ALL INDIA DISTILLERS’ ASSOCIATION NAMES BHARATI BALAJI DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL

The All India Distillers’ Association has appointed Bharati Balaji as Deputy Director General. With over 25 years of experience in law, corporate affairs, and policy advocacy, Balaji has held senior roles at ISMA, Microsoft, and The Times of India Group, bringing wide-ranging expertise in governance, compliance, and strategic industry leadership.  

The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) has announced the appointment of Bharati Balaji as its new Deputy Director General, strengthening its leadership team with a seasoned professional whose career spans law, corporate governance, and industry advocacy.  

Balaji began her career practising law at the Supreme Court of India, where she spent nearly five years before moving into corporate roles. She later joined The Times of India Group as Manager-Legal, overseeing contractual and compliance matters for five years. Her corporate journey continued at Microsoft, where she led the Contract Sourcing and Negotiation team, gaining international exposure in governance and team management.  

In 2012, Balaji joined the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) as Deputy Head. She played a pivotal role in registering and operationalising ISMA’s bio-energy arm, advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda. She later rose to become Director of the Sugar & Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association, where she handled policy formulation, strategic initiatives, and legal and compliance matters. During a leadership transition, she also served as acting head of ISMA for three months, underscoring her ability to steer organisations through change.  

Her appointment at AIDA comes at a crucial time for the distillery sector, which is navigating regulatory challenges and exploring opportunities in sustainable production. Balaji’s blend of legal expertise, corporate governance experience, and policy advocacy is expected to enhance AIDA’s engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of India’s distilling industry.