Founder Magazine
Sunil K. Choukiker 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, providing him with a broad perspective on the critical challenges facing developing nations.
His early career included collaborations with renowned international multilateral financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank (WB), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the United Nations (UN) agencies. These experiences offered Sunil a profound understanding of the intricacies of development projects, from their conception to implementation. The exposure to a diverse range of projects across countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Palau, Marshall Islands, and Sri Lanka helped him develop a nuanced approach to addressing sustainability challenges while respecting the unique needs of each region.
Fuelled by his passion for environmental and societal progress, Sunil decided to embark on an entrepreneurial journey at the age of 36. He envisioned an organization that could leverage his expertise to create meaningful and sustainable impacts. With this vision, ES Safeguards Compliance Services Private Limited was born in 2011. The firm started with a modest investment but grew steadily, guided by Sunil’s dedication and strategic insights. Today, ES Safeguards holds ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, underscoring its commitment to quality and environmental standards. The company specializes in a wide range of ESG consulting services, including sustainable development planning, environmental management, social safeguards, health and safety measures, and governance frameworks.
The company’s work is particularly impactful in the context of developing nations, where the challenges of rapid urbanization, resource constraints, and environmental degradation are acute. ES Safeguards provides tailored solutions to these issues, enabling governments, corporations, and organizations to align their development goals with global ESG standards. By focusing on client-specific needs and fostering a collaborative approach, ES Safeguards has carved a niche for itself as a trusted partner in the sustainability domain.
One of the defining aspects of Sunil’s entrepreneurial journey is his ability to adapt to challenges and find innovative solutions. Like many entrepreneurs, he faced obstacles in navigating external factors that influence the consulting market, such as economic fluctuations, policy changes, and competitive pressures. However, his commitment to advanced due diligence and meticulous planning allowed him to mitigate these risks effectively. Sunil’s pragmatic approach, coupled with his unwavering determination, enabled him to build a resilient organization that continues to thrive in a dynamic and often unpredictable market.
Sunil’s leadership philosophy is rooted in teamwork, client focus, and an unwavering commitment to delivering value. He believes that the key to long-term success lies in understanding the evolving needs of clients and exceeding their expectations through innovative solutions. His personal ethos of “keep moving” reflects his resilience and forward-looking attitude, qualities that have been instrumental in driving the growth of ES Safeguards.
Over the years, Sunil’s contributions to the field of ESG consulting have been widely recognized. Under his stewardship, ES Safeguards has earned accolades from various professional bodies and is frequently ranked among the top ESG/EHS consulting firms. These achievements not only validate the organization’s capabilities but also reflect Sunil’s vision and leadership.
As he looks to the future, Sunil remains committed to the principles of sustainable development and client satisfaction. He envisions ES Safeguards continuing to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable world by helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of ESG compliance and development. He is driven by a profound sense of responsibility to contribute to societal progress while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Sunil’s journey offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the importance of following one’s passion and remaining focused on what can be delivered effectively. His advice to budding entrepreneurs is straightforward yet profound: strong commitment and a clear sense of purpose are essential ingredients for success. He believes that entrepreneurship is not merely about creating a business but about making a meaningful impact through innovation and perseverance.
In reflecting on his professional journey, Sunil acknowledges the invaluable lessons he has learned along the way. From understanding the critical importance of due diligence to navigating the complexities of international collaboration, each experience has enriched his perspective and shaped his approach to leadership. His ability to balance technical expertise with a holistic understanding of societal needs is a testament to his multifaceted capabilities.
