Numismatics, Travel and Global Cuisines
Two decades of professional experience
Abhilash Puljal
Executive Director | Strategist | Social Scientist
Summary
A dual post graduate trained as a social scientist with about two decades of experience advising public and private sectors conceptualising and implementing sustainable ventures, developing business strategies, interpreting, and advising on policy and regulatory matters across a multitude of sectors by connecting sustainable technologies and building efficient capacities in middle and low-income economies of Africa and Asia.
An adviser with excellent intercultural communication abilities and a keen eye for detail who can quickly spot areas that need development and offer solutions to assist companies achieve their objectives. possesses outstanding communication, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, allowing them to advise and assist clients in enhancing their business performance.
Overview
20
20
25
25
Work experience in 25 countries
Work History
Consultant
The World Bank Group
New Delhi
11.2022 - Current
- Spearheading two studies - a study on India's Trade Facilitation Assistance Programme of the Central board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Government of India; and study on Trade Facilitation and Gender
- Liaising with over eight to ten stakeholders simultaneously in the public and private sectors to ensure appropriate studies are carried out
- Supporting the Bank with designing the methodology from both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in order to provide a comprehensive outcome
Consultant
The UN World Food Programme
New Delhi
07.2022 - Current
- Leading a multidisciplinary team of experts to study and map the millet value chain in Asia and Africa and identify gaps in the ecosystem.
- Conducted a needs assessment/gap analysis for 70 countries in these two continents across the millet value chain by creating a scoping matrix, leading to identifying a total of ten countries that can benefit from India's expertise in millet and advancement on the millet value chain.
- Creating a millet value chain information collecting platform that can be used by stakeholders in different nations and offer an overview of the situation and requirements on both continents.
Executive Director
Upawan Agritech Private Limited
Hyderabad and New Delhi
01.2020 - Current
- Agri-business company processing Ready-to-Cook products in the name of Quikish® and Quikish® Professional
- Advising the company as a board member on strategy and master plans
- Overview of regulatory compliances are adhered to and are up to date including keep track on Agribusiness policies of the Government of India and its implications on the business
- Lead in all investment plans and fund raising – domestic and global
- Exercise appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability
Principal
Abhilash Puljal & Co
New Delhi
08.2015 - Current
- Established this boutique international advisory firm based in New Delhi providing advice and support to address global challenges by designing sustainable strategies, linking technologies, building efficient capacities, and connecting capital for businesses in middle and low-income economies globally
- Engaged and leading a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and efficient work force to ideate and implement projects across countries globally
- Evaluated diverse organisational systems to identify workflow, communication, and resource utilisation issues
- Collaborated with clients from concept through final delivery of projects
- Overseeing globally located project teams by maintaining quality-minded schedules.
- Clients include: Provino Astral International LLP, India, Singapore and Vietnam; Pula Dynes Pty Ltd, Botswana and India; Afriexim Bank, Egypt; SVL Oil Ltd., Malaysia; Supreme Solar Ltd., Cambodia;Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry, Government of Zambia; Donyi Polo Tea Estates, Arunachal Pradesh, India; Olam Gabon and Gabon SEZ, Gabon; International Trade Centre, Geneva
International Consultant
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Brussels
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Counseled the executive leadership of the European Union Delegation in New Delhi on Trilateral Development Cooperation between India-EU and Africa
- Identified potential cooperation modalities such as in technical cooperation, knowledge transfer, capacity building and trade and investment
- Designed cross-border mechanisms to ensure that ideas and strategies are received, transmitted, and coordinated between different national entities through diplomatic channels (e.g. decision-making process, relevant ministries and national agencies)
- Conducted consultation workshops in New Delhi, Ouagadougou and Abidjan
Managing Director
Avignam Advisors
New Delhi, London and Kigali
08.2010 - 07.2015
- Promoted Avignam Group with a vision to alleviate poverty in the emerging world through the development of private sector keeping in view the South-South agenda
- Documented processes and drafted SOPs to comply with regulations and company policies.
- Led change and transformation across business areas to deliver benefits and align company resources.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Negotiated new annual contracts and service agreements with vendors to achieve prime pricing.
- Advised private sector companies, especially medium sized enterprises , looking at diversification or expansion into developing economies by matching technologies, capital and capacities
- Identified problems and issues in conducting business in some of the most complex places in the world and advice and assist those interested to set up businesses
- Worked closely with senior management of organisations, have excellent relations with senior and mid-level regulators in various Governments within Africa and Asia and heads missions in Africa, India and the UK
- Clients include: Department for International Development, UK; Voluntus Agritech Ltd, Rwanda, Ask Indus Global FZC, UAE; Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, India; Rwanda Knowledge City, Rwanda; Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency, The Gambia
Director
Bharat Renewable Energy Limited
Lucknow
09.2010 - 04.2011
- JV company promoted by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Nandan Biomatrix Limited and Shapoorji & Pallonji Corporation Limited
- Worked closely with organisational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback on business strategy interventions to achieve long-term goals
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly
- Introduced studies and new technologies, especially mechanisation in agricultural practices
- Help provide insights to take critical financial decisions for the company.
