After completing education at Mumbai University and IIM Calcutta, he joined Asian Paints where he spent 35 years in various roles, the last as CEO of a JV with PPG Industries, serving automotive, industrial and marine customers. Later, till March 2016, he was associated with Asian Paints as their Advisor-Corporate Social responsibilities. He was also the CEO of Jade Head Managers and Associates, a consulting company based in Mumbai which provides consultancy in the areas of Strategic Management, Organisational Development and CSR. He is now the CEO of the Paints and Coatings Skill Council. A past president of the India Business forum of CII in China and past co-chairman of the Indo-Korean Business Council of FICCI, Mr Acharya has keenly participated in industry affairs all through his career.