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 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

Mr. 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. Chaudhari is a seasoned researcher with a strong academic foundation, having earned his B.Sc. (Tech), M.Sc. (Tech), and Ph.D. (Tech) in Chemical Technology from the esteemed Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai. He joined Gharda in 2023 as Vice President of Research & Development, bringing over 25 years of invaluable industry experience.

His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including process design, technology transfer, laboratory establishment, and leading large R&D teams. He possesses a proven track record in developing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), from initial route scouting to successful commercial-scale production.

Dr. Kailash N Singh

Vice President – International Marketing & Development

Dr. 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 his association with 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

Mr. Nair brings over 30 years of expertise in supply chain management and international business. He has been an integral part of Gharda Chemicals, spearheading the international marketing for nearly a decade.

In his previous stints he has served in the leadership roles. He headed supply chain operations for Makhteshim Agan (Adama) across Southeast Asia, establishing a world-class agrochemical formulation unit, and also was associated with Ranbaxy Laboratories for 11 years leading the supply chain.

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)

Mr. Seethapathi 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 led agrichemical manufacturing companies like Bayer, Shell and Dow AgroSciences before joining Gharda in 2008. He 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.

Mr. Seethapathi have been instrumental in managing the day to day running of the fully owned subsidiary, and in addition have been focusing on creating value for the parent company, building relationships with major players in the Industry.

Mr. Deepak Singh

Vice President – Sales & Marketing (INDIA)

Mr. Singh has been an integral part of Gharda Chemicals Ltd since 2005, serving as Vice President – Sales & Marketing. 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 earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management from NMIMS, Mumbai, significantly strengthening his professional profile.

Mr. Florian J Rodrigues

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. 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

Mr. 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

General Manager - Information Technology

A seasoned ERP/SAP professional with over 30 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

General Manager – 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 & General Manager – Taxation

Mr. 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

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

His expertise in polymer science and engineering is widely recognized, particularly in the areas of polymer micro/mesostructures, 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.

Dr. Mrs. Almitra H Patel

Non-Executive Director

Dr. Patel is a distinguished Indian environmental scientist, engineer, and activist, renowned for her pioneering contributions to the field of waste management. She is widely recognized for her instrumental role in the formulation of the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2000, by the Government of India. This legislation has played a critical role in shaping more sustainable practices in the country.

Beyond her work in waste management, Dr. Patel has been an advocate for various other environmental causes. She has worked tirelessly on projects such as the conservation of Asiatic lions, the protection of Ulsoor Lake in Bangalore, and the promotion of sustainable building practices. Her broad-ranging environmental activism continues to inspire positive change across India, underscoring her commitment to both ecological preservation and responsible urban development. She is widely known as the "Garbologist of India" for her pioneering work in the field of solid waste management.

Mr. Sharad P Upasani

Non Executive - Chairman

Mr. Upasani has an extensive academic background, holding a Master's degree in Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Mumbai University. In addition, he earned a Master of Business Administration from a renowned university in the United States, further enhancing his expertise in business and management.

He has a long and distinguished career in administration. He has 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.

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.

He retired as Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra.

Mr. Yashwant S Bhave

Independent Director

Mr. Bhave holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees from Nagpur University, along with a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Harvard University in the United States.

Mr. Bhave is an Indian Administrative Service officer of the Maharashtra cadre from the 1972 batch. He has over 40 years of vivid 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, has expertise in polymer science, and heads the 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 penning down 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.

Mr. Ramkrishna Kulkarni

Vice President Operations

Mr. Kulkarni brings 34 years of diverse experience and is currently serving as Vice President Operations. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from Pune University and has worked across various sectors, including Agrochemicals, CDMO, CRAMS, APIs, and Chlor Alkali industries. Before joining Gharda, he held the position of COO at Gujarat Fluorochemicals, Jubilant Life Sciences, PI Industries, Hikal, and Tagros Industries, among others.

Throughout his career, he has led Operations, Projects, Technology Transfer, and corporate initiatives such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Safety Capacity Building. He has successfully overseen the commissioning of Greenfield, Brownfield, and Capacity Expansion/EHS Projects. His dedication to manufacturing excellence, regulatory compliance, and sustainable practices has played a key role in driving operational success and securing numerous national-level awards for GCL in areas such as EHS, CSR, and Energy & Water conservation.

Mr. U H Khatri

Associate Vice President - Operations

Mr. Khatri has over 35 years of extensive experience in Agro Chemicals, Specialty Chemicals, and Rubber Chemicals. Mr. Uttamkumar Khatri serves as the Associate Vice President - Operations. Holding a degree in Chemical Engineering, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role. Currently, Mr. Khatri is responsible for overseeing the operational functions of GCL's Sayakha (Bharuch) and GIL Ankleshwar sites as the Head of Operations. His long-standing association with the company has been instrumental in shaping and managing operations across multiple GCL sites, including Lote, Dombivli, Sayakha, and GIL Ankleshwar, as well as in establishing new greenfield and brownfield projects.

Mr. Bikas Phaujdar

Site Head – Panoli

Mr. Phaujdar holds a degree in Chemistry and a qualification in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calcutta. With nearly 30 years of experience in manufacturing, strategic planning, and commissioning of petrochemical plants, his most recent role was as the Head of Polymer Plants at Haldia Petrochemicals Limited. Previously, he led the Polymer Department at Petrorabigh, a joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Sumitomo in Saudi Arabia. He has also served as the General Manager overseeing Polymer Plants at Reliance Industries Limited.