Harsha Balachandra

Harsha Balachandra Email and Phone Number

Head of Business and Integrator @ Square44 (Brand & Packaging Design Agency)
Bangkok, TH
Harsha Balachandra's Location
Myanmar, Myanmar
Harsha Balachandra's Contact Details

Harsha Balachandra work email

Harsha Balachandra personal email

About Harsha Balachandra

A dynamic, committed professional with extensive international experience in marketing, and developing & implementing corporate strategy at senior management level, with a proven track record of delivering business results. Possesses excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain productive internal and external relationships. Enjoys leading well motivated teams in highly pressurised and challenging working environments.Specialties: Commercial Business Management • Strategy Development & Implementation • Brand Management • Marketing • Product Development • People Development • Cross-Functional Collaboration

Harsha Balachandra's Current Company Details
Square44 (Brand & Packaging Design Agency)

Square44 (Brand & Packaging Design Agency)

View
Head of Business and Integrator
Bangkok, TH
Website:
square44.com
Employees:
27
Harsha Balachandra Work Experience Details
  • Square44 (Brand & Packaging Design Agency)
    Head Of Business And Integrator
    Square44 (Brand & Packaging Design Agency)
    Bangkok, Th
  • Square44 - Brand & Packaging Design Agency
    Consultant
    Square44 - Brand & Packaging Design Agency 2023 - Present
  • Pepper Life
    Chief Operations Officer
    Pepper Life May 2018 - Present
    Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
  • The Fabulous Getaway
    Chief Operations Officer
    The Fabulous Getaway May 2018 - Dec 2022
    Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
    • Responsible for the overall operations of the company including Sales, Marketing, Operations Departments and support functions• Developing and Implementing annual business plans including source market diversification and implementation of sustainability and responsible travel initiativesKey achievements:• Organisational Restructure: Business restructured post Covid-19 pandemic to focus on core business and reduce fixed cost base by 55%• Market Diversification: Development of Southern European, Benelux, Scandinavian, German & Australian Markets to reduce dependency on the UK market to 42%• Brand Rejuvenation: Red Dot and Sri Lanka In Style and Red Dot relaunched with enhanced web presence, with the eventual and spin off of the direct brands• Sustainability: Implementation of Sustainability initiatives including no plastic policy, carbon offsetting through Mangrove Replanting and Travelife Partnership.• HR Systems: Implementation of PeopleHR for Appraisals, Time and Leave Management
  • Tea Tang (Pvt) Ltd.
    Director / Ceo
    Tea Tang (Pvt) Ltd. Oct 2015 - Apr 2018
    Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
    • Responsible for the operations of Tea Tang reporting to the holding company BP De Silva Group • Provide leadership and strategic direction to the Executive Committee • Developing and Implementing annual business plans • Responsibility for the achievement of volume, topline and bottom lineKey Achievements:• Revenue and Volume growth: Double digit revenue growth, high single digit growth in volume and GP in 2016 and 2017, during a period where industry volumes declined• Introduction of Lean management principles: Improved productivity on the production floor resulting on the reduction in contractual headcount by more than 10% and instilling a culture of continuous improvement• Restructuring of the Local Sales business: Focusing on the profitable/high potential segments and discontinuation of unprofitable segments. Right sizing of operations through a VRS scheme resulting in 32% headcount reduction in the department• Cost Optimization: Initiatives included SKU rationalization, complexity reduction, procurement improvements, energy saving project, change of car policies• NPD: Setting up of NPD process and teams and developing of new products targeting segments with high potential. Introduction of Platinum Standard, Organic, Wellness, Fruit Infusions, Sencha Superfruits and Fine Leaf ranges.• People Management: Introduction of a simple appraisal system, ensuring top performers and key talent are well remunerated
  • Frieslandcampina Thailand
    Commercial Head (Myanmar)
    Frieslandcampina Thailand 2013 - 2015
    Bangkok, Bangkok City, Thailand
    • Responsibility for the Myanmar market, heading the Myanmar commercial team • Developing and Implementing sales and marketing plans including entering new segments and channels• Management of Distributers and Expert Partners• Project Team member for the development of the Myanmar Strategic Plan for Market Entry (conversion of business from trading operation to OpCo), Lead for Route to Market, member for Portfolio and Operations works streams • Responsibility for the achievement of volume, topline and bottom lineKey Achievements:• Top line and bottom line performance: Grew sales by 20% (USD 27mln) and EBIT by 23%in 2014 over previous year • Fixing the profitability of the Taste Enhancer business: Improved GPs through recipe management, reduced trade discounts and price increases through a proper pricing strategy• Restructuring current distributor operation: Channel based distribution strategy implemented and wholesale network developed to cover low volume outlets and non-coverage areas• Strategic RTM Plan: Lead for FrieslandCampina that developed a Strategic Route to Market project with Boston Consulting Group to develop greater insights on the dairy market and retail landscape and to develop 5 year strategic RTM Plan for the new Myanmar OpCo• Market Entry Plan: Help identify JV Partner and board sign off of Strategic Plan
  • Frieslandcampina Myanmar Ltd
    Director
    Frieslandcampina Myanmar Ltd 2013 - 2015
    Yangon, Myanmar
  • International Beverages Trading Co Ltd (Grand Royal Group)
    Group Marketing Head/Cmo
    International Beverages Trading Co Ltd (Grand Royal Group) Aug 2008 - Oct 2013
    Myanmar
    Key Responsibilities:• Member of the Senior Management Team and Strategy Steering Committee (SSC), responsible for devising and implementing corporate strategy at IBTC (largest hard liquor company in Myanmar; whisky category share 80%).• Functionally responsible for Marketing, overlooking Brand Marketing, Trade Marketing and Marketing Research. • Manage a staff of over 100 people and a US$ multi million budget (the largest marketing budget in Myanmar).• Development and execution of marketing strategy including brand, trade marketing and research plans.• Build a strong marketing team to maintain market leadership position and meet future market challenges.• Development of strong strategic alliances with international and local advertising & research agencies.• Responsible for delivery of volume and bottom line.Key Achievements:• Restructuring & People: Brand, Trade Marketing and Research teams restructured to better meet market & corporate challenges.• Strategy: Development & board sign off of consumer centric marketing & portfolio strategy. Strategic 3 year brand plans for key brands have been developed.• NPD & Speed to market: Successful development and launch of 6 brands to capitalise on specific market opportunities.• Route to Market & Channel management: Help sales team to implement an improved sales & distribution model.• Agency management: Agency audit done, established a ‘new way of working’ with advertising agencies, agencies appointed for key brands. Strategic alliances have also been formed with international advertising and research agencies.• Volume and margin performance: IBTC has been able to achieve double digit annual growth rates, and turnover in excess of US$ 100 million.
