Surendar Balakrishnan — Co-Founder
I am a B2B publishing entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience shaping industry dialogue across HVACR, energy, water, construction and building services. As Co-Founder & Editorial Director of CPI Industry, I have led the co-launch and growth of globally respected B2B publications, including Climate Control Middle East, alongside associated digital platforms, technical journals, annual product directories and industry intelligence reports. My work has consistently focused on positioning communication products as instruments of competitive and socio-economic advantage. I have shaped the editorial frameworks of more than 100 international conferences, webinars and awards programmes, addressing mission-critical themes, including Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), District Cooling, VRF systems, refrigerants, food safety and cold chain integrity and sustainable infrastructure. These forums have attracted participation from over 25 countries. Over the years, I have been privileged to contribute to policy discussions, including on IAQ strategies and on refrigerants, and to receive recognition such as the Reader’s Digest Fellowship, Reader’s Digest Continuing Fellowship and twice the Pan-Arab Media Quality Award. A recent area of focus has been co-leading the Editorial Campaign, "IEQ & Fertility", exploring the intersection of Indoor Environmental Quality and reproductive health, expanding the HVACR conversation into broader public health and societal impact. In 2026, my team and I extended our print legacy into broadcast with the launch of ON AIRE, a YouTube-based HVACR news and commentary channel that arguably represents a first-of-its-kind dedicated platform for the sector, reinforcing our commitment to merit-based, balanced reporting. I believe structured communication and informed dialogue are essential to aligning industry innovation with long-term sustainability and nation-building goals.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a B2B publishing expert with a focus on HVACR and industry communication.
Experience: 27 yrs
Skills
- Publishing
- Editorial
- Content Development
- Digital Marketing
- Event Management
Career Highlights
- Co-founded a leading HVACR publication.
- Produced over 100 international conferences.
- Pioneered a YouTube-based HVACR news channel.
Work Experience
Climate Control Middle East
B2B Conference & Knowledge Platform Leadership (18 yrs 10 mos)
Major CPI Industry Conferences & Platforms (Selected) (19 yrs 2 mos)
Co-Founder & Editorial Director, CPI Industry | Editor, Climate Control Middle East & ON AIRE (20 yrs 8 mos)
B2B Publishing & Editorial Leadership (20 yrs 8 mos)
Man's World India
Features Writer (3 yrs 8 mos)
Khaleej Times
Editor (6 yrs 3 mos)
The University of Kansas
Assistant Editor (5 mos)
Various Publishing Houses
Freelance Writer (3 yrs 3 mos)
Education
MS at The University of Kansas
MA at University of Madras
Bachelor of Science (BSc) at University of Madras
