SUJAN SAHA MANAGING DIRECTOR
Synopsis
The presentation on the theme “Leading Through Chaos: Opportunities in Global Crises” will focus on how effective leadership can transform adversity into opportunity during times of unprecedented global upheaval. As the world grapples with crises such as economic downturns, political instability, environmental disasters, and technological disruptions, the role of leadership has never been more critical. This theme emphasizes that while chaos may bring uncertainty, it also opens doors for innovation, resilience, and strategic shifts. Key aspects include adaptive leadership, decision-making under pressure, and the ability to inspire and mobilize teams in the face of adversity. Drawing on real-world examples from business, government, and military contexts, the presentation will highlight how visionary leaders not only navigate crises but also identify new avenues for growth, redefine strategies, and create lasting impact.
The presentation will provide insights into how crises accelerate trends such as digital transformation, supply chain reconfigurations, and sustainability, offering unique opportunities for leaders who can seize them. The objective of the talk is to equip current and future leaders with the tools to turn disruption into a catalyst for positive change, emphasizing that true leadership is defined not by the absence of chaos but by the ability to lead through it and emerge stronger.
5:15 PM Registration & High Tea
6:00 PM Welcome Address
Gp Capt R Vijayakumar (Retd), VSM
Executive Director
Madras Management Association
6.05 PM
Chairman’s Opening Remarks
Mr K Mahalingam
President, Madras Management Association & Partner/Director, TSM Group of Companies
6.15 PM
Mr Sujan Saha Managing Director
BASF Catalysts India Pvt Ltd
Q&A Session 6 55 PM
Vote of Thanks 7:10 PM
7:15 PM
Address by the Speaker End of the Programme
Mr Sujan Saha
Managing
Director
BASF
Catalysts India Pvt Ltd
Sujan Kumar Saha (M-Pharm, MBA): DU (Bangladesh), Bason (Boston, USA), INSEAD (France)
Managing Director, BCIL and Head of South-East Asia
BASF Catalyst Division
Father of an amazing daughter, 16 years old, and the fortunate husband and son of a very supportive and close-knit family that enables me to do all that I do.
Sujan studied Bachelor & master’s in pharmacy, Dhaka University. He did his MBA in Management and Marketing from IBA, DU, Bangladesh. He completed leadership courses in Babson college, Boston, USA Sujan is pursuing INSEAD leadership course in Fontainebleau, Paris
His working areas are in Chemical, Pharma & Construction industries He was the Sr Vice President of Bangladesh-German Chamber, Director FICCI (Foreign Investor Chamber of Commerce). Sujan is a regular visiting speaker in Prime minister office, Bangladesh, and Embassies in Mumbai & Chennai Sujan also closely worked with Professor Md Yunus, a Nobel Laurate on social business to eradicate Malaria.
"Connections through Conversations" - is my motto
BASF (2014 to Current)
Current Role: MD, BASF Catalysts India, Head South-East Asia (2022 to current)
Leading more than 1 B euro business, >500 FTE, Multiple plants and multiple geographies
Previous Role in BASF: CEO, BASF Coatings, India & South Asia; MD & Chairman, BASF Bangladesh; CEO, BASF-Grameen Limited; Director Business Development
Novartis (8 Years)
Country: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Singapore, USA
Role: Head-Marketing & Sales, Head Sales excellence, Head Portfolio Management
Experience:
Pharmaceutical Industry: Square & Eskayef Pharma: 4 years
Guest Faculty: North South University, Pharmacy Department, Bangladesh
Guest Speaker in Prime minister office Bangladesh: Performance Management and Public Private Partnership
Education:
Senior Executive Leadership Program (1 Y Certification Program), INSEAD, France
Business Awareness & Leadership, 2012 (1 Y Certification Program), Babson College, Boston, USA
MBA in Marketing (2 Y), Institute of Business Administration, Dhaka University, Bangladesh
Master’s in pharmacy (6 Y), Dhaka University, Bangladesh
Interest: Sports, Music, Book & Fitness
Mr K Mahalingam
President MMA & Partner/Director, TSM Group of Companies
Education
1984 - Graduated from NIT Trichy in Chemical.
Engineering -Distinguished Alumni 2016
1987 - Completed PGDM from IIM Calcutta
Key Achievements
Exceptional leader, transformation specialist, and impactful investor with over 35 years of experience.
Driving force behind T S Mahalingam & Sons, turning it into one of South India's well respected automobile after-market brands.
Diversified TSM’s interests into financial services, real estate, and angel investing.
Transformer
Transformed TS Mahalingam & Sons into a prominent brand, retailing 5000 cars annually in South India
Accelerated TSM’s growth from a single-business, single-location operations into a multi-business, multi-location organisation.
Pioneer
Pioneered the distribution of third-party loan products in partnership with Citi bank, revolutionizing financial services
Co- developed brands like Autoline, Propshop, and Shelters along with Citi bank. Entered the real estate space in 2003, is today a prominent player in residential, commercial, and leisure properties with 100+ projects delivered.
Impactor
President of the REC alumni (RECAL), leading impactful projects and massive fundraising in collaboration with NIT.
President of the IIM Calcutta Alumni Chennai, enhancing the IIM Calcutta brand. Launching unique initiatives focused on imparting practical knowledge to management students in TN & beyond
President of the Madras Management Association (MMA), India’s top management association. Member of the Chennai Angels' Executive Committee, guiding operations and ensuring compliance & corporate governance.
Investor
Active angel investor, mentoring budding entrepreneurs and fostering entrepreneurship by growing the ecosystem.
Recognized as a go-to person for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance, support & funding.
