Sunil K. Choukiker, the Founder and Director of ES Safeguards Compliance Services Private Limited, has built an extraordinary career at the intersection of innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial leadership. His organization, established in 2011 and headquartered in Gurgaon, India, has become a cornerstone in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) consulting across the Asia-Pacific region. With a robust background in engineering and over two decades of professional experience, Sunil has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development in diverse and challenging environments.
Sunil began his professional journey with a solid academic foundation, earning a degree in civil engineering and a postgraduate specialization in environmental engineering and management from IIT Kharagpur, one of India’s premier institutions. These qualifications equipped him with the technical expertise and vision needed to tackle complex issues in sustainable development. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Sunil worked extensively on infrastructure development projects in sectors such as health, education, transport, energy, urban and rural infrastructure, and natural resource management. This experience, spanning multiple countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Indonesia, gave him deep insights into the socio-economic challenges faced by developing nations and the solutions required to address them.
His exposure to international multilateral financial institutions such as the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and United Nations agencies played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of global compliance and governance standards. This experience laid the foundation for ES Safeguards, a firm dedicated to delivering practical, impactful, and sustainable solutions for clients navigating the intricate ESG landscape. The organization has since become a trusted partner for governments, corporations, and development agencies, offering expertise in sustainable development, environmental management, social safeguards, health and safety planning, and governance.
The establishment of ES Safeguards was driven by Sunil’s passion for protecting the environment and fostering sustainable growth. He recognized the urgent need for solutions that balance economic development with environmental and social well-being, particularly in developing nations. His ability to combine technical knowledge with a nuanced understanding of regional contexts has been instrumental in the success of the organization. ES Safeguards has earned ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, further underscoring its commitment to quality and excellence in service delivery.
Sunil’s entrepreneurial journey has not been without challenges. The consulting market is influenced by external factors such as regulatory changes, economic conditions, and competitive dynamics. Navigating these complexities required a combination of foresight, adaptability, and resilience. Sunil believes in the importance of meticulous planning and advanced due diligence to mitigate risks and ensure sustained growth. His philosophy of “keep moving forward” has been a guiding principle, helping him overcome obstacles and maintain focus on the organization’s mission.
What sets ES Safeguards apart is its emphasis on teamwork and a client-centric approach. Sunil has cultivated a corporate culture that prioritizes understanding and meeting client needs, a quality he considers the company’s unique selling proposition. This focus on collaboration and tailored solutions has been key to building long-term relationships with clients and stakeholders. The firm’s contributions to sustainable development have been widely recognized, earning it accolades from professional bodies and solidifying its reputation as a leader in the ESG consulting space.
Sunil attributes much of his success to his ability to identify opportunities and remain committed to his vision. He believes that strong commitment and alignment with personal values are essential for achieving professional success. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward yet profound: follow your passion. He emphasizes that passion not only drives success but also ensures satisfaction and fulfillment in one’s work. For Sunil, this philosophy has been a cornerstone of his entrepreneurial journey, allowing him to create a business that is both impactful and rewarding.
Throughout his career, Sunil has remained deeply committed to the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. He draws inspiration from his own journey, viewing himself as a source of motivation and continually striving for personal and professional growth. This self-reliant mindset has enabled him to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship with confidence and determination.
Sunil’s contributions extend beyond the commercial success of ES Safeguards. His work has had a tangible impact on the communities and environments served by the organization, contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development. The firm’s projects have addressed critical issues such as resource management, environmental conservation, and social equity, demonstrating the potential for businesses to drive positive change. For Sunil, these achievements are a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
Looking ahead, Sunil envisions a future where ES Safeguards continues to expand its impact, helping clients achieve their sustainability goals while fostering positive outcomes for society and the environment. He remains focused on maintaining the organization’s reputation for excellence and innovation, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of ESG consulting. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, demonstrating that it is possible to build a successful business while staying true to one’s values and principles.
In recognition of its achievements, ES Safeguards has been named among the top ESG/EHS consulting firms by multiple professional bodies. While such accolades are a source of pride, Sunil considers them secondary to the organization’s primary mission of advancing sustainable development. For him, success is measured not only by business growth but also by the positive impact the company has on its clients and the communities it serves.
Sunil K. Choukiker’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and purpose. Through his leadership of ES Safeguards, he has demonstrated that entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for driving meaningful change. His journey underscores the importance of passion, commitment, and a clear vision in overcoming challenges and achieving success. By staying true to his principles and continually striving for excellence, Sunil has not only built a thriving business but also made a lasting contribution to the field of sustainable development.
