Francesco Arezzo Takes Office As President Of Rotary International, Two Indians As Rotary International Directors
New Delhi, July 14 (TNA) Francesco Arezzo, member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has officially begun his term as President of Rotary International for 2025–26. Subsequently, from India, K.P. Nagesh, Rotary Club of Bangalore Highgrounds, Karnataka and M. Muruganandam, Rotary Club of Bhel City Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, have been appointed as RI Directors for a two-year term (2025-27).
Arezzo, a Rotary member for more than 30 years, will be the third Italian and the first from southern Italy to lead the global membership organisation. During his term, Arezzo will focus on advancing Rotary’s mission of unity and inclusion under the banner of ‘Unite for Good’, recognising its profound relevance in today’s world.
“Rotary’s greatest strength lies in its ability to unite people of all cultures and generations through a shared commitment to doing good,” said Arezzo. “As we look ahead, I am committed to building on this legacy – working together to advance peace, understanding, and opportunity around the world.”
As head of Rotary’s global network of 46,000 clubs, Arezzo will also oversee Rotary’s top goal of eradicating polio. Alongside its Global Polio Eradication Initiative partners, Rotary has achieved a 99.9% reduction in polio cases and contributed more than US$2.6 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children from this paralysing disease.
Flt. Lt. K.P. Nagesh is a decorated Indian Air Force veteran, successful entrepreneur, and social changemaker. He joined Rotary as a member of his club in 1995. A trailblazing Rotarian and past District Governor, he is known for record-breaking membership growth and impactful service projects. In 2015–16, while serving as a district Governor, he led transformative initiatives that resulted in the addition of over 2,000 new members and the chartering of 52 new clubs, with a notable rise in women’s participation.
M Murganandam’s Rotary journey began at just 16, when he joined Rotaract and participated in polio immunisation drives in remote communities. A first-generation entrepreneur, educator, and social leader from Tamil Nadu, he has championed youth empowerment, skill development, and inclusive service across India.
He went on to become one of the youngest district governors in 2016-17, leading record-setting initiatives recognised by Guinness World Records. His leadership has been marked by a strong focus on youth empowerment, literacy, health care, and women’s safety.