The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), a non-profit industry body representing the authentication and traceability solutions industry since 1998, has announced the election of its new governing body for the term 2025–2027. The elections were held during the association’s Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, 11 September 2025.
The newly elected governing body consists of Ankit Gupta, joint managing director of Holostik India, as president; Nakul Pasricha, MD and CEO of PharmaSecure, as vice president; Sanjay Kumbhat, director of Kumbhat Holographics, as general secretary; and Saurabh Agarwal, vice president and general manager at Avery Dennison, South Asia, as treasurer. Manoj Kochar, director of Holoflex, serves as the ex-officio past president, while Smitesh Surana, director of Everest Holovisions, is a governing body member, and Ranesh Bajaj, director of Vinsak, has been co-opted as a governing body member.
The governing body of 2023–2025 made tremendous strides in strengthening ASPA’s position as a trusted voice in the fight against counterfeiting, smuggling, and illicit trade. Through focused industry reports, collaborations with global stakeholders, policy advocacy, and capacity-building initiatives, ASPA has emerged as a key enabler of authentication and traceability solutions across industries including pharmaceuticals, FMCG, food and beverages, agrochemicals, automotive, and consumer durables.
With the new governing body at the helm, the Association will continue to strengthen advocacy and policy engagement through closer collaboration with government and regulatory agencies to drive anti-counterfeiting policies and traceability frameworks. It will expand awareness and knowledge sharing by publishing research reports, organizing seminars, and conducting campaigns to reach brand owners, consumers, and policymakers. ASPA will also encourage innovation and best practices by promoting the adoption of cutting-edge authentication technologies and ensuring members adhere to global standards. Finally, it will foster industry collaboration and networking, building stronger partnerships with stakeholders worldwide to create a united front against counterfeiting and illicit trade.
Newly elected as president of ASPA, Ankit Gupta addressed the members and shared his vision for the association, “It is an absolute honor to be elected as the president of ASPA and to have the opportunity to lead our industry association alongside such an accomplished governing body. Over the next two years, we are committed to making this journey memorable marked by learning, growth, collaboration, and strong advocacy for our collective cause. I deeply acknowledge and thank our industry seniors, including Manoj Kochar, Luv Shriram, Nakul Pasricha, and many others who have steered the path of ASPA over the last 25 years. On a personal note, this moment is especially meaningful as I follow in the footsteps of my late father, Shri UK Gupta, who once held this very position. I am humbled to carry forward his legacy, and I am sure he would be proud to see life come full circle. I also extend my gratitude to my colleagues at Holostik for their constant support. Together with our members, we will strive to make the world a safer and counterfeit-free place.”
With its renewed leadership and clear vision, ASPA is poised to further strengthen its role as an industry catalyst in the fight against counterfeiting and illicit trade. The Association remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding brands, protecting consumers, and promoting innovation-driven authentication and traceability solutions that contribute to a secure and transparent economy.