Senior Consultant, Tax and Regulatory Practice
PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited
New Delhi
12.2007 - 07.2010
- Policy interpretation and advice on inbound investment policies including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Industrial Licensing matters in the Infrastructure and A&D sector
- Industrial policy advice on sectors that restrict foreign investment into India
- Infrastructure sector policy advice to the GoI on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Export Processing Zones (EPZ), Free Trade Warehousing Zones (FTWZ), Ports and Shipyards
- A&D sector advice on Defence Procurement Policy and the Defence Offset Policy Analyzed problematic areas to provide recommendations and solutions
- Structure and suggest India entry strategy by developing effective business plans taking into account various policy and regulatory aspects
- Conduct regulatory due diligence of Indian companies to determine status of compliance with applicable laws with a view to highlight non-compliance to the management/acquirer and suggesting corrective actions
- Determined areas for improvement and implemented processes to alleviate problems.
- Monitored technology use and program functionality, updating programs and making changes to enhance output.
- Gave budget suggestions for projects, outlining financial needs and forecasting
- Interact regularly with senior and mid-level regulators from various Government ministries for policy clarifications and recommendations
- Established excellent contacts with members of various diplomatic missions in India and abroad leading to successful business development opportunities
- Organised seminars/conclaves in conjunction with industry bodies (ASSOCHAM, CII and FICCI) on various topics for the regulatory practice
- Established a national level practice in the A&D sector. Tasks included: developing tools for business development (brochures and pitch presentations), prepare budgets, explore potential client opportunities, conduct road shows and develop relationship with regulators
Assistant Vice President
SKIL Infrastructure Limited
Mumbai
12.2006 - 11.2007
- Member of the holding company’s corporate strategy team and led a few strategic functions to develop SEZs, Shipyards, Airports, Seaports, Townships and Hospitality infrastructure
- Developed business strategies in consultation with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to design and implement new infrastructure projects
- Project managed a SEZ development through conception, business plan development, financial modelling, obtaining requisite regulatory approvals, land acquisition and design of master plans
- Led, monitored and managed a team of technical and financial experts to evaluate and prepare documents, including concession agreements for Private Public Partnership (PPP) projects, for new port bids and tenders
- Facilitated creation of governance policy for adoption by board of directors and committee chairperson.
- Generated financial and operational reports to assist management with business strategy
- Contributed to budget planning, and initiatives for communications, planning and coordination of facility management and space allocations
Education
Master of Science - Development Management
London School of Economics And Political Science
London, United Kingdom 08.2005 - 09.2006
Master of International Business - International Business And Political Science
University of Sydney
Sydney, Australia 07.2003 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science in Commerce - Management And Political Science
DePaul University
Chicago, United States Of America 09.1999 - 01.2002
Skills
Strong analytical and communication skills, with faculties in document writing
Affiliations
- Member, IMCI, Mumbai, India
- Life Member, Delhi Management Association, New Delhi, India
- Life Member, Ananta Centre, New Delhi, India
- Member, The Royal Economic Society, London, UK
- Life Member, All India Management Association, New Delhi, India
Certification
Certified Management Consultant (CMC®), Institute of Management Consultants of India (IMCI), Mumbai, India (Certificate No: IND/001/2019; under renewal
Interests
Timeline
Consultant
The World Bank Group
11.2022 - Current
Consultant
The UN World Food Programme
07.2022 - Current
Executive Director
Upawan Agritech Private Limited
01.2020 - Current
Security in the Field, United Nations Department of Safety and Security
08-2019
International Consultant
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
01.2019 - 05.2021
Market Systems Approach, Springfield Centre, Durham, UK
11-2018
Principal
Abhilash Puljal & Co
08.2015 - Current
Director
Bharat Renewable Energy Limited
09.2010 - 04.2011
Managing Director
Avignam Advisors
08.2010 - 07.2015
Senior Consultant, Tax and Regulatory Practice
PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited
12.2007 - 07.2010
Assistant Vice President
SKIL Infrastructure Limited
12.2006 - 11.2007
Master of Science - Development Management
London School of Economics And Political Science
08.2005 - 09.2006
Master of International Business - International Business And Political Science
University of Sydney
07.2003 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science in Commerce - Management And Political Science
DePaul University
09.1999 - 01.2002
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