Success
Sunil K. Choukiker is a seasoned technocrat and an accomplished entrepreneur whose journey exemplifies dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainable development. As the Founder and Director of ES Safeguards Compliance Services Private Limited, he has built an organization that stands at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consulting. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Gurgaon, India, ES Safeguards is a dynamic and innovative firm that has significantly impacted the sustainable development landscape across the Asia-Pacific region.
Sunil’s story is one of relentless passion and determination. Born with an innate curiosity and a drive to make a difference, he began his professional journey with a robust academic foundation. He holds a degree in civil engineering and a postgraduate specialization in environmental engineering and management from the prestigious IIT Kharagpur. This blend of technical acumen and environmental awareness became the cornerstone of his career.
Prior to founding ES Safeguards, Sunil spent more than a decade honing his expertise in infrastructure development and environmental management. His work spanned various sectors, including health, education, transport, energy, urban and rural infrastructure, and natural resource management. During this time, he collaborated on projects funded by international multilateral financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Development Bank (AIIB), World Bank (WB), International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Development Bank (EIB), and various United Nations (UN) agencies. His exposure to complex international projects in countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Sri Lanka gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable development.
The inception of ES Safeguards in 2011 was a natural progression of Sunil’s career, fueled by his desire to address the critical challenges faced by developing nations in the realm of sustainable development. The company was established with the vision of providing comprehensive ESG consulting services that ensure compliance with global standards while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. Today, ES Safeguards is recognized for its technical expertise, project management, and advisory services in sustainable development, environmental management, social safeguards, health and safety planning, and governance.
Under Sunil’s leadership, the company has achieved ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, reflecting its commitment to quality and environmental management. The firm’s growth has been rapid, driven by a team of dedicated professionals who focus on delivering tailored solutions to meet client needs. Sunil attributes the company’s success to teamwork and a relentless focus on client satisfaction. The core philosophy of ES Safeguards is to contribute to the sustainable development of society while addressing the unique needs of its clients.
Sunil’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without its challenges. He acknowledges that navigating the consulting market often involves dealing with external factors that can impact growth and sustainability. However, his approach to overcoming these challenges is rooted in meticulous advance due diligence and a steadfast commitment to his goals. His personal philosophy of “keeping moving” has been instrumental in driving the company forward, even in the face of adversity.
The work of ES Safeguards addresses critical global issues by providing solutions that integrate ESG compliance into the development process. By helping governments, organizations, and corporations align their projects with international standards, the company plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainable growth. Sunil’s dedication to this cause is deeply personal, reflecting his passion for environmental protection and a desire to leave a positive legacy for future generations.
What sets Sunil apart as an entrepreneur is his ability to identify opportunities in the market and translate them into actionable strategies. He credits much of his success to the trust and recognition he has earned from professional bodies and word-of-mouth recommendations. His personal qualities, including resilience, adaptability, and a results-driven mindset, have been significant factors in his professional achievements.
As an entrepreneur, Sunil has gained invaluable insights from his journey. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be delivered and maintaining a strong commitment to one’s goals. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Follow your passion.” He believes that passion is the driving force behind innovation and success, and it is this belief that has guided his own journey.
Over the years, ES Safeguards has been recognized as one of the top ESG and EHS consulting firms by various professional bodies. These accolades are a testament to the company’s impact and the leadership of its founder. However, for Sunil, the true measure of success lies in the difference his work makes to society. His vision for the future of the company is clear: to continue contributing to sustainable development while ensuring client satisfaction.
Sunil’s story is a source of inspiration for anyone aspiring to make a difference through entrepreneurship. His journey from a civil engineer with a passion for environmental protection to the leader of a renowned ESG consulting firm exemplifies the power of vision, dedication, and hard work. As he continues to drive ES Safeguards forward, his legacy as a pioneer in sustainable development is firmly established.
