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Kunal Sinha
Global Lead, Recycling - Glencore - ZS - LBS - UIUC - IIT
Professional Background
Kunal Sinha is a dedicated and innovative physical commodity trader serving as the Global Commercial Lead for Glencore's Recycling business. His role is pivotal in steering the company towards its ambitious goal of achieving net ZERO emissions by 2050. Kunal’s focus lies in the recovery of non-ferrous and precious metals from recycled sources, showcasing his commitment to sustainable practices within the commodities sector. Kunal's work encapsulates his deep-rooted belief in sustainability while harmonizing economic profitability with environmental stewardship.
Prior to taking on his current position at Glencore, Kunal amassed a wealth of experience in management consulting and private equity. He has effectively advised senior management and board executives at various corporations on critical strategies and implementation projects across marketing, sales, and operations. His consulting career helped him cultivate a global perspective, working with small and large companies in more than 80 countries. His brief stint in private equity further bolstered his understanding of financial strategies in the commodities and trading sectors.
In addition to his commercial endeavors, Kunal is a Founding Member of IITians Influencing India’s Transformation (IIT-IIT). This organization aims to channel the collective expertise of IIT alumni to contribute meaningfully to significant social impact programs in Education, Healthcare, and Livelihoods in India.
Education and Achievements
Kunal has always prioritized education and has an impressive academic background. He holds an MBA with distinction from the prestigious London Business School, where he studied Private Equity, Finance, and Strategy. His academic journey continued at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Systems and Entrepreneurial Engineering, further enhancing his analytical and problem-solving skills. He also possesses a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with Honors from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, a revered institution known for its academic rigor.
Throughout his career, Kunal has embraced various roles. He kicked off his professional journey as a summer intern at Tata Motors and further enriched his expertise by working with renowned organizations such as ZS Associates, where he held multiple roles, including Consultant and Associate Consultant. Kunal also gained insights into the commodities market through his trainee position with a floor broker at the London Metal Exchange and worked as a summer associate at The GEM Group and Private Capital Management Ltd.
His knowledge of cell biology, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence's potential in medicine has also marked him as an LP with Bios Partners. Kunal has a strong curiosity about the intersection of technology and sustainability, exploring new technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles (AVs), artificial intelligence, blockchain, and social networks – all of which critical to shaping our future lives.
Achievements
Kunal Sinha's achievements reflect his dual passion for business acumen and actionable sustainability solutions. As the Global Commercial Lead for Glencore's Recycling business, he is at the forefront of innovative recycling and metal recovery technologies, promoting circularity in essential sectors such as electronics and batteries. His advocacy for responsible recycling goes beyond commercial interests and enters a realm of social responsibility as he seeks to foster policy frameworks that can support sustainable practices worldwide.
His involvement with IIT-IIT signifies Kunal's commitment to giving back to his roots through education and social programs. This initiative actively engages alumni in fostering transformation in India, showcasing Kunal’s leadership and commitment to positive change.
In addition to his professional roles, Kunal enjoys a variety of personal interests that reflect his adventurous spirit and love for cultures and human interactions. He is fluent in both English and Hindi, and while his German and Swiss German may not be perfect, his optimism and brave-heartedness in learning new languages highlight his vivacious approach to life. Kunal's interests extend to exploring new technologies, reading, traveling, and experiencing different cuisines. Additionally, he pursues personal development through learning new tools like Python and Machine Learning, further augmenting his skill set in today's digital era.
Kunal Sinha is not only a notable figure in the field of commodity trading and sustainability but also a lifelong learner dedicated to achieving a sustainable future. His multidimensional career, combined with his passion for technology and commitment to making a difference, positions him as a leader and an influencer in the sustainability realm. Kunal's journey continues to inspire others as he navigates the intricacies of global commerce while advocating for a greener planet.