In an era defined by rapid transformation, shifting workforce expectations, and the reimagining of global industry, leaders who combine business discipline with human-centered purpose stand apart. Among them is Bala V. Sathyanarayanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Greif, Inc., recognized in this year’s list of the Top 20 Dynamic CEOs of 2025 in the USA. His career reflects the rise of a leader shaped not by authority, but by values, curiosity, and a lifelong belief that organizations thrive when people are empowered to flourish. Bala’s journey is one of global experience, cultural fluency, and a resolute commitment to inspiring leaders at every level to serve with integrity and vision.
A Journey Defined by Purpose and People
Bala’s professional path spans more than two decades across technology, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Before joining Greif, he held significant leadership roles at Western Union, Hewlett-Packard, and Xerox. In each chapter, the multifaceted leader helped drive transformation, strengthen culture, and align people strategy with business reinvention. Those who have worked with him often describe a leader who listens deeply, thinks expansively, and acts decisively.
At Greif, Bala has helped shape the company’s evolution into a purpose-driven global enterprise with a mission to be the best customer service company in the world. His tenure reflects a leadership approach rooted in empowerment, innovation, sustainability, and inclusion. Rather than viewing organizations as systems or structures, he sees them as communities of human potential. This guiding belief has informed his influence and earned him recognition as a thought leader who advances both performance and societal impact.
A Philosophy Built on Service and Trust
Bala’s leadership philosophy is grounded in servant leadership. He believes leadership is not about command or presence, but about elevating others to succeed. Empathy, integrity, and purpose define his approach, and his focus on creating space for collaboration and learning has shaped Greif’s culture into one where people feel valued and inspired.
The multifaceted leader view of what makes a modern CEO reflects the changing expectations of leaders worldwide. To him, a dynamic CEO is empathetic, agile, resilient, visionary, and authentic. The leaders who thrive today are those who embrace change, nurture innovation, and earn trust not through authority but through example.
Building Innovation, Agility, and Competitive Strength
Innovation and adaptability are core to Greif’s growth, and Bala has been instrumental in shaping the systems that enable it. He believes innovation succeeds when people are empowered, when curiosity is encouraged, and when technology is embraced with purpose. Under his leadership, Greif has strengthened digital capabilities, expanded talent development, and built a learning-focused environment that fuels fresh thinking.
Greif’s competitive advantage is defined by digital transformation, operational excellence, customer-centricity, and sustainability. His strategies emphasize continuous improvement, organizational resilience, and talent readiness for the future. As industries evolve, thr thought leader ensures that Greif evolves with them, always guided by long-term value creation and environmental responsibility.
Leading Through Disruption with Clarity and Humanity
Every leader carries defining tests, and Bala’s most significant challenge came during a period of global disruption that reshaped economies, workforce norms, and operational certainty. His response centered on people first. By communicating with clarity, fostering agility, and strengthening a culture of resilience, he navigated uncertainty without compromising purpose.
Decision-making in uncertain times, the multifaceted leader believes, requires balanced judgment that honors both data and humanity. Transparency, collaboration, and adaptability guide his approach, ensuring that complex decisions still uphold trust.
The lessons he draws from his leadership journey are simple yet profound: stay curious, lead with empathy, empower others, embrace change, and build trust through authenticity. These principles shape not only his work, but the leaders he mentors and inspires.
A Vision for the Future of Industry
Looking ahead, Bala sees industrial packaging and global supply sectors entering a phase of digital acceleration, sustainability, and human-centered reinvention. Over the next five years, he believes the industry will be defined by circular economy models, smarter manufacturing, agile leadership, and the strategic use of technology.
The thought leader identifies automation, AI-driven analytics, digital supply chain advances, and smart manufacturing as the innovations that will most significantly reshape business models and workforce evolution. Rather than fearing disruption, he prepares organizations to harness it.
His goals for 2026 and beyond reflect ambition aligned with responsibility: advancing sustainable transformation at Greif, building globally inclusive leadership, expanding purpose-driven growth, and empowering communities through innovation.
Inspiration, Well-Being, and Legacy
Behind Bala’s professional achievements lies a source of inspiration rooted in family. He often credits his parents for instilling hard work, conviction, and an unrelenting hunger for learning. His mother’s passion for knowledge continues to influence his belief that leaders must remain students of the world.
Balancing personal well-being with executive demands is a challenge he approaches through integration rather than separation. The multifaceted leader believes in harmonizing purpose across work and life, managing paradox rather than seeking symmetry.
For future CEOs and entrepreneurs, his guidance centers on empathy, integrity, curiosity, empowerment, and continuous learning. To him, leadership is not a destination but a commitment to meaningful impact.
The legacy Bala aspires to leave is one of servant leadership. He hopes to be remembered for empowering people, nurturing growth, and building organizations shaped by empathy and integrity. Success, in his words, is measured not by personal milestones but by enabling others to achieve lasting results.