integrity from lab to
launch.
with every dose we
manufacture.
Mr. Perviz (Palu) Dhanani
Managing Director, Universal Corporation Ltd (UCL)
Palu founded UCL in 1996, initially producing five generic products. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a key player in pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region. The company’s factory was established in Kikuyu town in 2000.
Palu’s business journey began in the late 1980s at the age of 14, working in a general retail business. His early exposure to commerce helped him identify a critical gap in local medicine manufacturing, which led to the creation of UCL.
In addition to UCL, Palu is a shareholder and director in other group companies, including Nairobi Enterprises Limited and Chemoquip Limited. These companies have played a vital role in delivering healthcare solutions in Kenya for over three decades.
With over 40 years of diverse business experience spanning textile manufacturing, FMCG trading, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and healthcare delivery, Palu brings unmatched depth and perspective to the industry.
Aditya Arun Kumar
Executive Director, Business Development
Aditya holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Sciences from Newcastle University and a Master of Research in Biophysics from Kings College, London.
Aditya started his career with Strides as a Management Trainee and since then held multiple positions in Strides and Family Office prior to his current role.
Aditya has over 10 years of experience in the pharma industry predominantly in Business Development roles. Before heading the B2B business for Strides, he was also responsible for integrating two acquired consumer divisions.
From 2017-2022, Aditya led the business of a promoter-funded pharmaceutical start-up that is the second such technology platform that can develop and manufacture oral lyophilisates.
Aditya has been leading the global partnered business at Strides since June 2022. In this role, he has been instrumental in adding new customers across geographies enabling growth and sustainability. The business under his leadership has grown in size and scale.
Rupen Haria
Director
Rupen Haria is the Managing Director of Harleys Limited, one of the leading pharmaceutical distribution companies in Kenya with annual revenues exceeding Kshs. 5.8 billion and a workforce of over 550 employees.
He has been associated with the company since 1997, beginning as a pharmacist in Kisumu before moving into management roles. He progressed through key positions including Management Trainee at the Nairobi branch, Branch Manager in Kisumu, and eventually assumed the role of Managing Director in March 2000.
With deep experience in distribution and healthcare services, Rupen has overseen the sustained growth of Harleys into a leader in its sector.
In addition to his leadership at Harleys, he holds directorships at several other organizations, including Universal Corporation Ltd, Oriental Commercial Bank, Wessex Pharmaceuticals, Rahans Investments, Reesh Investments, and Unisel Pharma K Ltd.
Vikesh Kumar
Group CFO
Vikesh Kuma holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) from S.P Jain Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai.
Vikesh has over 15 years of rich and comprehensive experience in Business Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions, Treasury, Forex Management, Fund Raising, Governance and Investor Relations Management, amongst others.
Vikesh is associated with Strides since June 2009.
During his tenure at Strides, he has built and led the business finance function for the group, building it as the nerve centre of the organization, partnering business and functional heads in executing the company’s plans.
He also has played lead roles in Mergers & Acquisitions, Governance, Fund Raising, Treasury, Forex Management and Investor Relations Management, amongst others.
Prior to his appointment as CFO for the Front-End businesses in May 2022, Vikesh was the Head of Business Finance for the group. In his role as the CFO for the Front-End businesses, he relocated to the US in August 2023, to drive the reset strategy in the geography with focus on building profitable, sustainable cash generating operations.
As part of the leadership team in the US, he led the revival of Chestnut Ridge manufacturing operations and enabled the company to set industry leading benchmarks in the Front-End operations.