By Sitaram Mewati
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has honoured CA Neeraj Ghei with the prestigious CA Women Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 at the World Forum of Accountants 2026, held in Greater Noida on February 1. The award recognises her exemplary contributions to the profession and industry over a distinguished career spanning four decades.
The award was presented by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Government of India, in the presence of senior members of the accounting fraternity and industry leaders. Instituted in 2023, the CA Women Excellence Awards acknowledge women chartered accountants who have made a lasting impact on the profession, business leadership and society.
Accepting the honour, CA Neeraj Ghei said the recognition reflected the enduring values of the profession. “While the profession continues to evolve with changing laws and technology, its foundation of integrity, independence and service to society remains constant. The trust placed in us by society must always be protected,” she said, encouraging younger professionals to uphold ethical standards.
A Chartered Accountant since 1985, Ghei began her professional journey with Mohinder Puri & Co. She later emerged as a prominent leader in the travel and tourism sector, playing a key role at SITA World Travel during a phase of rapid expansion and currently serving as Director at TRAC Representations (India) Private Limited.
In 1997, she became the first woman and the youngest President of the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) and also served on the Board of Trade constituted by the Ministry of Commerce, contributing to the industry’s recognition as an export sector.
Her leadership extended to the retail sector as Promoter Director of Select CITYWALK, Delhi. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in its merger with the Blackstone-sponsored Nexus Select Trust REIT, creating India’s first publicly listed retail real estate platform.
Beyond corporate success, Ghei remains actively engaged in philanthropy, supporting initiatives in healthcare, education and women empowerment through multiple charitable trusts.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
