Mr. Nilesh A Kulkarni

Executive Director - Business

Mr. Kulkarni has a total experience of 29 years, during which he has worked in the Aviation Business, Banking and Management Advisory Business, and Chemicals business

Mr. Kulkarni started his career in the aviation business. He was a member of the founding team of India's first private cargo airline, before moving to the parent company taking responsibilities ranging from Sales & Marketing, Operations, Analysis to Strategy for the South Asian Region. Moved to jointly head and build the technical business of the Aviation Group in the Indian sub-continent. Responsibilities included Project implementation, P&L, Legal, Finance and Regulatory

Post which, he joined Advisory Services and Investment Banking business of The Chesapeake Group using the operational domain expertise to advise various companies in Manufacturing, Aviation and IT services. He was a Partner at The Chesapeake Group

Mr. Kulkarni joined Gharda Chemicals as Advisor to the Board of Gharda Chemicals Limited in 2007. He served as the Advisor from 2007-2013. He was appointed as the Director-Commercial at Gharda Chemicals Limited in 2013. He has since been a member of the Board of Directors of the company

He is responsible for Sales and Marketing, Finance, HR, IT, Risk Management, Secretarial and Legal, Design and Engineering and Procurement, and CSR and providing direction and leadership to the business

Dr. Keki H Gharda

Chairman & Managing Director

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Mr. Subhra Jyoti Roy

Vice President - International Business

Subhra Jyoti Roy is a seasoned leader in the chemicals industry with expertise in business development, regulatory compliance, sales management, and customer relationship management. He has pursued advanced leadership training through the Global Leadership Program at the University of Michigan and the TATA Group Executive Leadership Course. A postgraduate in Business Administration from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Subhra also holds a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science from the College of Agriculture, Pune.

Currently serving as Vice President, International Business at Gharda Chemicals, he brings a strategic and people-centric approach to navigating the digital era in global business.

Dr. Bapu Chaudhari

Vice President - R&D

Dr. Bapu Chaudhari has joined us as Vice President - Research & Development with effect from today.

Dr. Chaudhari brings with him over 25 years of industry experience in process design, technology transfer, setting up labs to being responsible for large R & D teams to develop APIs from route scouting till commercial scale.

He was associated primarily with Arch Pharmalab in India and Zhejiang Menovo Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. in China where he worked last.

He is a Ph. D. (Tech) holder from Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. He has done his B. Sc. (Tech) and M. Sc. (Tech) as well from ICT. Mumbai.

Dr. Kailash N Singh

Vice President – International Marketing & Development

Dr. K N Singh, with a Ph.D. in Agricultural Entomology from G.B. Pant University, brings over 40 years of experience in crop protection and agrochemicals. Since joining Gharda Chemicals in 1996, he has spearheaded product development, regulatory compliance, and market expansion strategies. He has played a pivotal role in introducing and registering key molecules for global markets, enhancing corporate branding, and contributing to policy advocacy in the agrochemical sector. Dr. Singh also holds directorial positions in various industry associations and international subsidiaries, strengthening Gharda's global presence.

Mr. Narayanan P Nair

Vice President – International Marketing & Sales

Narayanan Nair has over 30 years of expertise in supply chain management and international business. At Gharda Chemicals, he has led international marketing for nearly a decade, achieving a 78% growth in international business during FY 20-21.

Previously, he headed supply chain operations for Makhteshim Agan (Adama) across Southeast Asia, establishing a world-class agrochemical formulation unit, and spent 11 years at Ranbaxy Laboratories in supply chain leadership roles.

He holds an M.Com, GDMM from the Indian Institute of Materials Management, and an Executive MBA from IIMM Ahmedabad.

Mr. Ramanathan S Seethapathi

Vice President – Sales & Marketing (USA)

He serves as the CEO of the US Corporation and chairs the Board of the Subsidiary Company, Gharda Chemicals International Inc. A strong Leader with extensive business experience of over 4 decades with leading Agrichemical manufacturing companies like Bayer, Shell and Dow AgroSciences before joining Gharda in 2008. He has held senior executive Leadership positions leading cross functional teams before joining Gharda, with exposure to major global markets like US and highly competitive markets like Asia Pacific and LATAM. He manages the day to day running of the subsidiary, in addition, focusing on creating value for the parent company, building relationships with major players in the Industry. He is a trusted member of Gharda management.

