After spending nearly a decade handling high-stakes operations, aviation fuel infrastructure projects and crisis management assignments across India and neighbouring countries, Kaustav Palit reached a turning point in his professional journey. Seeking to move beyond operational execution and into strategic leadership, he enrolled in the Executive Post Graduate Programme (EPGP) at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB).
Palit’s career at Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) saw him lead aviation fuel operations across 40 airports in eastern India, managing business worth over ₹5,500 crore annually. He also played a key role in commissioning fuel facilities at airports in underserved regions, contributing to improved connectivity and economic growth.
Defining moments that shaped his decision
Among the experiences that influenced his decision to pursue executive education was the successful commissioning of fuel facilities at Darbhanga Airport during the Covid-19 lockdown and a critical emergency operation involving a crash-landed Myanmar Air Force aircraft in Aizawl in 2024.
The latter required coordination between defence agencies, civil aviation authorities and diplomatic channels under immense pressure. While the operation earned him national recognition, Palit says it also highlighted the importance of leadership, strategic thinking and decision-making beyond technical expertise.
Another significant experience came during his deputation to Bhutan, where he authored the country’s Aviation Exposition Manual, gaining insights into the intersection of infrastructure, policy and international cooperation.
Building leadership for the future
At IIM Bangalore, Palit says he has gained a deeper understanding of business strategy, organisational leadership and data-driven decision-making. Courses in competition strategy, financial analysis, decision sciences and organisational design have helped him develop a more structured approach to solving complex problems.
Looking ahead, he hopes to transition into management consulting with a focus on energy, aviation infrastructure and digital transformation. In the long term, he aspires to contribute to leadership roles in sectors that will shape India’s future growth story.
For mid-career professionals considering executive education, Palit offers simple advice: trust your experience, embrace uncertainty and invest in learning that prepares you for the next phase of leadership.