Balchand is a client consultant at CLS and his business background is impressive. After graduating in Chemical Engineering and a master’s in business management, Balchand moved into global manufacturing, taking responsibility for manufacturing, supply chain and logistics for a multinational sewing thread group. He then moved into operational management in the oil & gas sector, managing all the plants across India.  “These were very full years, working as a senior operational manager, with responsibility for all aspects of running plants. A good knowledge of manufacturing processes is essential and makes the difference between success and just doing OK.”

Deciding to use his management experience differently, Balchand moved into IT and Business Consulting with a large Indian IT company, with a particular focus on supply chain, purchasing and supplier relationship management worldwide, developing clients in USA, Europe and SE Asia. 

“It is good to be able to use your own experience and expertise to help other companies develop. Every business is different; yet we share similar challenges. Because of my firsthand knowledge of the reality of manufacturing, supply chain and plant management, it makes it much easier to work as a consultant. I speak the same language as my clients and understand the pressures they face.”

In a change of direction, Balchand then became involved with 2 NGOs, involved in city-wide planning, environmental work and women empowerment.  Partnering with NGOs across the US and Europe has brought a new perspective to his work. Balchand was also a guest faculty at the School of Humanities in the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM), taking sessions in Supply Chain Management for their MBA students.

Now, we are delighted to have him working as a client consultant at CLS, helping to bring leadership solutions to businesses working in India & South Asia. Balchand loves to learn and grow as a person, so this new role should suit him well. He has worked with clients in many sectors and locations and has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by global businesses which CLS works with

Whenever he is not working, Balchand loves gardening and spend time with his family. He is also currently learning to play the flute, which is more challenging than it may sound. “It is not an easy instrument, it’s much harder than it looks!”