RI President for 2028-2029 Announced
Rotary International has selected Bharat Pandya of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, to serve as RI President for 2028-29.
His selection places India back in the spotlight of Rotary’s global leadership and adds another name to the leadership succession already being prepared several years ahead.
So, who is Bharat Pandya, when does he officially become President-Nominee, and where does he fit in Rotary’s leadership succession?
RI President for 2028-2029 Announced
Rotary International has selected Bharat Pandya, a member of the Rotary Club of Borivli, Mumbai, India, to serve as Rotary International President for 2028-29.
Pandya was selected by Rotary International’s Nominating Committee for President. Under Rotary’s nomination process, he is expected to officially become President-Nominee on 15 September 2026, provided no duly proposed challenging candidate emerges.
For us at the Rotary Club of Kampala North, the announcement is another reminder that Rotary leadership is built years ahead — giving the organisation continuity while allowing successive leaders to prepare for their year of service.
Where Does Pandya Fit in the Succession?
Rotary’s leadership pipeline now looks like this:
The succession provides an interesting picture of Rotary’s international character, with three successive leaders coming from Africa, North America and Asia.
What Happens Next?
Pandya’s selection is not yet the final step.
In accordance with Rotary’s nomination process, there is a period during which a challenging candidate may be proposed. If there is no challenge, Pandya will officially become President-Nominee on 15 September 2026.
He would subsequently progress through Rotary’s leadership succession before assuming office as President of Rotary International on 1 July 2028.
For members of the Rotary Club of Kampala North, Bharat Pandya will therefore be a name to watch as Rotary begins preparing the leadership that will guide our global organisation in 2028-29.