Mr. Deepak Singh

Vice President – Sales & Marketing (INDIA)

Deepak Singh has been an integral part of Gharda Chemicals Ltd since March 3, 2005, serving as Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this role, he has been instrumental in leading and managing the India sales business, driving growth and strategic initiatives within the domestic market.

Before joining Gharda Chemicals, Mr. Singh held senior commercial roles at renowned organizations including Mahindra Shub Labh, Bayer, Aventis, AgrEvo, Hoechst, and Hindustan Lever, showcasing his extensive expertise and leadership in the agrochemical and FMCG industries.

He is a graduate in Agriculture (B.Sc) and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDBM) from NMIMS, Mumbai, further strengthening his professional credentials.

Mr. Florian J Rodrigues

Chief Financial Officer

Florian Rodrigues brings over 28 years of expertise in financial planning, budgeting, and corporate finance. Since joining Gharda Chemicals in 1995, he has played a pivotal role in streamlining financial operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving cost optimization.

His responsibilities include financial planning and budgetary control, corporate finance, taxation, and managing accounts and audits across four manufacturing locations. Florian oversees working capital management, MIS reporting, and banking relationships while ensuring efficient utilization of funds and adherence to statutory norms.

A qualified professional, Florian holds a B.Com., ICWAI, CAIIB, and LLB. Before Gharda, he held key positions at Bank of India, Hindustan Lever Ltd., Rallis India Ltd., and Miranda Tools (Piramal Group).

Mr.Milind bondale

Vice President – Human Resources

Milind Bondale brings over 30 years of rich experience in human resources and operations. Since 2017, he has been leading HR at Gharda Chemicals, driving cultural transformation and aligning people strategies with business goals.

Previously, he held senior HR roles at Deepak Fertilisers, Essar Group, Raychem RPG, and Johnson Controls, excelling in leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational design. Milind began his career with Godrej and honed his skills through General Electric’s prestigious Leadership Development Program. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Production Engineering and a Master’s in Human Resources Development Management from the University of Mumbai.

Mr. Balu Karbhari

GM - Information Technology

A seasoned ERP/SAP professional with over 19 years of experience, Balu specializes in strategy planning, infrastructure management, SAP/ERP implementation, and technical support in manufacturing sectors such as engineering, fertilizers, petrochemicals, chemicals, and polyester.

He has a proven track record in SAP project management, from planning and execution to assessment and review. Recognized for leadership in SAP BASIS and ABAP consulting, he excels in hardware sizing, system installation, disaster recovery setup, and enterprise security systems.

Balu's career spans roles at organizations like Garware Polyester Ltd., Deepak Fertilisers, and Birla Kennametal. Since 2016, he has been driving IT and SAP initiatives at Gharda Chemicals.

He holds a PG-DCA and MCA from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad.

Mr. K. S Krishnan

GM – Purchase

An MBA Graduate from ISBM, Mumbai with Diploma in Materials Management from IIM Mumbai & Commerce Graduate from Madras University. Mr. Krishnan has 38 years’ experience in Procurement and held many responsible positions various organization like UPL, Kores & Rallis India in Procurement Department. He has joined Gharda in 2013 and heading the procurement department

Mr. Michael Raj

Company Secretary & GM – Taxation

Michael Raj has been with Gharda Chemicals for over 39 years, starting as a Commercial Apprentice in 1984 and progressing to his current role as Company Secretary and GM – Taxation. A designated Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) under the Companies Act since 2009, he specializes in corporate laws, taxation, accounts, and compliance.

He holds a B.Com, FCS, and LLB and also serves as a Director in an overseas subsidiary of Gharda Chemicals.

Mr. Diwakar K Shenoy

Executive Director - Technical

D.K. Shenoy serves as a Director on the Board of Gharda Chemicals and is an integral member of the Management Committee. With over 36 years of progressive experience within the company, he has consistently taken on increasing responsibilities, demonstrating unwavering commitment and leadership.

