Chairman’s Profile
Syed M. Altaf Hussain, a legacy of visionary leadership, son of the distinguished entrepreneur Syed M. Wares Ali, who made significant contributions during the British and Pakistani eras, is a name synonymous with visionary leadership and steadfast dedication. As the Founding Vice Chairman and Sponsor Director of Pragati Insurance Limited (PIL), Mr. Hussain has been instrumental in shaping the company’s strategic path from its inception. Currently, he serves as the Chairman, Founding Chairman, and Sponsor Director of Pragati Life Insurance Limited (PLIL), where he also leads the Finance Committee, steering its financial and strategic initiatives with remarkable expertise.
Mr. Hussain began his academic journey at the University of Texas at Arlington (USA) and further enriched his knowledge through specialized courses in Grain Marketing and Agricultural Studies at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School and North Dakota State University. A frequent global traveler, he actively participates in international conferences and seminars, continuously broadening his insight and expertise. With a career spanning over four decades, Mr. Hussain has made impactful contributions across a diverse range of sectors including food grains, crop nutrition, food ingredients, bio-industrials, real estate development, information technology, financial services, and journalism.
Besides, he is the CEO of W&W Grains Corporation (Bangladesh) and W&W Grains Arco Pte. (Singapore), where he has led major trading operations in food grains, fertilizers, and agro-commodities. Notably, he has represented Cargill Inc. (USA) at the national level. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mr. Hussain serves as the Vice Chairman of National Housing Finance and Investments Limited (NHFIL), and sits on the boards of IIDFC Ltd. and IIDFC Securities Limited. He holds the position of the Vice President in the steering organisation of the listed companies, Bangladesh Association of Publicly Listed Companies (BAPLC). He also chairs IIDFC Capital Limited, further demonstrating his dynamic leadership in Bangladesh’s financial sector. Beyond the corporate sphere, Mr. Hussain has served as Chief Advisor for ATDP-II Projects funded by USAID and Cargill Technical Services (USA). He is also the Chairman of the Editorial Board of The Dainik Janata, a leading national daily newspaper in Bangladesh, underscoring his contributions to media and public discourse.
Mr. Hussain is actively involved in numerous professional and civic organizations. He holds memberships in the Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham), Australia-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ABCCI), and the Switzerland-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SBCCI). Internationally, he is affiliated with institutions like the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) and is a member of the Kurmitola Golf Club. He also serves as a donor member and life member of several social and religious organizations in Bangladesh, reflecting his enduring commitment to community service and philanthropy.
In every endeavour, Syed M. Altaf Hussain embodies excellence. His leadership continues to be a beacon of inspiration, not only for the insurance industry but across the broader business landscape of Bangladesh. His boundless ambition and commitment to success ensure that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
generations to come.
