ABOUT
Ram Narayanan
President
New Business Strategy
The Sanmar Group
Ram Narayanan is a distinguished business leader with over 27 years of global experience across the metals, chemicals, and optical fibre industries. As President of New Business Strategy at The Sanmar Group—a diversified multinational conglomerate with interests in chemicals, shipping, and metals—he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s long-term strategic vision and driving sustainable growth.
Throughout his career, Ram has held senior leadership positions at renowned corporates such as Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Vedanta Limited. His expertise encompasses P&L management, strategic planning, commercial operations, and business transformation, with a proven ability to navigate complex international markets and execute high-impact strategies.
Ram possesses extensive global exposure, having successfully led business operations in India, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia, whilst also overseeing commercial activities across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Amongst his most notable professional achievements are spearheading Vedanta’s expansion into China, scaling its global aluminium marketing operations, and leading the post-acquisition integration and turnaround of a petrochemicals business in Malaysia for RIL.
He holds management degrees from two prestigious business schools—London Business School and SP Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai—as well as a degree in Chemical Engineering from Nagpur University.
Beyond his corporate endeavours, Ram is a sought-after speaker at leading business forums and academic institutions, where he shares his insights on energy transition, geopolitics, and global business strategy. Passionate about entrepreneurship, he also serves on the advisory board of Dartle, an innovative sports technology start-up.
An ardent marathon runner and mountain trekker, Ram balances his professional commitments with his personal pursuits. He is also a writer and freelance blogger, sharing his perspectives on business, strategy, and global affairs through his blog, Penoram.com.
Throughout his career, Ram has held senior leadership positions at renowned corporates such as Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Vedanta Limited. His expertise encompasses P&L management, strategic planning, commercial operations, and business transformation, with a proven ability to navigate complex international markets and execute high-impact strategies.
Ram possesses extensive global exposure, having successfully led business operations in India, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia, whilst also overseeing commercial activities across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Amongst his most notable professional achievements are spearheading Vedanta’s expansion into China, scaling its global aluminium marketing operations, and leading the post-acquisition integration and turnaround of a petrochemicals business in Malaysia for RIL.
He holds management degrees from two prestigious business schools—London Business School and SP Jain Institute of Management, Mumbai—as well as a degree in Chemical Engineering from Nagpur University.
Beyond his corporate endeavours, Ram is a sought-after speaker at leading business forums and academic institutions, where he shares his insights on energy transition, geopolitics, and global business strategy. Passionate about entrepreneurship, he also serves on the advisory board of Dartle, an innovative sports technology start-up.
An ardent marathon runner and mountain trekker, Ram balances his professional commitments with his personal pursuits. He is also a writer and freelance blogger, sharing his perspectives on business, strategy, and global affairs through his blog, Penoram.com.
