Turning Corporate Goals into Human Impact
Dr Ramesh V Sasanur
Global Head & Executive Director and CEO
Turning Corporate Goals into Human Impact
Dr Ramesh V Sasanur
Global Head & Executive Director and CEO
Bhoruka Welfare (Bhoruka Group of Companies)
As the global clock ticks louder on climate goals, ESG compliance, and ethical capitalism, most companies are racing to retrofit responsibility into their business models. But Dr. Ramesh V Sasanur is not like most CEOs. While many leaders treat sustainability as a checkbox on corporate agendas, he has dedicated over two decades to embedding it into the very DNA of his organisation, transforming it from a boardroom buzzword into a guiding business principle. Today, he serves as the Global Head and Executive Director of ESG, CSR, Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion, as well as the CEO of BHORUKA Welfare. In this role, he leads with a blueprint that merges profit with purpose, scale with sensitivity, and growth with grounded impact. His journey, shaped by leadership roles at Oxfam India, MYRADA, World Bank and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency-supported projects, and Avantha Group, Global Green one of the renowned Business Conglomerates in India and Vicat SA ( Bharti Cement ) is a French company manufacturing cement France and India has taken him across sectors and geographies. At BHORUKA Group, which operates across power, steel, mining, and tech parks, Dr. Sasanur institutionalised ESG practices well before regulations demanded it. He has aligned the company’s strategy with global frameworks, including the GRI and IFC standards, while also promoting diversity, ethical governance, and tangible impact in the real world. In a special conversation with TradeFlock, Dr. Ramesh V Sasanur shares his vision, reflects on the challenges of building a valuesfirst corporate culture, and explains why true leadership is measured not by quarterly returns but by generational impact.
What does ethical profitability mean to you?
I’ve always believed that business should be as much about impact as it is about income. For me, ethical profitability is the sweet spot where purpose and performance intersect. It’s about striking a balance between financial success and social responsibility, where every decision is guided not just by profit margins, but by principles. Over the years, I’ve seen how prioritising ethics builds more than just numbers;
"“By prioritising ethics, we build a strong brand reputation, drive customer loyalty, and ensure sustainable growth."
it builds reputation, trust, and loyalty. That mindset doesn’t just feel right—it pays off in the long run. It adds real, lasting value to your brand, your products, and ultimately, your bottom line.
What’s your leadership mantra for driving change in profit focused companies?
I’ve always seen leadership as the art of realignment—bringing purpose and profit onto the same path. In traditionally profit-driven spaces, my mantra is to anchor business goals in social and environmental responsibility. I believe the most impactful strategies are those that consider people, planet, and profit together. By integrating social and environmental considerations into business priorities, we can create a sustainable, long-term impact. It’s not just about launching initiatives—it’s about nurturing them until they reshape culture. What excites me is seeing this shift become more than a trend. Today, systemic change is possible because more leaders are realising that sustainability isn’t a choice—it’s the smartest business strategy we have.
"Success is also defined by community collaboration and their active participation in our journey. When impact is shared, and satisfaction runs deep—that’s when I know we’ve truly succeeded."
How do you bring empathy into sustainability strategies across countries?
Empathy is the thread that ties our strategy together, no matter the geography. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Whether it’s India, Indonesia, Australia, or Singapore, we listen first, understanding local needs, cultures, and challenges before designing any sustainability program. It’s about showing up with respect and curiosity, not assumptions. That’s how we build trust, create meaningful community impact, and deliver solutions that last.
What was your toughest stakeholder alignment issue— and how did you turn it around?
Starting my journey at the grassroots taught me one thing early on—every stakeholder sees the world differently. In projects with the World Bank, NABARD, or SIDA, the toughest part was never the paperwork—it was aligning those diverse perspectives. But over time, I learned that every assignment demands a tailored approach, not just a plan. That belief helped me turn complexity into collaboration every single time.
What does success mean to you today?
These days, success feels less like a trophy and more like a ripple. It’s about seeing our work spark real change and knowing that stakeholders and communities are genuinely part of that journey.
What’s something outside work that fuels your leadership energy or CSR thinking?
I get my best ideas away from the desk. Whether it’s diving into a good book, hitting the field for a game, or reflecting on life’s deeper questions, these moments recharge me. I also love connecting with peers—those conversations often spark fresh thinking. Stepping back helps me return with sharper ideas and a clearer purpose. It’s in that balance of mind, body, and spirit that new perspectives and impactful CSR ideas start to form.
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