BIMLESH KUMAR
Gurgaon
Summary
Seasoned program and systems leader with a track record of driving large-scale government reforms in education and public service delivery. Experienced in designing and scaling foundational learning interventions, leading cross-state implementation, and influencing policy and financing at the national level. Skilled in turning strategy into action through data-driven planning, institutional partnerships, and on-ground execution. Strong background in managing complex programs across public systems with a deep focus on impact, equity, and sustainability.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Director Program
Evidence Action
New Delhi
11.2023 - Current
- Leading Evidence Action’s largest India program to scale in-line chlorination (ILC) for safe drinking water to 100 million rural households across 10 states.
- Expanded the program to four states within 18 months using cost-effective, government-led PMU models; secured MoUs, budget lines, and state support under the National Jal Jeevan Mission.
- Anchored the rollout of India’s first rural water PMU in West Bengal and supported field execution across 350+ staff members and 100+ full-time team members.
- Influenced national policy and financing through direct engagements with the Finance Commission and the Jal Shakti Ministry; supported advocacy for an allocation of over INR 4,000 crore for disinfection.
- Led cross-functional execution, including technical innovation, regulatory strategy, market shaping, and high-stakes government engagement.
- Scaled the team to a team of over 100 members across national and state teams.
Principal Director
Reach to Teach
10.2017 - 10.2023
- Led the strategic pivot of Reach to Teach from a state-focused implementation partner to a national education reform organization working closely with multiple state governments and NITI Aayog
- Played a core role in the design and rollout of the World Bank supported Schools of Excellence program in Gujarat, the largest education reform initiative in India focused on foundational learning, teacher development and headteacher leadership
- Led the development and implementation of India’s first government school accreditation program in Gujarat, later adopted by Haryana as a key accountability reform.
- Designed and launched Learning Support and Enhancement Programs in Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat to improve student learning outcomes in early grades through targeted academic support.
- Directed structured pedagogy initiatives, teacher training systems, and data-driven monitoring tools to strengthen classroom instruction and system accountability.
- Oversaw on-ground execution across 250 government schools with a 450-plus member education team, ensuring alignment with academic calendars, training schedules, and state reform agendas.
- Built trusted relationships with senior decision-makers in education departments and SCERTs to co-develop and institutionalize quality improvement programs within public systems.
Senior Manager
Ernst & Young LLP
09.2015 - 10.2017
- Oversaw sales pipeline, project delivery, revenue recognition, and team expansion as part of Extended Leadership Team in Transactions Advisory Services (TAS).
- Successfully grew IT Transactions team from two to 35 members in two years, including setting up a team in Warsaw (Poland).
- Managed pre- and post-deal Operations and IT Transaction Services engagements, focusing on buy and sell-side due diligence and post-deal integration, separation, and carve-out projects.
- Led diverse projects: integrated new entity for US Pharma company, established governance/processes for separation project of leading global travel trade services provider, and conducted Operations/IT due diligences for Telecom, Pharma, Retail, and Technology clients.
Sr. Advisory Consultant
IBM India
12.2011 - 06.2015
- Worked with IBM India's Strategy and Operations (S&O) team on large-scale Business Transformation projects for Indian clients, resulting in significant profitability and cost optimisation improvements.
- Delivered a 2-year Profit Improvement program for an Indian Express Distribution Company, increasing profit margins by 3.5%.
- Optimised Pan India Logistics Network and Fleet for Indian FMCG Company, reducing logistics cost by 5% on a base of ~INR 450 cr.
- Implemented Supply Chain Transformation for a leading Indian Mobile Handset company, covering S&OP planning, Demand Management, and Logistics Optimization.
- Completed a 6-week business process improvement project for customer experience function of a Global FMCG leader in Netherlands, resulting in 2% increase in operational efficiency and 1.5% in cost savings.
Senior Consultant
KPMG India
10.2008 - 06.2011
- Member of the Business Performance Services team delivering European projects on Supply Chain and Procurement transformation.
- Designed Finance and Procurement Shared Services Center and operating model for Global Commodities Conglomerate.
- Led Procurement Transformation for UK City Council and UK National Bank and completed multiple cost optimisation projects, each achieving 10-15% savings on indirect spend.
Consultant
Various Organisations
06.2004 - 09.2008
- Worked as a management consultant in the initial years of career with HCL Technologies, Tesco India and i2 Technologies.
- As a Business Transformation consultant, contributed to multiple large enterprise deals and worked on the year-long business blueprinting project for a Malaysian Retailer at HCL Technologies.
- At Tesco India, worked as an internal business consultant for Tesco UK, member of the global team that designed the Target Operating Model (TOM) for Tesco Global business, and managed pilot rollout at Tesco’s warehouse operations in Poland and Malaysia.
Education
MBA - Strategy and Operations
NITIE Mumbai
B.Tech. - Mechanical Engineering
BIT Sindri
Skills
- Program strategy
- Policy advocacy
- Partnership development
- Leadership and Team management
- P&L management
- Partnerships and alliances
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director Program
Evidence Action
11.2023 - Current
Principal Director
Reach to Teach
10.2017 - 10.2023
Senior Manager
Ernst & Young LLP
09.2015 - 10.2017
Sr. Advisory Consultant
IBM India
12.2011 - 06.2015
Senior Consultant
KPMG India
10.2008 - 06.2011
Consultant
Various Organisations
06.2004 - 09.2008
MBA - Strategy and Operations
NITIE Mumbai
B.Tech. - Mechanical Engineering
BIT Sindri
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