Archive · 7 Jan 2026
A Sakthivel Reappointed AEPC Chairman for Fifth Term
A Sakthivel, a well-known leader in the apparel industry, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for the fifth time.
He has been a part of the AEPC board for 43 years and has helped make Tiruppur a big center for knitwear exports.
The government supports the textiles industry, and Sakthivel wants to work with them to grow exports, deal with challenges like new US tariffs, and focus on making clothes from man-made fibers.
He has received many awards for his work, including the Padma Shri.
A Sakthivel, Founder of Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd, begins his fifth term as AEPC Chairman in January 2026.
He has been a board member of AEPC for 43 years and has significantly contributed to India's apparel export growth.
Sakthivel aims to expand market access, leverage FTAs, and address challenges like sustainability compliance and US tariffs.
He emphasizes the production of Man-Made Fibre (MMF) garments and medical textiles, which led to MMF's inclusion in the PLI Scheme.
Sakthivel has received the Padma Shri (2009) and an honorary Doctor of Literature degree (2011) for his contributions.
- Who
- A Sakthivel, Founder of Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd and Chairman of AEPC
- What
- Assumed charge as AEPC Chairman for the fifth term
- When
- January 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To expand market access, leverage FTAs, address sustainability compliance, and enhance India’s share in global apparel trade
- Name
- A Sakthivel
- Company
- Poppys Knitwear Pvt Ltd
- Position
- Chairman, AEPC
- Term Duration
- Fifth term, January 2026
- Board Membership Duration
- 43 years
- Exports Growth
- ₹15 crore (1984) to ₹45,000 crore (2024–25)
- Awards
- Padma Shri (2009), Honorary Doctor of Literature (2011)
