Anirban Sanyal, currently serving as Head of Supply Chain & National Logistics at Century Ply, brings a wealth of global experience and a strong transformation mindset. From leading supply chain operations in the Middle East to building the function from scratch in India, Anirban shares his views on digital disruption, sustainability, and the core skills that will define the next generation of supply chain leaders.
How did you get into your current role?
It was an interesting chain of events. Before this role, I was based in Muscat, Oman, heading supply chain for a group of business lines under Fairtrade LLC, a prominent FMCG distributor across the country. After four years, I felt my learning curve had flattened, and it was time to return to India before I got too comfortable. That’s when I came across this opportunity—a greenfield role that involved setting up the entire SCM function, building the team, defining processes, and aligning priorities to drive profitability.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
I lead nationwide responsibilities for planning and distribution, both primary and secondary. I also oversee digital supply chain projects and sustainability initiatives across all four divisions of Century Ply. I report directly to the Board.
How does a typical workday look for you?
My workdays are hectic but exciting. I start at 5:30 a.m. with a few kilometers of walking, followed by a scan of business news and current affairs. After a solid breakfast, I dive into the day’s tasks with energy.
What are some lessons you learned from the pandemic?
Three key takeaways:
- There is always more than one solution to a problem.
- We’ve moved from “Just in Time” to “Just in Case.”
- Learning to distinguish between “Must-Have” and “Nice-to-Have.”
One of the best outcomes was that businesses finally recognized the value and strategic importance of an efficient supply chain.
What are the biggest challenges in your current position?
The biggest challenge is evaluating new technology solutions. Many come with unrealistic claims, making it hard to separate essentials from the fluff. Tech life cycles are short—often 2–3 years. We’re cautious, choosing solutions that are true business enablers and avoiding “ornamental” ones.
What tools or software are you excited about right now?
We’re using a TOC (Theory of Constraints)-based tool to manage downstream distribution. It’s proving effective in reducing demand variability across our network.
How do you prioritize sustainability and ethics in your operations?
Sustainability is a non-negotiable for us. We focus on network redesign, load consolidation, route optimization, and the use of EVs to continually reduce our carbon footprint. It’s about measurable progress year after year.
How do you stay updated with trends and new technologies?
I actively attend seminars, conferences, and industry events. I’m also a member of several supply chain bodies that help me stay plugged into the latest innovations and best practices.
What skills are most important for supply chain executives today?
Data analytics is already the most critical skill. Building this starts with mastering Excel, moving to advanced analytics, ERP systems, BI tools, and gaining a basic understanding of narrow AI and general AI applications in supply chain.
What trends will shape the profession in the coming years?
- Digitalization and automation
- Resilience and risk management
- Environmental sustainability
- Data-driven decision making
- The rise of e-commerce and shifting customer expectations
There’s increasing pressure on last-mile logistics, inventory strategy, and faster, more transparent fulfillment.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in supply chain?
Build a strong foundation in logistics, analytics, and business processes. Learn tools like Excel and ERP systems, stay on top of industry trends, and get hands-on experience through internships. Most importantly, develop your problem-solving and communication skills—they’re essential for thriving in today’s complex supply chain environment.
Anirban Sanyal is Head of Supply Chain & National Logistics at Century Ply, where he leads nationwide SCM transformation efforts. You can connect with him on LinkedIn to follow more of his leadership insights.
