November 5, 2026
Building on decades of institutional experience, he will focus on member value, market development and a stronger global voice for pulses. His proposed priorities reflect an approach that connects the commercial realities of the trade with wider opportunities in nutrition, food security, farmer prosperity and agricultural innovation.
Sudhakar Tomar, GPC's newly elected Executive Vice President, brings more than 25 years of experience within the organisation to his new role.
The GPC Board has elected Sudhakar Tomar as its new Executive Vice President, bringing more than 25 years of experience within the organisation to its executive leadership.
A longstanding member of the GPC Board, Mr. Tomar has contributed across several areas, including communications, sponsorships, fundraising, conventions and international advocacy. His election marks a new stage in that involvement, with a focus on translating his institutional experience into practical goals for the organisation and its members.
“My priority is to strengthen GPC as an inclusive global platform that delivers tangible value to all stakeholders in the pulses sector from farmers to consumers”, Mr. Tomar says. “We must expand the pulse sector by wider partnerships and practical initiatives that expand both production and consumption.”
Mr. Tomar's participation in GPC dates back to 2000, during the CICILS–IPTIC era. In 2001, he was elected Vice Chair for the MENA region, beginning a long period of involvement in the organisation's development.
He played a key role in relocating GPC's headquarters to Dubai, working with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the city's commodities community, a move that generated estimated savings of US$ 500,000.
Fundraising has also been a defining part of his work. Over eight years, Mr. Tomar helped raise around US$ 4 million in sponsorships supporting GPC's activities. He was also involved in the promotion efforts surrounding the UN International Year of Pulses in 2016, helping bring the industry's message to a wider international audience.
In 2025, he represented the pulse industry at the FAO World Food Forum and the Hand-in-Hand Investment Forum in Rome, connecting the role of pulses with broader discussions on food security, agricultural investment and sustainable production.
He has also shared insights into his professional journey and his work across India and the Middle East in an earlier Pulse Pod interview.
Mr. Tomar received the GPC President's Award in 2024 and is also due to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award during Gulfood 2027. At the same event, on November 3, he participated in the Tech Talk panel “Driving Operational Excellence with the Use of AI”, exploring the role of artificial intelligence in improving operational performance.
Mr. Tomar has played an active role in strengthening GPC's global presence and building relationships across the international pulse industry.
In outlining his priorities as EVP, Mr. Tomar has emphasised the importance of building on GPC's ongoing work to deliver value to its membership and strengthen its position within the wider global food system.
His proposed agenda includes a more coordinated approach to expanding pulse production, consumption and awareness, working with national associations, governments, food manufacturers, chefs and nutrition organisations. He also sees opportunities to accelerate the development of convenient pulse-based foods, flours and ingredients, and to bring pulses into more institutional menus and everyday meals.
Member engagement is another central focus. Mr. Tomar has proposed a comprehensive member survey and structured dialogue with national associations, followed by an agreed action plan with defined responsibilities, timelines and regular progress reporting. He has also highlighted the importance of creating greater opportunities for young professionals and underrepresented regions.
On international trade, his priorities include strengthening dialogue between exporting and importing countries, improving the exchange of reliable market information and addressing logistical and regulatory barriers. He also advocates closer collaboration across the value chain, bringing farmers, processors, financial institutions, researchers, technology companies and international organisations into GPC's work.
Mr. Tomar has contributed to GPC's development across communications, sponsorships, fundraising, conventions and international advocacy.
Diversifying the GPC's financial resources and strengthening its international influence complete the proposed agenda.
“Our greatest opportunity is to grow the market, not merely compete for market share. Pulses sit at the intersection of some of the world’s biggest challenges: food security, affordable nutrition, sustainable agriculture and farmer prosperity”, says Mr. Tomar. “The pulse community is on a movement to double global pulse production and consumption in a very short time. Leading this charge is the lifeblood of the pulse sector, our Global Pulse Confederation, providing the neutral, global gravitas needed to unite farmers, consumers, trade, national associations, policymakers, and innovators. The Global Pulse Confederation is the unbiased bridge for a sustainable food systems revolution.”
GPC leadership / Sudhakar Tomar / global pulse trade / member engagement / pulse market development / international advocacy
Disclaimer: The opinions or views expressed in this publication are those of the authors or quoted persons. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Global Pulse Confederation or its members.
