, especially for women from Tier II and III cities, so they become confident contributors and creators in their industries.”