Bala V. Sathyanarayanan is the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of Greif Inc., renowned for his strategic leadership and innovative approach to human capital management. With a proven track record of driving organizational excellence, he is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that empowers talent and fuels business growth. He is also a distinguished thought leader and sought-after speaker, widely recognized as a respected C-Suite Executive in the Fortune 500 arena.
Currently, the innovative leader holds the positions of Chairman and Board Director at Balmer Lawrie – Van Leer Limited, a public industrial manufacturer in India. Bala also serves as a Director on the board of the Columbus Council for World Affairs, a Columbus, USA-based educational organization, and is a board member at the Center for Executive Compensation in Washington, D.C. He is an NACD Certified Corporate Director, the highest recognition for corporate directors in the U.S., reflecting his dedication to boardroom excellence.
Before joining Greif, the innovative leader was an EVP at Xerox Corporation, leading Human Resources and Business Transformation for its Technology Business across 145 countries. He also has experience from roles in Hewlett-Packard, Avaya Inc., Coca-Cola, and United Technologies/Otis Elevator Company. His proven ability to execute action plans across leadership levels has consistently resulted in heightened employee engagement and the successful implementation of training systems across business functions.
Bala earned his credentials from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, 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. Recognized with numerous global awards, he has been listed among the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business by the AABDC, named Executive of the Year by Columbus CEO Magazine, and honored as one of the Top Inspiring Business Leaders of the Year by Industry Wired Magazine in 2020, as well as one of the 10 Most Influential Business Leaders to Follow in 2021 by CIO Insights Magazine.
In his role as EVP and CHRO at Greif, a global leader in industrial packaging with a 147-year history, Bala focuses on building a world-class, diverse workforce aligned with Greif’s vision of being the top-performing customer service company worldwide. He is responsible for a wide range of strategic and operational functions. His key roles include partnering with senior executives to provide HR solutions and coaching, and leading workforce planning and development initiatives. He also plays a crucial role in change management, compensation planning, and using data-driven insights for decision-making.
Additionally, the innovative leader focuses on effective stakeholder communication and supports the company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including achieving global gender pay parity and ensuring women hold at least 30% of leadership roles by 2025. Finally, he oversees the attainment of critical certifications, such as the Safe Quality Food (SQF) certification at their Windsor Locks Manufacturing Facility in Connecticut.
A Global Leader In Industrial Packaging
Greif is a leading global supplier of industrial packaging products and services, with operations in over 42 countries and more than 250 locations. Its product range includes Industrial Packaging Products, Rigid and flexible packaging solutions, Containerboard, coated recycled paperboard, uncoated recycled paperboard, Industrial and corrugated products, Sustainability and Environmental Impact Tools. The Greif Green Tool is a versatile calculator that uses independent life cycle data to assess the environmental impact of Greif’s industrial packaging.
Furthermore, it helps customers understand emissions and the environmental footprint of various container options. Additionally, the company provides recycling services to support sustainability efforts. It also focuses on digital solutions to improve user experiences and drive growth, ensuring that its digital products meet market needs. Greif prioritizes customer support through proactive communication and collaboration, aiming to help customers reduce costs, waste, and emissions while achieving their sustainability goals.
Results-Oriented Culture
At Greif, the team thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a strong sense of community, driven by a results-oriented culture. The company empowers team members to think creatively, take ownership, and embrace calculated risks, fostering an environment that supports innovation. Clear communication and shared goals ensure alignment with the broader organizational vision, while celebrating successes boosts motivation. It also emphasizes continuous improvement through reflection and feedback, and prioritizes collaborative problem-solving to strengthen team spirit and achieve results.
Future Roadmap
As CHRO of Greif, Bala has laid out several key initiatives for the year 2025, aimed at improving customer service, advancing sustainability efforts, and fostering a people-first culture.
- Creating Thriving Communities: Strengthen and enhance a people-first culture by boosting engagement to a top quartile level across OneGreif. Grow into a world-class learning organization by utilizing GEMBA and Lean Six Sigma globally, increasing colleagues’ digital IQ, and maintaining a robust cybersecurity defense strategy.
- Delivering Legendary Customer Service: Enhance the Customer Service Index (CSI) reporting and actions. Improve the digital customer experience through AI, CDP globalization, and apps. Execute thorough account planning and implement an integrated business planning process.
- Protecting Their Future: Expand and scale lifecycle services while building compliant Post-Consumer Resin (PCR). Continue to implement profitable initiatives that reduce the overall carbon footprint. Advance 2030 sustainability goals by implementing greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction actions, accelerating PCR production and use, and expanding waste reduction efforts.
These initiatives align with Greif’s broader strategy to drive growth, improve operational excellence, and ensure sustainable and responsible business practices.
Facing Challenges Head-On
According to Bala, being a successful CHRO involves navigating several challenges. One key challenge is aligning global teams, roles, and responsibilities with the company’s goals, which is essential for long-term success and customer satisfaction. Another challenge is creating a positive employee experience in a global context, where cultural differences and regional expectations must be addressed.
The innovative leader also needs to manage the complexities of digital transformation, ensuring a personalized and effective digital employee experience. Bala finds motivation in a deep commitment to the company’s mission, focusing on engagement, personal recognition, and servant leadership, which ultimately enhances both employee well-being and customer service.
Servant Leadership Style
Bala describes his leadership style as “Servant Leadership,” which centers on serving others and creating a significant impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. He believes in energizing key missions, helping stakeholders gain clarity, and inspiring others to pursue their goals and dreams with hope and determination.
Success Mantra
Bala’s success mantra is about building a world-class, motivated, diverse, and engaged workforce to help Greif achieve its global vision of being the top customer service company. As both a strategist and activist, He fosters innovation and balances current management with long-term global success, embodied in the “Build to Last” strategy.
Words of Wisdom
As an innovative leader, Bala emphasizes the importance of leadership engagement and development, urging leaders to deepen colleague engagement, share best practices, and align their teams with the company’s strategic goals. He highlights the value of regular 1-on-1 meetings to address team member issues and foster independent problem-solving. Additionally, Bala advocates for leaders to be both strategists and activists, promoting innovation and creating inclusive environments that balance work and personal life.
