IOTA appoints Chander Jeena as new general secretary

Chander Jeena brings experience in anti-counterfeiting to his new role, supported by degrees in industrial relations, public relations, and communication. From 2006 to 2023, Jeena served as the head of the India-based secretariat of the Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA), where he was instrumental in expanding its focus beyond holography to include a wider range of authentication and traceability technologies.

In his new capacity, Jeena will oversee the development of ongoing operations, with a particular focus on expanding global membership, enhancing member engagement, and strengthening partnerships with key organisations, such as Intergraf, the Counterfeit Intelligence Bureau, and the Secure Identification Union in China. He will also lead efforts to drive the next phase of growth for IOTA.

Dr Mark Deakes, the chair of IOTA, said, "Chander Jeena's industry knowledge, experience, strategic insight, and good relationship-building skills make him well-suited to support IOTA into its next phase." 

He added, "With a proven track record in building connections and relations with industry associations, he will help IOTA achieve its mission to promote a more inclusive and innovative ecosystem for optical security technologies, solutions, and systems."

Chander Jeena said, "I am honoured to join IOTA at this exciting time. The association is evolving with a vision for the future, grounded in a strong legacy.

Jeena added, "Together with the team, members, and partners, we will work to enhance the optical security technologies ecosystem for the benefit of the industry and society at large."

IOTA's membership encompasses a range of developers and suppliers of security features, utilising technologies such as holography, micro-lens arrays, micro-mirrors, plasmonics, nano-gratings, colour change, caustics, polarisation, photonic crystals, and special print-generated effects. The association has recently broadened its operational scope, updated its articles of association, and rebranded its Hologram Image Register as the Security Image Register (SIR) to reinforce its role as a hub for OST innovation.