Harry Chawla is a business leader, governance professional, and strategic advisor whose leadership experience has played a significant role in the development of Sheetol Chawla’s artistic practice and long-term vision.

Born in India and later establishing his career in New Zealand, Harry migrated to Aotearoa in 2001. He completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Waikato, Hamilton, in 2002, laying the foundation for a career that would span leadership, governance, retail operations, and organisational development.

Over more than two decades, Harry has built extensive expertise in business leadership, people development, strategic planning, customer engagement, and operational excellence. He currently leads one of New Zealand’s largest retail operations, overseeing a workforce of more than 300 employees and serving approximately 40,000 customers each week. His experience spans tactical planning, organisational strategy, leadership development, governance, implementation, and long-term business growth.

Beyond his professional achievements, Harry has maintained a strong commitment to education, mentorship, and community leadership. He has completed advanced leadership and professional development programmes, including Dale Carnegie leadership training, executive development programmes through Foodstuffs New Zealand, and governance studies through Fonterra. He has also served as a Board Director of the Middlemore Foundation and as a former Advisory Board Member associated with Cornell’s technology and innovation initiatives.

Harry’s contribution to Sheetol Chawla’s artistic journey extends far beyond encouragement. Recognising her creative potential long before the establishment of the studio, he played a pivotal role in guiding her return to formal creative education in New Zealand. His support led to the decision that would ultimately transform a lifelong passion for art into a dedicated professional practice.

Since the foundation of the studio, Harry has remained a trusted mentor, strategic advisor, and advocate for the long-term vision of the practice. His guidance has helped shape not only the growth of the studio itself, but also the broader ambition of creating a permanent artistic archive dedicated to cultural exploration, historical storytelling, and diplomacy through art.

Working alongside Sheetol, he continues to contribute to the development of projects that seek to strengthen cultural understanding and build meaningful connections between communities, institutions, and nations. His unique combination of leadership experience, governance expertise, and commitment to lifelong learning provides an important foundation for the continued evolution of the practice and its future legacy.