The government today appointed management consultant Arun Maira,as a member of the Planning Commission. Maira has served in Tata Motors,and was also on its board from 1981 to 1989. In 1989,he joined Arthur D. Little Inc. in the US and led the North American Manufacturing Management practice and the Global Organisation practice. He was also MD of Innovation Associates,an ADL subsidiary. He has also authored several books on leadership and organisation,including Remaking India and Shaping the Future. He is the eighth member to join the commission.