Two new Area Seventies sustained during October 2025 general conference

At the leadership session of the October 2025 general conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced and presented two new Area Seventies for a sustaining vote.

Bhanu K. Hiranandani, age 50, from Caracas, Venezuela, was called to serve in the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy, which covers the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico Areas. Hiranandani is an owner at Gandhi International and is currently serving as bishopric second counselor of the Caurimare Ward. His previous church service includes roles as bishop, stake presidency counselor, stake president, and Area Seventy. He is married to Digna and they have three children.

Fernando Vivas, age 48, also from Caracas, Venezuela, was likewise sustained to the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy. Vivas works as regional director for Seminaries and Institutes of Religion and currently serves as president of the Valencia Venezuela Los Sauces Stake. His prior positions include bishopric counselor, high councilor, stake presidency counselor, mission presidency counselor, and mission president. He is married to Dariana with three children.

According to church doctrine: “Area Seventies are leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called by the First Presidency to be ‘especial witnesses’ and to assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in ‘building up the church and regulating all the affairs’ and ‘preaching and administering the gospel’ in their assigned areas (Doctrine and Covenants 107:25, 34, 38). They act under the keys and direction of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.”

Area Seventies serve in specific geographic regions but may be assigned elsewhere if needed. Their service is not full-time; typically they serve for five years.

All Seventies hold equal authority within their office; however, some are designated General Authorities while others are designated Area Seventies.