Possibly the only father-son duo serving in senior positions in the Obama Administration, who also happen to be Indian-Americans, has announced to leave their positions for private sectors jobs.
Popularly known as Obama's Export Czar, Indian-American Suresh Kumar is the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade and Promotion, played a key role in achieving the ambitious goal of President Barack Obama in doubling exports in five years.
Kumar stewarded the Administration's export push through a period of extraordinary results: exports moved up from 11 per cent of GDP to 14 per cent on his watch and the country is on track to deliver Obama's goal of doubling exports by 2014.
His son, Aditya Kumar who serves as the Deputy Assistant to the Vice-President, Joe Biden, and Senior Advisor to his Chief of Staff also left Monday for the private sector.
"It is a coincidence," the father, Kumar said
"After two extraordinary years of leading the USFCS and achieving most of what I set out to do, I have informed the White House and the Department of my desire to return to the private sector. At their request, I will continue to serve until March 2, to facilitate a smooth transition," Suresh Kumar said in his 'dear colleague' letter to his team.
He is Director General of the US & Foreign Commercial Service.
During his two tenures, export has increased from 11 per cent of the GDP in 2009 to 14 per cent of the GDP in 2011.
"Your hard work has contributed to 16 per cent compounded annual growth in US exports since the launch of the National Export Initiative (NEI), and we are on track to deliver the President's goal of doubling exports between 2009 and 2014," Kumar wrote. Kumar also played a key role in improving India-US relationship.
