Chander Jeena appointed general secretary at IOTA

IOTA membership embraces developers and suppliers of security features based on technologies that, in addition to holography, feature micro-lens arrays, micro-mirrors, plasmonics, nano-gratings, colour change, caustics, polarisation, photonic crystals, special print-generated effects or a combination of all of the above.

The move aligns with the organisation’s ongoing transformation as it broadens its operational scope, shapes its identity and strengthens its position in the international optical security technologies (OST) sector.

Responding directly to rapid developments in the field, IOTA has recently expanded its membership criteria, updated its articles of association and rebranded the Hologram Image Register as the Security Image Register (SIR), thereby reinforcing its role as a hub for OST innovation.

Broader association

Chander Jeena boasts extensive experience in anti-counterfeiting backed by degrees in industrial relations, public relations and communication.

From 2006 to 2023, Jeena led the India-based Secretariat of the Authentication Solution Providers' Association (ASPA) where he contributed to expanding its focus from a holography association to a broader association of providers of authentication and traceability technologies.

In addition to overseeing the development of ongoing operations, Jeena will also focus on expanding global membership, enhancing member engagement and strengthening partnerships with organisations such as Intergraf, the Counterfeit Intelligence Bureau and the Secure Identification Union in China, while in parallel leading efforts to drive the next phase of growth for IOTA.

Industry knowledge 

Dr Mark Deakes, chair of IOTA, commented: “Chander will be an asset to our organisation. His industry knowledge, experience, strategic insight and good relationship building skills make him particularly well-suited to support IOTA into its next phase of growth and development.”

Deakes added: “With a proven track record of building connections and relations with industry associations, Chander will help IOTA to achieve its mission of promoting a more inclusive and innovative ecosystem for optical security technologies, solutions and systems.”

Commenting on his appointment, Chander Jeena said: “I’m honoured to join IOTA at this exciting time. The organisation is evolving with a vision for the future, grounded in a strong legacy. I thank my predecessor, Micaal Sidorov, for his contributions and, of course, the IOTA Board for its trust in me. Together with the team, members and partners, we will work to enhance the optical security technologies ecosystem for the benefit of the industry and, indeed, society at large.”