In a world defined by unpredictability, disruption, and transformation, few leaders have demonstrated the kind of unwavering commitment, global mindset, and inspirational leadership as Sanjeev Gandhi, Orica CEO. A man who has crossed continents, steered multibillion-dollar operations, and reshaped business landscapes—his journey is nothing short of phenomenal.
From humble beginnings in India to the helm of Orica, the world’s largest provider of commercial explosives and innovative blasting systems, Sanjeev Gandhi’s story exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and purposeful leadership.
A Global Career Forged in Chemistry and Courage
Born and educated in India, Sanjeev Gandhi’s professional journey began with a degree in Chemical Engineering followed by an MBA. These two powerful foundations—technical expertise and strategic vision—would go on to define his career.
His 30-year journey in the chemical industry, including an extraordinary 26-year tenure at BASF SE, is marked by excellence and ambition. Rising through the ranks, Sanjeev took on senior roles across multiple geographies—India, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong—eventually becoming Executive Director of BASF SE and Head of its Asia Pacific operations and Global Chemicals Segment.
Overseeing 18,500 employees across 140 sales offices and 125 production sites in 19 countries, he drove €13.3 billion in revenues and €1 billion in EBIT in 2019. Yet, amidst these staggering numbers lies a deeper legacy: his ability to unite teams across cultures, languages, and business practices under a shared vision.
The Unplanned Turn That Sparked a New Beginning
By early 2020, Sanjeev Gandhi was preparing for a well-earned retirement in India. After decades abroad, he had envisioned a return to his homeland, intending to serve on non-executive boards and give back to the ecosystem that had shaped his early career. But fate had other plans.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives across the globe. For Sanjeev, it meant being stranded in Hong Kong, unable to return to India. And just as one chapter seemed to close, another astonishing opportunity opened.
In July 2020, Orica, the iconic Melbourne-based chemical and explosives company, was in the middle of a CEO succession plan. The company, with a legacy dating back to 1874, needed a leader with a global outlook, commercial savvy, and an eye for the future. Sanjeev Gandhi was headhunted—and the rest is a masterclass in leadership through crisis.
Charting a New Strategic Vision at Orica
When Sanjeev Gandhi took over as Orica CEO in April 2021, he didn’t just assume a role—he embraced a mission.
“The past is a guide, not a destination,” he often says. He quickly assembled a new executive team, evaluated the existing corporate strategy (which hadn’t been refreshed since 2016), and began a bold transformation.
Instead of retreating in uncertainty, Gandhi and his team reimagined Orica’s core. They redefined the business from merely a provider of explosives to a tech-driven, solutions-oriented partner for the mining, construction, and tunneling industries. Emphasis was placed on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and expanding Orica’s offering to serve the evolving demands of a net-zero economy.
Under his guidance, Orica has become more agile, purpose-led, and deeply connected to the industries it serves.
Leading with Humanity and Humility
What makes Sanjeev Gandhi Orica CEO truly exceptional isn’t just his track record—it’s his mindset.
Despite leading a company of over 13,000 employees, Gandhi is known for his hands-on leadership and deeply human approach. He arrives at work in his Orica hoodie, values authenticity over appearance, and fosters a culture of respect, resilience, and responsibility.
Coming from a culture where first names were never used in corporate spaces, Gandhi has embraced Australia’s egalitarian spirit. “I love how people in Australia are casual but committed. It’s a culture that respects work and people,” he shares.
Sanjeev Gandhi also leads by example, urging his teams to look ahead—not back. “You crash if you keep looking in the rearview mirror,” he tells his people. This forward-thinking mantra is what has driven Orica’s turnaround and inspired a new generation of global leaders within the company.
Bridging Nations, Building Futures
Beyond his role at Orica, Sanjeev Gandhi continues to shape global conversations in energy, sustainability, and strategic alliances. He chairs the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) CEO Network, is a key figure in the Australia-India CEO Forum, and contributes to the CSIRO Energy Advisory Group and Asialink Business Advisory Council.
These roles reflect his broader vision: building bridges between nations and industries, and aligning business growth with global development goals.
He believes that companies have the power—and the responsibility—to elevate entire communities. Whether it’s responsible resource production, safety innovations, or zero-carbon transitions, Gandhi ensures that Orica is not only profitable but purposeful.
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