Selva Kumaran Balaraman

Senior ESG & Verification Professional with 18+ years of experience leading sustainability audits, verification programs, and multi-stakeholder compliance initiatives across global textile and manufacturing supply chains. Extensive expertise in Higg FEM verification, environmental compliance, chemical management (MRSL), and social accountability frameworks, with a strong track record of executing and managing large-scale audit programs across India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East.

Experienced Scheme

Manager and Program Lead, driving audit quality, verification consistency, stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement of compliance frameworks aligned with global ESG standards.

Lead Auditor & Manager (Technical & Environmental services) at TUV Rheinland (India) Pvt Ltd (2007-11 – Present)

TUV Rheinland is a leading provider of technical services worldwide. Led and executed 1000+ ESG, environmental, and social compliance audits/verifications, supporting global brands and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Managed end-to-end audit and verification programs, including planning, execution, quality review, and stakeholder coordination
• Acted as Scheme Manager, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and integrity of verification processes across multiple audit frameworks
• Conducted and verified assessments aligned with Higg FEM and environmental performance frameworks
• Supported verification quality, audit consistency, and performance benchmarking
• Coordinated across auditors, clients, brands, and technical teams to ensure alignment on audit scope, expectations, and outcomes
• Managed multiple audit programs simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery, quality control, and stakeholder satisfaction
• Contributed to continuous improvement of audit methodologies and verification practices
• Performed detailed ETP assessments, identifying system inefficiencies and compliance gaps
• Led MRSL compliance and chemical risk assessments in textile wet processing units
• Supported facilities in improving environmental performance and regulatory alignment
• Developed structured audit reports, technical documentation, and compliance summaries for global stakeholders
• Maintained program documentation, audit records, and verification data to support transparency and traceability

Executive – Business Development at SGS India Private limited (2006-11 – 2007-10)

The largest international provider of testing and inspection services of Consumer Goods.

• Managed client relationships across textile and consumer goods sectors
• Supported expansion of testing, inspection, and certification services
• Engaged with industry stakeholders to understand compliance and sustainability needs

Executive - Business Development at Intertek Testing Services (2004-06 – 2006-06)

The leading international provider of testing and inspection services of Consumer Goods.

• Managed client relationships across textile and consumer goods sectors
• Supported expansion of testing, inspection, and certification services
• Engaged with industry stakeholders to understand compliance and sustainability needs

Executive (Technical Sales) at Vemasi chemicals pvt ltd (2001-11 – 2003-11)

A Chennai based textile speciality chemicals manufacturing company. Hands-on expertise in yarn dyeing, textile chemistry, and wet processing systems.

• Conducted laboratory trials, quality testing, and process optimization

Production Executive / Lab In-Charge at Gokak mills Forbes gokak ltd (1997-09 – 2001-09)

Part of the Forbes group, acquired by The Shapoorji Pallonji Group. Managed production and lab operations in textile processing (Yarn Dyeing).

• Conducted internal audits aligned with ISO standards
• Led teams and ensured quality and process compliance

B. Tech in Textile Technology – A.C. College of Technology Anna University