Born and raised in Calcutta (as distinct from Kolkata) - Sandip spent the better part of his working life away from the city. He loves all things Bengali - but is deeply critical of today's Bengal and state of its people.
A Chartered Accountant by qualification, he is an alumnus of Don Bosco School (Park Circus) and St Xavier's College, Calcutta. Starting as a Management Trainee at Hindustan Lever (Unilever, India) in 1983, Sandip had a fast-track illustrious career in leadership roles across functions - Finance, Supply Chain and Sales - culminating in a senior general management role. He was the Country Manager and Managing Director of Unilever Nepal between 1998 - 2002.
Sandip's experience includes a long stint in media - where he worked for the ABP (Ananda Bazar Patrika) Group and HT Media (Hindustan Times). At ABP, he was the business head for its English publications - The Telegraph and Businessworld. He was instrumental in launching the Mumbai Edition of Hindustan Times. He remains deeply interested in the Indian Media industry.
In 2007, he joined the senior leadership team of Lafarge India - where he was the longest serving Sales Director for its Cement business (2011-2015). Prior to that he also handled the Corporate Affairs (Public Affairs and Advocacy), Communication, Stakeholder Management and CSR functions.
He is presently the Executive President, Sales, Marketing and Logistics at Birla Corporation - the flagship company of the M P Birla Group - part of the core team that has been entrusted with growth and transformation of the organisation.
Sandip has been a blogger of over 15 years standing (since 2001). His interests are eclectic ranging from Politics and Current Affairs to Good Life, Relationships and Spirituality. His experiences are generously doused with fine Scotch Whisky (Seagram's 100 Pipers being his favourite tipple).
Being an intrinsically people's person - over the years Sandip has mentored and coached many young professionals. He is an ICF (International Coach Federation) accredited PCC Coach. He offers personalised coaching on Leadership and Life Issues to young professionals and students.
He writes regularly for a number of print and digital publications - like ABPNews Live, Daily_O, Mint, Outlook, The Newsminute, Hindu Business Line, Business Today, Businessworld and Swarajya Magazine. He has a strong Social Media presence on Twitter, Medium.Com, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
A self-confessed "clubby" - he is a member of some of the most iconic clubs of India like - The Bengal Club, The Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Wellington Gymkhana Club. His favourite place of repair is the bar at the India International Centre, Delhi.
Sandip lives mostly out of a suitcase - when grounded he distributes his time between Calcutta and Coonoor (Nilgiris).