  • British American Tobacco
    Head Of Brands - Sri Lanka
    British American Tobacco Jan 2007 - Jun 2008
    Sri Lanka
    Key Responsibilities:• Member of the Operating Committee (OpCo), responsible for 1) assisting the Executive Committee (Exco) develop the corporate strategy & plan, and 2) implementation of the corporate plan and running of the company. • Functionally responsible for the management of the entire BAT brand portfolio for Sri Lanka & Maldives including development of brand portfolio strategy, involving analysis of market segments, trends, opportunities, and brand portfolio mapping.• Development and execution of all brand plans including innovative and effective consumer & retail engagement platforms using available touch points in a restricted marketing environment.• Responsible for new product development, brand research, budget management with accountability for volume and brand profitability.• Build and manage relationships with external agencies, ensuring that first class service levels and products are received on time to agreed budget.• People management: Motivation, development and managing performance of 7 member brand team.Key Achievements:• People: Putting into place a fully fledged brand team together with development plans.• Strategy: Development, sign off of consumer centric portfolio strategy and 3 year road map for Dunhill.• Speed to market: Successful development and launch of Pall Mall 3 months ahead of plan, +105% volume.• Volume & margin performance: Drive brand volume 35% above target and total brand margins 21% above target.
  • Pt Bat Indonesia Tbk
    Brand Manager - Premium (Indonesia)
    Pt Bat Indonesia Tbk Jan 2005 - Dec 2006
    Indonesia
    Key Responsibilities:• Management of BAT’s key Premium Global Drive Brand, Lucky Strike. Indonesia is a strategically important market for BAT: 5th biggest tobacco market in the world. • Development of brand strategy and plans, including TTL integrated campaigns, comprehensive PR programmes for the exploitation of F1 sponsorship, trade programmes and merchandising to support brand objectives.• Product Development and Packaging Innovation projects for premium portfolio. Key Achievements:• Volume performance: Achieved highest growth rate for Lucky Strike globally for two consecutive years (42% in 2005 & 21% in 2006) enabling Indonesia to become a top 5 market for this global drive brand.• Campaigns: Won the F1 toolkit competition in 2005 & 2006 for the market that best exploited the F1 sponsorship. Indonesia has been recognised for ‘the best overall through-the-line use of the F1 platform’ by any market.• New Products: Global Lead for the development of the Lucky Strike Mentha Piperita variant, including Product, Packaging and Communication (jointly with the IBG). Beat key competitor in the key convenience channel within 5 weeks. The variant has been successfully rolled out in key markets globally.• New Packaging: Revolutionised packaging in the cigarette category in Indonesia through the introduction of Side Opening and Pop Up packs.• BAT East Asia Area “Words into Action” Award for the best performance on International Drive Brands
  • Bat
    Manager Premium Category (Sl) & Market Manager Maldives
    Bat 2003 - 2004
    Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
    Key Responsibilities:• Management of the premium brand portfolio in Sri Lanka.• Development and implementation of innovative and effective communication utilising the full marketing mix.• Development of key strategic channels for the marketing of the premium brand portfolio.• Management of BAT’s Maldivian operation; include delivering volume and profits, portfolio management, logistics, distribution, managing relationships with distributor as well as with internal stakeholders.Key Achievements:• Directly responsible for the highly successful re-launch of the ‘Benson & Hedges’ brand in August 2003, which resulted in volume and market share quadrupling and the brand driving growth of the premium segment.• Change management: Successful transition of management of the Maldives market from BAT Singapore to CTC and establishment of new way of actively managing market through establishment of a trade marketing structure, elimination of cross border trade, and re-engineering of brand portfolio.
  • Bat International
    Manager - Lights & Premium Portfolio
    Bat International 2000 - 2002
    Zug, Switzerland
    Key Responsibilities:• Management of BAT’s two global drive brands, Kent and Dunhill, as well as key regional brands including Barclay and Peter Stuyvesant controlling a brand budget of more than US$4 million.• Provide Premium & Lights Portfolio marketing support to 86 markets within the Europe & Africa Division of the Global Travel Retail (GTR) including major cross-market, channel and tactical promotions.• Development of the Retail Environment Strategy and implementation of Retail Media solutions.Key Achievements:• Following the merger of Rothmans and BAT Travel Retail operations; actively involved in change management including the merger of the two portfolios in the new organisation and the implementation of BAT practices and procedures.• Responsible for launch of ‘New’ Kent across European Travel Retail and multiple re-launches, line extensions and packaging modifications.• Alignment of product and packaging strategy in GTR within geographic regions to drive synergies.
  • Ceylon Tobacco Company Ltd
    Various - Management Trainee, Brand Manager, Regional Manager
    Ceylon Tobacco Company Ltd 1996 - 2000
    Key Responsibilities:• Recruited on the ‘Challenge Initiative’, the global graduate intake of BAT, underwent substantial cross functional training before being assigned to the Brand Marketing Team.• Gained invaluable experience in all aspects of brand management including Brand Planning, Sales Operational Planning, Product Development, Market Research, Advertising, Through the Line Promotions and Merchandising.• Included a development move as a Regional Manager involving hands on experience in Trade Marketing and Distribution with responsibility for 5 direct reports, 12 distributors and 100 distribution reps servicing 9,500 outlets generating a volume of 1.2 billion sticks annually (25% of BAT Sri Lanka volume).Key Achievement:• Responsible for building ‘John Player Gold Leaf’ into one of the strongest FMCG brands in Sri Lanka, resulting in market share doubling from 19% to 40% with a turnover of SL Rs.10 billion over a 3 year period.

