The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) has announced the addition of Ambassador Rich Verma, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Mastercard, and Joakim Weidemanis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Johnson Controls, to its Board of Directors.

This marks Ambassador Verma’s second tenure on the USISPF board. At Mastercard, he oversees the company’s legal, government affairs, policy, franchise, corporate security, community, belonging, and global governance functions. He also serves on Mastercard’s Executive Leadership Team and Management Committee.

Welcoming the two leaders, USISPF President and CEO Mukesh Aghi said: “Few have done more for the U.S.-India relationship than Ambassador Verma. From his earliest days in the legal profession, to working on the Hill with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Rich has constantly worked to elevate the strategic partnership. His own story is a powerful one of diaspora success. Born to Indian immigrants, Rich epitomizes the people-to-people core of the relationship, in addition to bringing in the geostrategic expertise.”

Aghi described Weidemanis as an accomplished industry leader “who brings in a successful track record in leading global technology-driven businesses and has successfully scaled operations.” He noted that Weidemanis’ leadership emphasizes customer orientation, innovation, and continuous improvement.

USISPF Chairman John Chambers also extended congratulations, saying: “At USISPF, we continue to strive to add a roster of stellar talent to our Board of Directors. Rich and Joakim have very different backgrounds, but the same shared vision for our strategic partnership. Their combined experience in business and diplomatic affairs will be crucial in the next chapter of the U.S.-India collaboration – particularly around next-gen technology, which we know is a key area of opportunity for partnership. I look forward to working with them and seeing what new perspectives they can bring to our important vision.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Ambassador Verma said: “The US-India relationship is a cornerstone of global progress, especially as business and innovation drive new opportunities. USISPF plays a vital role in strengthening the partnership and unlocking possibilities for both nations. It’s an honor to rejoin the board.”

Ambassador Verma, a distinguished diplomat and policymaker, has been instrumental in shaping the U.S.-India strategic partnership. He most recently served as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources from 2023 to 2025 under the Biden administration. As U.S. Ambassador to India during the Obama administration, Verma deepened bilateral ties across defense, trade, and energy and coordinated President Obama’s historic second visit to India as the 2015 Republic Day Chief Guest — the only time a sitting U.S. President has visited India twice in office.

Weidemanis joins the USISPF Board for the first time. As CEO of Johnson Controls, he leads a global team dedicated to making mission-critical environments smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Under his leadership, the company is deploying cutting-edge technologies that enhance energy efficiency, decarbonization, and operational excellence. Before joining Johnson Controls, Weidemanis spent 13 years at Danaher Corporation, holding several senior leadership roles across healthcare, industrial, and utility technology divisions.

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