The World Malayalee Council (WMC) has inducted a new global leadership team for its 2025–2027 term. The formal swearing-in ceremony took place at Sharjah, marking a leadership change across the organisation’s 78 global provinces.
Isaac John Pattaniparambil, a senior journalist based in the Gulf, has been elected as the council’s global chairman. He is currently managing editor at Khaleej Times, one of the region’s prominent English-language dailies. Having previously led the council from 2012 to 2018, his return to the post is seen as a continuation of long-standing ties with WMC.
Joining him is Baby Mathew Somatheeram, a tourism entrepreneur from Kerala, who has been named global president. He is known for his work in Ayurveda-based hospitality through his business Somatheeram Resorts. His involvement in WMC’s previous terms and roles was cited as a factor in the new appointment.
The event drew participation from several public figures, including former Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala, former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan, ex-chief secretary P.H. Kurian, and MLA Sanjeev Joseph. Their presence added weight to the event, although no formal policy discussions or announcements took place.
Among those sworn in were Moosa Koya from Al Kobar as general secretary, Thomas Chellath from Dallas as treasurer, and Johnny Kuruvilla from Muscat as global goodwill ambassador. Sasi Nadakkal from Kollam took charge as vice president (administration).
The broader executive team includes vice presidents, chairpersons, and coordinators representing WMC’s structure across 30 countries. The Women’s Forum will now be headed by Esther Isaac, with Anni Palliyath and Jameela Gulam taking up the roles of secretary and treasurer respectively.
The ceremony was organised by WMC Middle East, under the leadership of Santosh Ketteth, Vinesh Mohan, Rajeev Kumar, Judin Fernandes, and Thomas Joseph. The local team managed logistics and coordination for the multi-national gathering.
With the new team now officially in place, attention may shift to how the council positions itself in a changing diaspora landscape, and whether its structure can adapt to newer forms of global engagement.
