Mr Viren Sinha has taken over as the Chairman and Managing Director of Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, effective January 1. Mr Sinha succeeds Mr S. K. Mukherjee. Prior to his appointment as the chairman, Mr Sinha was director (service businesses), overseeing the tours and travel and logistics businesses of the company, according to a press statement issued by the company. Mr P.P. Sahoo has also been elevated to the board as the director (human resources and corporate affairs), effective December 14, 2011.