An Architect of Global Excellence
In the dynamic world of global business leadership, Bala V Sathyanarayanan stands out as an architect of global excellence. Renowned as a thought leader, distinguished orator, and esteemed Fortune 500 C-Suite Executive, Bala’s journey in the corporate realm has been marked by excellence, innovation, and a profound commitment to the highest standards of governance.
Currently presiding as the Chairman and Board Director for Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer Limited, a public industrial manufacturer in India, Bala’s influence resonates globally. His directorial roles also include contributing to the board of the Columbus Council for World Affairs and the Center for Executive Compensation in Washington, D.C. Bala’s dedication to elevating the highest standards of boardroom excellence is exemplified by his certification as an NACD Certified Corporate Director, the pinnacle of corporate director recognition in the United States.
Steering the helm of Greif, Inc., a venerable Fortune 500 industrial packaging powerhouse with over 147 years of legacy, Bala V Sathyanarayanan assumes the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. Within this dynamic leadership position, his stanch focus is on sculpting a world-class, diverse, and engaged workforce—an indispensable facet in propelling Greif towards its influential vision of becoming the preeminent performer in global customer service.
Embarking on a new chapter with Greif Inc. marks a pivotal milestone in Bala’s illustrious career. Founded in 1877, Greif is a global industrial packaging behemoth, actualizing its vision by delivering unparalleled industrial packaging and customer service across the globe.
Bala’s career trajectory exemplifies his strategic acumen and leadership prowess. Before affiliating with Greif, he played pivotal roles at Xerox Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Avaya Inc., Coca-Cola, and United Technologies/Otis Elevator Company. Bala’s global career, refined over two decades, reflects his commitment to cultivating engaged workforces that define and execute business strategies.
Educationally, Bala’s credentials encompass graduating from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He holds a Master of Human Resources Management (MHRM) degree from Rutgers University, an MBA in General Management from the University of Madras, and a BE in Electronics & Communications Engineering from SVCE.
A recipient of numerous global awards, Bala has been recognized among the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business by the Asian American Business Development Center, acknowledged as the Executive of the Year by Columbus CEO Magazine, and listed as one of the 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Follow in 2021 by CIO Insights Magazine.
Beyond accolades, Bala’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in service to others. Influenced by his parents, who instilled the values of joy in serving and paying benefits forward, Bala prioritizes helping others achieve their goals. His leadership style, shaped by experiences like being an Eagle Scout during school, emphasizes preparedness to serve others in ways that exceed their own visualized success.
Bala’s impact on the next generation goes beyond awards; it extends to coaching diverse individuals into CXO roles in major global firms and sponsoring emerging talents, providing them hope and opportunities.
His leadership mantra is potent and inspiring. “If we take care of our employees, the employees will take care of our customer, and if we take care of our customer, the customer will take care of our company.” His ideology underscores the importance of a symbiotic relationship between workforce satisfaction and business success.
Bala calls himself a “Relator,” fosters amicable spaces, building strong relationships that contribute to cohesive teams. His leadership strategy involves small gestures, like a smile or lending a helping hand, recognizing the profound impact they have on overall team dynamics.
Balancing personal and professional life, Bala acknowledges that integration is key. Despite the challenges of managing paradoxes, he emphasizes the importance of family support. In the virtual world, Bala finds a silver lining, spending more time with family than in the past decade of extensive travel.
Looking ahead, Bala envisions a bright future for Greif, focusing on market-creating innovations in industrial packaging globally. As a director on the board of Balmer Lawrie-Van Leer Limited and the Columbus Council for World Affairs, his commitment to driving positive change extends beyond his role at Greif.
Bala V Sathyanarayanan’s journey is an inspiring narrative of leadership, service, and global impact. His strategic vision, commitment to diversity, and emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between employee satisfaction and business success position him as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving landscape of global business leadership.
