Suparjya swain 
Feature: In the vast landscape of Indian business, where micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the economy, a few leaders distinguish themselves by their ability to transform industries, uplift communities, and set global benchmarks. Among these visionaries is Mr. Sudhir Samal, CEO of UB International Trading Ltd., whose journey is as much a testament to resilience and reinvention as it is to enterprise and excellence.
Born and raised in the tribal town of Sunabeda, Koraput district of Odisha, where the roar of MiG fighter jets fuelled his childhood dream of flying high, Mr. Samal charted a different but equally ambitious flight path. He graduated in Electrical Engineering from NIT Rourkela in 1992 and began his career with GE Power and ABB, where he worked on automation and commissioning for prestigious projects such as the Rourkela and Bokaro Steel Plants, Reliance Jamnagar Refinery, Bakreswar coal handling plant, and INS Bombay Warship at Mazagaon Dockyard, Mumbai.
Yet, his aspirations extended beyond engineering. Drawn to the global stage, he pursued an MBA in International Business from Nottingham Trent University, UK, and FORE School of Management, New Delhi (2001). This academic leap proved decisive, equipping him with a rare synergy of technical expertise and managerial vision. His corporate ascent began at UB Global (UB Group Company), where as Senior General Manager and later Director, he spearheaded exports, manufacturing, and business development. Under his leadership, the company’s revenues soared from INR 70 million to INR 450 million in five years, profitability rose by 10%, and working capital cycles tightened by 20%.
The defining chapter came in 2017 to spearhead UB International Trading Ltd. (UB Group Company) Starting from scratch, Mr. Samal built the enterprise into a USD 12 million company with profit margins of 7–10% and a workforce exceeding 1,000. Today, UB International is a trusted manufacturer and exporter of branded leather footwear, serving global markets while retaining a strong domestic presence. Beyond its financial success, the company has become a community enabler, providing livelihoods to thousands of workers from neighbouring villages—an achievement Mr. Samal credits as much to his workforce as to his leadership.
What sets Mr. Samal apart is his ability to blend tradition with technology. At UB International, he introduced enterprise systems such as SAP, Grey T, and Manufacturing 4.0, aligning efficiency with craftsmanship. This unique approach enabled the company to withstand disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while expanding its footprint across Europe, Latin America, and beyond.
A lifelong learner, Mr. Samal has consistently augmented his knowledge. He has pursued advanced certifications in Customer, Operations, and People Analytics (Wharton); Data Science (Duke University); International Organisation Management (University of Geneva) and Influencing People (University of Michigan). His legal acumen was strengthened with an LLB from RKM Law College, Tirupati (2024), adding yet another dimension to his already formidable profile. A Certified Independent Director from the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, he embodies the rare versatility of engineer, strategist, lawyer, and corporate leader.
In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Samal has received some of the most prestigious honours in the MSME sector:
- India’s 5000 Best MSME Award (2020, 2023)
- Man of Excellence Award (2020)
- Atmanirbhar Bharat Award (2021)
- India’s 500 Best MSME Award (2024)
- India’s 500 Best CEO Award (2024)
- Best Tax Payer Company Award (2024)
- Iconic Brand of the Year in Footwear Manufacturing (2025)
- CEO of the Year by the National Achievers Recognition Forum (2025)
One of his proudest milestones remains receiving recognition not only from the Government of India but also from his alma mater, NIT Rourkela in 2025—a validation of decades spent navigating the challenging terrain of MSMEs.
Beyond business, Mr. Samal actively contributes to the industry ecosystem. Since 2017, he has served as Joint Secretary of the South India Shoes Manufacturer Association and plays a pivotal role in TANSAM (Tamil Nadu Smart and Advanced Manufacturing System), including the establishment of its Centre of Excellence. His association with the National Skill Development Council reflects his firm belief that India’s industrial future lies in empowering youth through skills. A sought-after speaker at MSME forums and conclaves, he often shares his mantra of turning the “impossible into possible,” urging entrepreneurs to transition from unorganised models to globally competitive enterprises.
From engineering warship systems and modernising steel plants to steering one of India’s most decorated MSMEs in footwear manufacturing, Mr. Sudhir Samal’s journey is a rare arc of transformation. His life embodies the spirit of **Atmanirbhar Bharat—self-reliant India—**where entrepreneurs do not merely endure adversity but redefine possibilities. Today, he stands as a symbol of what Indian MSMEs can achieve with vision, discipline, and resilience, lifting not just businesses but entire communities onto the global stage.
