New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Syed Nasim Ahmad Zaidi the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). He will assume his charge on April 19, an official statement said on Thursday.

Zaidi succeeds Chief Election Commissioner Harishankar Brahma, who demits the office on April 18.

Zaidi, a 1976 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, was appointed the election commissioner on August 7, 2012, by the president. He retired as civil aviation secretary on July 31, 2012.

Zaidi has served in various key positions, including Director General of Civil Aviation and chairman of the Airports Authority of India.

(Agencies)