Sunil Suresh, PRESIDENT & CEO, AVLON INC PHILIPPINES
Industrial growth has long been viewed as a symbol of national progress—towering smokestacks, humming machinery, and surging power grids fueling economies and livelihoods. Yet, behind this narrative of advancement lies an inconvenient truth: the toll it takes on our environment. From polluted rivers to hazy skylines, the byproducts of unchecked development are now too glaring to ignore. While many have accepted this trade-off as the cost of progress, a growing number of changemakers are challenging the status quo—daring to imagine an industrial future where prosperity doesn’t come at the planet’s expense. These are the visionaries who look beyond profit margins and production metrics, asking tougher questions: Can we build without destroying? Can growth be green? Sunil Suresh is one such changemaker. A man with a keen sense of purpose and a deep understanding of the delicate balance between industry and ecology, he has made it his mission to reshape the future of industrial development.
Raised in a modest, values-driven household in India, Sunil grew up with discipline, perseverance, and integrity woven into his daily life. His father, an officer in the Indian Air Force, frequently brought him along to engineering work sites, where his fascination with machinery and large-scale systems began to take shape. Wires, engines, systems—his imagination lit up at every moving part. Yet, it wasn’t just machines that stirred him. It was the contrast he saw around him: the visible impact of pollution and the widespread lack of access to clean energy in nearby communities. These powerful impressions stayed with him, ultimately guiding his decision to pursue mechanical engineering and later earn an MBA in finance. As he gained hands-on experience in the power and fuel storage industries, Sunil saw the growing urgency for scalable, sustainable solutions in the environmental space—especially in rapidly developing economies. That realization led him to commit his career to driving change in the energy and environmental sectors.
A Mission in Motion: Founding Avlon Inc.
After years of leading in the corporate world, Sunil felt a compelling need to create something with a deeper impact. He had seen firsthand how economic growth too often came at the cost of environmental health—a trade-off he believed industries could no longer afford to make. Determined to change that narrative, he founded Avlon Inc. with a bold mission: to engineer solutions that support industrial advancement while protecting the planet. The Philippines emerged as the ideal starting point—a nation rich in potential yet grappling with serious environmental challenges. From energy inefficiency and untreated wastewater to worsening air quality, the need for scalable, sustainable solutions was undeniable. Avlon Inc. was built to meet that need, combining engineering innovation with financial strategy to offer scalable, sustainable solutions. “Avlon’s mission—‘Engineering solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable world’—is not just a statement. It’s our daily driver. From empowering local talent to deploying eco-efficient systems, the company exists to deliver practical solutions that make industries cleaner and communities healthier. It’s a mission I’m proud to lead,” shares Sunil.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Innovation
The path to building Avlon was never without its challenges, each one testing the company’s resolve and ability to adapt. One of the earliest challenges Sunil faced was adjusting to life in a new country, and navigating unfamiliar regulatory landscapes while trying to establish trust in a competitive market. Building credibility and assembling a strong, capable team in an unfamiliar environment required patience, perseverance, and a deep understanding of local dynamics. But the real test came during the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains and stalled critical projects. Instead of retreating, Sunil and his team responded with agility—investing in digital systems, diversifying suppliers, and honing in on their core solutions.
Alongside these immediate challenges, Avlon had to stay ahead of rapidly shifting environmental regulations, often requiring quick re-engineering of products to ensure compliance. Throughout these trials, Sunil remained committed to building a values-driven organization, one that placed innovation, accountability, and impact at the heart of everything they did. As a result, the company not only overcame these early struggles but emerged stronger and more resilient, better equipped to face future challenges with confidence.
Leading with Purpose, Trust, and Empowerment
Sunil’s leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment and a strong sense of purpose. In the early stages of building Avlon, he was deeply hands-on—immersed in every decision, every detail. But as the organization grew, so did his perspective. He began to understand that true leadership isn’t about overseeing everything—it’s about setting a clear direction, trusting your team, and giving them the space to lead. Today, his approach centers on aligning people with a shared vision, fostering ownership, and creating an environment where innovation and collaboration can thrive. He strives to foster a culture of open communication, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and innovation at all levels of the organization. “Over time, I have learned that leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes—it’s about creating the right environment for people to thrive. I believe in nurturing leaders, not followers, and in building a culture where purpose, performance, and people go hand in hand,” asserts Sunil.
Finding Balance: Prioritizing What Matters Most
Balancing the demands of leadership with personal life is a constant challenge—especially as a founder—but for Sunil, it’s a discipline rooted in structure and intentionality. He begins each day early, prioritizing tasks and eliminating distractions to stay focused on what truly matters. Delegating responsibilities and empowering his team allows him the mental space to focus on the big-picture strategy rather than getting caught up in the day-to-day operations. Sunil also draws strength and motivation from his daughter, Susmitha, whom he considers his greatest inspiration. Despite his professional commitments, Sunil makes a concerted effort to set clear boundaries, especially when it comes to family time. On weekends, he disconnects from work to reflect, read, or simply spend quality time with loved ones. “Balance, to me, is not about splitting time equally, but about being present and purposeful in whatever I do,” he affirms.
Shaping the Future of Sustainable Engineering
Looking ahead, Sunil envisions Avlon Inc. emerging as a regional powerhouse in sustainable engineering solutions across Southeast Asia. With plans underway to expand manufacturing capabilities and launch a dedicated spare parts division, the company is reinforcing its long-term commitment to serviceability and reliability. At the same time, Avlon is embracing digital transformation by integrating AI and IoT into its water and air treatment systems to deliver smarter, self-regulating plants. This will enable the company to deliver even greater efficiency and sustainability.
Sunil is also particularly excited about Avlon’s work in waste-to-energy solutions. “We’re already involved in a 45 MW waste-to-energy project in North Luzon, and the potential in this space is immense. It can completely transform how industries and communities manage solid waste,” he explains. As part of its continued growth, Avlon is set to launch a new website that will showcase its expanded portfolio. “Ultimately, our goal is for Avlon to be synonymous with innovation, dependability, and environmental stewardship,” Sunil emphasizes.
Words to the Next Generation: Be the Spark
For young engineers and aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to leave their mark in sustainability and green technology, Sunil offers a grounded yet inspiring perspective. “Start where you are, with what you have, but think beyond what seems possible,” he advises. The sustainability space is not just about innovation—it’s about responsibility. So, he urges entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems in a scalable and affordable way.
Sunil also encourages the next generation to fuse technical expertise with business acumen, to actively seek mentors, and to surround themselves with people who share their drive for change. He emphasizes persistence and purpose as non-negotiables. “Stay curious, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to fail—it’s part of the process. In this industry, purpose is your greatest compass,” he adds. His message is clear: in a world that urgently needs sustainable change, even one committed individual can make a massive impact. Be that spark.