Nigel Austin joined the Chaîne in 1993 as a Chevalier, being first promoted to Argentier then to Chancelier ultimately becoming Bailli Délégué in 2000.

One of the most prominent and well-known businessmen in Sri Lanka, his sphere of activities includes packaging (Nisol Corrugated Cartons), diamond cutting, as well as the export of fresh fruits and vegetables. Nigel has held positions on the Boards of several public quoted companies.

Outside of his commercial interests, Nigel has the distinction of being the youngest Commodore to serve the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club in 1974. He has been a past President of the Sri Lanka Association for Motor Sports and a Committee Member of the Sri Lanka Turf Club.

Nigel's general interests include motor sports, classic cars, a passion for horses and boating. In the area of Sri Lankan motor sport, he dominated the motor rallying scene in the mid-1970s, regularly winning major events.

As an owner of racehorses, Nigel had the distinction of winning the prestigious Governor's Cup in 2000, 2002 and 2005.

Nigel is currently a Trustee of the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon (DBU). He was President of the DBU from 2008-2012 at which time the DBU celebrated its Centenary.

Nigel is additionally a Trustee of the prestigious Colombo Club having been its Chair for two years in 2019-20. The Club is aimed at the businessperson; it has over 400 members and welcomes both men and women. One of the oldest Clubs in Asia and the second oldest in Sri Lanka, it was established in 1871 and celebrated 150 years in 2021.

At the International Annual General Meeting of the Chaîne in Nice on Saturday, June 10, 2023, Nigel’s appointment was confirmed as a Member of the Conseil Magistral. He was inducted with due ceremony by International Vice-President Marie Jones at the Chapitre of the Bailliage of Thailand in Bangkok on July 22nd.