VN Dalmia is the Chairman of Dalmia Continental Private Limited (DCPL). DCPL, Dalmia's flagship company, has been a pioneer in establishing the popularity and use of Olive Oil in India. DCPL was the first company to promote the use of Olive Oil for Indian cuisine and the first to make Olive Oil affordable by lowering prices.
DCPL's principal product, Leonardo Olive OilŪ, is the leading Indian brand of Olive Oil. In 2007, DCPL expanded its product portfolio by launching Hudson Canola OilŪ and Leonardo HazelnutsŪ. In 2008, it plans to introduce a slew of other products, including Clausthaler Non-Alcoholic Beer, Grace Kennedy Coconut Water, Leonardo OlivesŪ and Leonardo Gold.
Dalmia is the recipient of an Italian knighthood titled the 'Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity' in the rank of Commendatore (Knight Commander) in recognition of his pioneering work in promoting the use and popularity of Italian olive oil, on a commercial scale, in India. The prestigious knighthood was instituted in 1947 to honour persons who have contributed significantly to the development of friendly relations with Italy on the basis of language, culture and socio-economic activities. Dalmia sits on the Advisory Committee of the Italian Institute of Culture.
Dalmia is also Chairman of Sunshine Tourism Services Private Limited (STSPL), a well-known provider of package tours in India. Previously, Dalmia was Commercial Director of Dalmia Biscuits Private Limited, where he oversaw major expansion and revenue growth, and Executive Director of Dalmia Dadri Cement Limited where he conceived and undertook a major revival plan for the ailing company with the involvement of central and state governments, banks and labour unions. As a Research Associate at the World Bank in Washington, DC, Dalmia prepared a report on the role of Foreign Direct Investment in the economic growth of Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, which formed part of the Bank's economic reform proposals to the Indian government.
In community activities, Dalmia is President of the Indian Olive Association and Executive Vice President of the Babu Jagjivan Ram National Foundation, an autonomous foundation of the Government of India, dedicated to the upliftment of the backward classes of India. Dalmia is also a long standing member of the Managing Committee of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dalmia was previously President of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce – NIC and Chairman of the India-Mexico and India-Colombia Joint Business Councils.
Dalmia earned an MBA from the University of Virginia's famed Darden Business School. He is a member of the School's Alumni Board as well as President of its India Alumni Chapter.
Dalmia is the son of group founder and pioneer industrialist Ramkrishna Dalmia and Saraswati Dalmia. The Dalmia family and its relatives control companies in India and abroad; turn-over of these companies, if aggregated, exceeds US $ 3 billion.
Dalmia is an art collector, a keen photographer, a voracious reader and a fitness enthusiast who spends one hour daily in the gym. Dalmia owns an extensive music collection and the drums are his favored instrument (he was an enthusiastic member of a college band). The Beatles, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, U2, Melissa Etheridge and Coldplay are some of his favourite performers. Aeromodelling and aviation are other abiding interests. Italy and USA are his favourite destinations for travel.