He oversees the manufacturing operations across all Gharda Chemicals' sites, including its subsidiaries, ensuring operational excellence. Additionally, he spearheads Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) and sustainability initiatives, fostering a culture of responsibility and maintaining strong industrial relations at all manufacturing locations.

As a key member of the Management Committee, D.K. Shenoy plays a pivotal role in driving business performance, compliance, and cost efficiency. He also contributes to R&D efforts, as well as the development and launch of new products and processes. Collaborating closely with other committee members, he helps shape and implement the company’s business strategy, ensuring sustained growth and innovation.

Dr. Swaminathan Sivaram

Independent Director

Dr. Swaminathan Sivaram is an Indian polymer chemist, inventor, institution builder and a former director of the National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

He is well-known for his pioneering work on alkylation of tertiary alkyl halides with trialkylaluminum and olefin polymerization

He holds the highest number of US patents by an Indian working outside the US

He is a fellow of several significant professional organizations and was awarded the Padma Shri, in 2006, for his contributions to Indian science

Dr. Ashish K Lele

Independent Director

Dr. Ashish Lele is an Indian chemical engineer and the current Director of the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) in Pune, India

He is a renowned expert in the field of polymer science and engineering, particularly in the areas of micro and mesostructure of polymers, rheology of complex fluids, and polymer processing

Dr. Lele has made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in these areas. His research has led to a deeper understanding of the relationship between the microstructure of polymers and their macroscopic properties. He has also developed novel methods for the synthesis and characterization of polymers with tailored properties.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Dr. Lele has been awarded several prestigious honours, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (2006) and the Infosys Prize (2012)

He is also an elected fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Indian National Academy of Engineering.

Mrs. Almitra H Patel

Non-Executive Director

Dr. Almitra Patel is an Indian environmental scientist, engineer, and activist, widely known as the "Garbologist of India" for her pioneering work in the field of solid waste management

She is credited with playing a pivotal role in the formulation of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2000, by the Government of India. These rules are considered a landmark legislation in India's waste management sector and have been instrumental in bringing about significant improvements in how waste is collected, treated, and disposed of in the country

Dr. Patel's activism has not been limited to solid waste management. She has also been involved in various other environmental issues, including the conservation of Asiatic lions, the protection of Ulsoor Lake in Bangalore, and the promotion of sustainable building practices

Her dedication and tireless efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 2011

Mr. Sharad P Upasani

Non Executive - Chairman

Mr. Upasani holds Master’s Degree in Commerce and Bachelor of Law from Mumbai University as well as an MBA degree from the USA

He has a long and distinguished career in administration and held important positions in the State, Central Government and Public Sector Corporations. He has worked in various capacities as Secretary of the Industry Department, Maharashtra State, Managing Director of the Maharashtra State Finance Corporation, Chairman of Maharashtra State Textile Corporation and Vice – Chairman of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation. He retired as Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra.

At the Central Government level, he worked in the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He was also Chairman of the Company Law Board, Chairman of the Bureau of Costs and Prices, New Delhi, Chairman of the Film Certification Board, Mumbai and Vice-Chancellor of the Agricultural University, Akola, Maharashtra.

Mr. Yashwant S Bhave

Independent Director

Mr. Bhave is B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Nagpur University, as well as a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Harvard University in the United States

Mr. Bhave is a 1972 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Maharashtra cadre. He has over 40 years of experience in industry, finance, infrastructure, technology, corporate governance, privatisation and economic regulation

He previously served as Chairperson of the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) and Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs

Dr. Prakash Trivedi

Mentor

Dr. Prakash Trivedi, a leading expert in polymer science, and Head of SBU Polymers at Gharda Chemicals. With over 40 patents, 50 technical publications, and 90 global presentations, he has significantly contributed to polymer innovation.

Author of Specialty Thermoplastics and co-author of PVC Technology, Dr. Trivedi is also writing a monograph on polymer production technology. He has been recognized with the Prof. M. Santappa Memorial Award, Lifetime Achievement Award by IPI, and Distinguished Alumnus Award by ICT. An adjunct professor at ICT and Fellow of IPI, Dr. Trivedi remains a prominent figure in advancing polymer technology and sustainable chemistry.