J. Balakrishnan is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in banking, finance, and sports administration. As Chief Operating Officer, he has played a crucial role in business development, process optimisation, rural upliftment, and the promotion of women’s entrepreneurship, overseeing operations and driving profit enhancement. He served as a Financial Advisor for the Technology Development Board, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India (April 2022 – August 2024), where he assessed the commercial viability of innovative projects and collaborated with scientists to facilitate technological advancements. J. Balakrishnan, Vice President of the Students World Cup Association Executive Committee – Tamil Nadu, has also held significant leadership roles in the banking sector. As General Manager at Indian Overseas Bank (April 2019 – May 2020), he led the Chennai Zone, managing a business portfolio exceeding ₹702 billion, overseeing 524 branches with a workforce of over 5,200 employees, and coordinating government strategies as the SLBC convenor bank.
Beyond his financial expertise, J. Balakrishnan has a distinguished sporting background. He serves as Secretary General of the Integrated Basketball Players’ Association (IBPA), where he has organised major sporting events and panel discussions featuring experts from Spain, Jamaica, and the USA. A former Indian Men's Basketball Team player, he represented Tamil Nadu (1980-1991), played for the "Rest of India" in the Pre-Asian Championship (1983-84), and competed in international test matches against Yugoslavia and Russia (1986-87). He also represented India in the 5th Crown Prince World Championship in Bangkok (1986). His expertise in fitness and coaching has earned him an International Fitness Trainer certification from Progressive Fitness, California, USA, along with a Diploma in Fitness and specialisation in injury management techniques. He has successfully trained and mentored top-tier teams, including leading his bank’s basketball team to No.1 status in India and guiding them in the Champion’s Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (2000). With a wealth of experience spanning leadership, finance, and sports, J. Balakrishnan continues to make a significant impact, inspiring professionals and athletes alike.