From India to Global Markets: Celebrating the professional journey of Herjit S. Bhalla

Today marks the birthday of Herjit S. Bhalla, a leader whose career reflects steady progression, global exposure, and a deep understanding of how brands grow across markets and cultures. With over two decades of experience across consumer goods, retail, and food and beverages, Herjit’s journey has been defined less by titles and more by sustained performance and team-led impact .

Currently serving as Vice President, Canada & Global Customers at The Hershey Company, Herjit is based in Dubai and continues to operate at the intersection of regional strategy and global customer leadership. His recent roles spanning India, AMEA, and Asia-Pacific have placed him at the heart of some of the world’s most complex and fast-evolving consumer markets, requiring both commercial rigor and cultural sensitivity.

Before joining Hershey, Herjit spent over 16 years at Hindustan Unilever Limited, where he held a range of leadership roles across sales, customer development, and marketing. From managing large-scale P&Ls in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus to driving market-beating growth in North India, his tenure at HUL was marked by consistent delivery and the ability to scale brands in highly competitive environments. Whether it was leading tea in one of the world’s toughest categories or building coffee brands like Bru into national leaders, his work reflected a balance of strategy and execution.

His experience also extends to modern trade and B2B retail through his role as Chief Operating Officer for North and East India at METRO Cash & Carry, where he was part of the executive leadership shaping the company’s expansion in key Indian markets. Across roles, one common thread has been his focus on building teams, mentoring talent, and creating systems that outlast individual tenures.

What sets Herjit apart is not just the breadth of geographies he has worked in, but the consistency with which he has delivered growth while navigating diverse consumer realities. His leadership style has been shaped by time spent on the ground, managing large teams, and making decisions close to the market.