Harsha Balachandra Skills

Brand Management Fmcg Marketing Strategy Strategy Trade Marketing Market Research Integrated Marketing Business Strategy Marketing Management Management Cross Functional Team Leadership Product Marketing Marketing Research Product Development Brand Architecture Competitive Analysis Customer Insight Strategic Planning Marketing Market Analysis Brand Development Change Management Advertising Business Planning Crm Marketing Communications Brand Equity P&l Management Market Planning Leadership Segmentation Retail International Marketing Strategy Development Public Relations Project Management Npd Channel Partners Digital Marketing Packaging Sales Brand Communication Consumer Insights Channel Management

Harsha Balachandra Education Details

Frequently Asked Questions about Harsha Balachandra

What company does Harsha Balachandra work for?

Harsha Balachandra works for Square44 (Brand & Packaging Design Agency)

What is Harsha Balachandra's role at the current company?

Harsha Balachandra's current role is Head of Business and Integrator.

What is Harsha Balachandra's email address?

Harsha Balachandra's email address is ha****@****ail.com

What schools did Harsha Balachandra attend?

Harsha Balachandra attended The London School Of Economics And Political Science (Lse), King's College London.

What skills is Harsha Balachandra known for?

Harsha Balachandra has skills like Brand Management, Fmcg, Marketing Strategy, Strategy, Trade Marketing, Market Research, Integrated Marketing, Business Strategy, Marketing Management, Management, Cross Functional Team Leadership, Product Marketing.

Who are Harsha Balachandra's colleagues?

Harsha Balachandra's colleagues are Pimpicha Ngamchitsuksri, Duangkamol Kaorop, Pimpattara Pakapholpanit, Pimpicha Ngamchitsuksri, Tran Hung, Sutee Onnum, Latt Mahaumpornpreuk.

Free Chrome Extension

Find emails, phones & company data instantly

Find verified emails from LinkedIn profiles
Get direct phone numbers & mobile contacts
Access company data & employee information
Works directly on LinkedIn - no copy/paste needed
Get Chrome Extension - Free

Aero Online

Your AI prospecting assistant

Download 750 million emails and 100 million phone numbers

Access emails and phone numbers of over 750 million business users. Instantly download verified profiles using 20+ filters, including location, job title, company, function, and industry.