Damu Murali
Director (Operations)
Benchmark International LLC, Muscat, Oman
In an era where adaptability defines success and industries demand leaders who can think both technically and strategically, Damu Murali, the Director of Operations at Benchmark International LLC in Muscat, Oman, stands out as a quiet force of transformation. As a seasoned business executive in Oman’s industrial sector, he brings to the table nearly three decades of experience blending engineering precision with business foresight. With roots in Kerala and a career that has spanned continents, Damu has played a pivotal role in building sustainable operations, forging cross-border partnerships, and leading high-stakes projects in the Middle East’s evolving economic landscape. His journey is not one of overnight triumphs, but of consistent progress—marked by integrity, sharp acumen, and a deep understanding of people and process alike. Today, Damu is not just managing growth, he’s shaping it.
Born into a family steeped in scholarship and service, Damu Murali was raised in an intellectually nurturing environment. His father, Dr. D. Muraleedharan, a retired government Nano Biotechnology scientist, is currently part of the Cancer Research Wing at Amrita Institute and Medical College in Kochi. His mother, Dr. Usha Muraleedharan, a retired professor from All Saints College, Trivandrum, holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Kerala. This academic legacy laid the foundation for Damu’s deep-rooted discipline and thirst for knowledge.
Damu pursued his undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering (B.E) from Noorul Islam University, sharpening his analytical and technical prowess. Keen on expanding his horizons beyond engineering, in 2010 he earned an MBA from the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) Centre in Dubai — a move that would later equip him to handle the complex interplay of sales, marketing, and operations in the MRO chemicals & Specialty Lubricants sector.
Damu’s professional journey began in 2003 with Technical Agencies Distributors (TADCO), part of the Al Haitham Group in Oman. As a Sales Engineer, he managed the marketing of automotive aftermarket products, lubricants and garage equipment, while also overseeing team coordination and supplier engagement. It was a role that introduced him to the pulse of Oman’s automotive aftermarket — a niche that would later become a key sector in his career.
In 2004, Damu joined Oilfields Supply Centre L.L.C & Bhatia Brothers & Partners L.L.C, part of the iconic Bhatia Brothers Group — a conglomerate with over a century of presence in the Gulf. Over a tenure spanning more than a decade, he rose steadily from Sales Engineer to Divisional Manager (Oman), showcasing a knack for managing P&L responsibilities, spearheading territory expansion, and building new revenue pipelines.
As Manager of Business Development from 2009, he launched and led marketing campaigns for premium global brands like STP, CRC, Prestone, Molykote and Magnaflux. Notably, he introduced the in-house lubricant brand “FASTLUBE” and a portable generator and pumps brand “ZONGSHEN” to the Oman market — overseeing everything from package design and product launch to pricing and supplier coordination.
Promoted to Territory Manager in 2011, Damu handled both the automotive and industrial verticals, formulating business plans, identifying new product opportunities, and mentoring his team to consistently exceed sales targets. He secured strategic product approvals with major car dealers and government institutions, while establishing strong supplier relationships across the GCC.
By 2015, as Divisional Manager, he was managing two companies simultaneously within the group, leading diverse sales teams and supervising all aspects of daily operations — from pricing and promotions to supplier negotiations and business development. His tenure here culminated in making Bhatia Brothers a household name across Oman’s industrial landscape.
In 2017, Damu joined Manappat Group to build a trading division from scratch — a bold and visionary move. Within three years, he established a profitable trading company under Benchmark International LLC, securing authorized distributorships for more than 10 international brands and creating a customer base of over 600 across Oman. His team, handpicked and mentored personally, now drives this operation forward with energy and ambition.
By November 2021, Damu was elevated to Director of Operations at Benchmark International. In this role, he oversees the entire business ecosystem — from international agency alliances to digital marketing, team management, and daily operations. Under his leadership, the company has not only grown in terms of revenue and reach but also become a recognized name in MRO chemicals, specialty Lubricants and engineering products supplier base across Oman .
His focus remains on innovation and diversification. Whether it’s implementing e-marketing strategies, identifying emerging trends in industrial product distribution, or championing new brands in the Omani market, Damu continues to break new ground in the industry.
Damu is an active member of professional organizations such as Kerala Engineers Forum and Malayali Engineers Alumini, further extending his influence and network within the regional business community. His interests lie in the dynamic intersection of engineering and market strategy — a passion he applies with vigour in every facet of his work.
Damu is married to Athulya Damu, who holds a B.Sc. in Fashion Technology from KSR Engineering College, Erode. Athulya plays an integral role at Silk Route International in Muscat, managing accounts and administration in a company that specializes in IVMS and SAP distribution — making theirs home deeply rooted in enterprise and excellence.
Their son, Ishan Damu, is a bright and inquisitive eighth-grade student at Indian School Ghubra. A young learner with curiosity and drive, Ishan reflects the same ambition and integrity that define his father’s legacy.
Damu Murali’s story is not just one of professional success, but also of vision, drive,resilience, and transformation. From launching brands and building teams to establishing multi-million-dollar trading divisions from the ground up, he has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to marry technical proficiency with commercial insight.
With over two decades of experience and an impeccable record in both engineering and business management, Damu continues to stand tall as one of Oman’s most respected business leaders in the petrochemical and engineering product sectors. His journey, driven by purpose and sharpened by relentless pursuit of excellence, serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals across the region.
In a world that often rewards the loudest voice, Damu Murali’s calm, calculated leadership reminds us that true impact lies in vision, values, and unwavering commitment to growth — not just of businesses, but of the people and communities they serve.
Contact Information
Address in Oman: PO Box 917, PC 130, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Contact in Oman: +968 99492523/ 9966 5232/ +968 2254 6781
Site: www.benchmarkoman.com
