New High Sheriff for Wiltshire and Swindon 2023-24

A new High Sheriff for Wiltshire was sworn in on Friday 31 March 2023, in a ceremony dating back to Saxon times.

Mr Pradeep Bhardwaj made his Declaration and acceptance at St Mark's Church, Swindon, taking over the role from Lady Lansdowne. Over 200 guests attended the ceremony and the following reception, which included some amazing cultural showcase displays. 

Mr Pradeep Bhardwaj is a Senior Strategy Director and Head of Industry Standards in the mobile industry, working for Syniverse, a portfolio company of The Carlyle Group. Pradeep is an industry expert in leading-edge technologies such as 5G and has over 30 years of experience. He has been a part of a few historical moments, including setting up India's first public email service, public internet service and electronic data interchange service; setting up mobile and international telecom services in the Seychelles; and a stint in Australia designing a mobile satellite-based telecommunication system.

Pradeep is also a trustee of three local charities and governor of New College, Swindon.

Pradeep has received many awards, but he takes most pride as a Social worker and as a community champion for the cause of Equality and Diversity, with a passion to bring people together. The accomplishment he cherishes the most is establishing the first Hindu Temple in Swindon and Wiltshire, to enhance the lives of thousands of people.

Pradeep has chosen the theme of inclusion for his High Sheriff term, promoting and celebrating equality, diversity, and inclusion in every aspect of our society to bring a positive change. Although through the years, Pradeep has been working relentlessly to connect individuals and communities to increase societal inclusion and create opportunity for all, he aims to bring a sharper focus during his term to empower and promote social, political, and economic inclusion by breaking down barriers for participation and involvement.

Pradeep said: Bringing People Together is a journey as well as the beginning and the end. It is the goal as well as the means and process.