Salish Balan
Executive Director
Bilal International Co. LLC
With diligence, hard work, and unwavering integrity, Salish Balan has carved a distinct identity in the FMCG sector in the Sultanate of Oman. An NRI professional with a forward-looking vision, he currently serves as the Executive Director of Bilal International Co. LLC, a family-run enterprise based in Muscat. The company manufactures and imports a diverse range of food and non-food products from across the globe.
As the heir to a business established in 1977, Salish has played a pivotal role over the past 15 years in sustaining and accelerating its growth trajectory, steering the company toward new milestones.
A Journey That Began in Kozhikode
Hailing from Kozhikode, Salish was born to Balan Kuniyil, a businessman, and Saroja Balan, a homemaker. After completing his schooling, he pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, graduating in 2000.
He began his professional career in 2001 as a Software Programmer with Quality Business Enterprise in Kerala. In March 2003, he moved on to pursue an MBA at Panjab University. Upon completing his postgraduate studies, he joined eSys Information Technology Ltd., New Delhi—a Singapore-based organization that was among the world’s largest distributors of Seagate hard drives at the time.
As a Product Manager, Salish was responsible for managing Samsung product lines—including colour monitors, CDRW, DVDRW, and HDDs—across upcountry markets in India.
A defining turning point in his career came in 2006 when he relocated to Oman to join National Telephone Services LLC (NTS), Muscat, as a Network Consultant. NTS is a market leader and one of the largest private communication service providers in the country, operating across multiple divisions. After over two years with the company, Salish pursued a Master’s degree in Information Systems and Management from the University of Warwick, UK.
Leading Bilal International to New Horizons
In 2010, Salish assumed leadership at Bilal International, a company founded by his father as a manufacturing and trading enterprise specializing in Indian & European products. Over time, the company established itself as one of the pioneers in introducing these products to the Omani market.
Its portfolio has included well-known brands such as Kaveri (Bengaluru), Khaitaisons (Kerala), and Rani, all offering a range of pickles and spices. Following stringent evaluation and fulfillment of financial criteria, the company was granted “Investor Status,” further strengthening its market position.
Today, Bilal International distributes a wide array of products, including its own “Picnic Snacks” brand of savory items. It also serves as the exclusive distributor for several prominent brands, including:
- ITC Ltd (Aashirvaad Atta & Ghee, Sunfeast Biscuits)
- Tata Consumer Products (Tata Salt range)
- Trixie (pet products, Germany)
- Maiyas (instant mixes, spices, savories, sweets, beverages)
- Onam (incense and allied products)
- Nilamels (authentic Kerala snacks)
- Kamila (European chocolates)
- Fish Net (dried fish products)
- Rice products
With over four decades of presence in Oman, the company enjoys strong goodwill and a competitive edge in the market. Under Salish’s leadership, the focus remains on expanding the product portfolio and scaling new heights.
Family and Personal Interests
Salish credits much of his success to the support of his wife, Vandhana Vijayan, a Learning Advisor at a global Ed-Tech firm. The couple has a daughter, Annora Salish, who is currently in Class V.
An active member of the Kerala Engineers Alumni, Salish maintains a keen interest in soccer, cycling, and marathons. Despite his demanding schedule, he also finds time to indulge in reading novels—one of his favorite pastimes.
Contact Information
Salish Balan
Executive Director
Bilal International Co. LLC
P.O. Box 2978, PC 112
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
Mobile: +968 97022018
Fax: +968 24185192
Email:
