Speakers
Born and raised in Calcutta (as distinct from Kolkata) – Sandip spent the better part of his working life away from the city. He loves all things Bengali – but is deeply critical of today’s Bengal and state of its people.
A Chartered Accountant by qualification, he is an alumnus of Don Bosco School (Park Circus) and St Xavier’s College, Calcutta. Starting as a Management Trainee at Hindustan Lever (Unilever, India) in 1983, Sandip had a fast-track illustrious career in leadership roles across functions – Finance, Supply Chain and Sales – culminating in a senior general management role. He was the Country Manager and Managing Director of Unilever Nepal between 1998 – 2002.
Sandip’s experience includes a long stint in media – where he worked for the ABP (Ananda Bazar Patrika) Group and HT Media (Hindustan Times). At ABP, he was the business head for its English publications – The Telegraph and Businessworld. He was instrumental in launching the Mumbai Edition of Hindustan Times. He remains deeply interested in the Indian Media industry.
In 2007, he joined the senior leadership team of Lafarge India – where he was the longest serving Sales Director for its Cement business (2011-2015). Prior to that he also handled the Corporate Affairs (Public Affairs and Advocacy), Communication, Stakeholder Management and CSR functions.
He is presently the Executive President, Sales, Marketing and Logistics at Birla Corporation – the flagship company of the M P Birla Group – part of the core team that has been entrusted with growth and transformation of the organisation.
Sandip has been a blogger of over 15 years standing (since 2001). His interests are eclectic ranging from Politics and Current Affairs to Good Life, Relationships and Spirituality. His experiences are generously doused with fine Scotch Whisky (Seagram’s 100 Pipers being his favourite tipple).
Being an intrinsically people’s person – over the years Sandip has mentored and coached many young professionals. He is an ICF (International Coach Federation) accredited PCC Coach. He offers personalised coaching on Leadership and Life Issues to young professionals and students.
Gen. Manoj M Naravane
Former Chief of the Army Staff
Prasoon Joshi
Chairperson, CBFC
Lt. Gen. Surendra Kulkarni
Director, Mayo College, Ajmer
Sandeep Unnithan
Editor, News9 Plus
Pawan Khera
Chairman, Media & Publicity Deptt. All India Congress Committee.
Dr. Anand Ranganathan
Scientist and an Author
Vikas Bhale, IAS
Principal Secretary, Labour, Factory & Boiler Inspection & Medical & Health
Pallavi Ghosh
Senior Editor, CNN News18
Advaita Kala
Screen Writer and Author
Mala Sharma
VP & GM, Adobe
Prof. Dipankar Sengupta
Professor of Economics at the University of Jammu