Mr. Ashish Pradhan, as the President oversees multiple verticals such as Innovations, Information Technology, Enterprise Software, Fintech & Banking, E-commerce and Value Chain for the Manipal Group. He is responsible for setting the overall strategic vision and guiding the leadership team with the execution of key objectives. Earlier, Mr. Pradhan worked in the various technical fields such as Nano-biotechnology, Biomedical Instrumentation, Embedded Systems, Internet-of-Things, Smart Home & Large-scale manufacturing. He has leadership experience in the fields of Organizational Leadership, Business Development, Business Strategy, Product Management, Program Management and Product Development. He has 17+ years of international work experience spanning Americas, Europe and Asia. Mr. Pradhan holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California, USA and a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation & Control from the Gujarat University, India.
MNPL is pleased to elevate Mr. Syed Saleel as the Executive Director (Board Designate), who joined the Manipal Group on 16 June 2025 and is actively steering MNPL’s long-term global growth agenda. With over 30 years of international experience in the nutraceutical industry, Mr. Saleel brings deep expertise in marketing, sales, strategic business development, and global product commercialization across Europe, Asia, Japan, and the United States. Prior to joining MNPL, Mr. Saleel held senior leadership positions in Sami-Sabina Group (Director), BioActives Japan KK (Founding Director) and CEO & Managing Director of BioActives Europe GmbH. Having worked extensively in highly regulated and competitive markets such as Japan and Europe, he possesses a strong understanding of international regulatory frameworks, market positioning, and cross-border operational strategy. Mentored by pioneers of the nutraceutical industry, Mr. Saleel has built a distinguished track record of Driving global expansion strategies, Establishing strong international partnerships, Building cohesive, high-performing teams, Managing complex multi-market operations and Creating robust commercial pipelines. His leadership philosophy combines operational discipline with entrepreneurial agility. Known for his proactive “can-do” approach, Mr. Saleel focuses on aligning stakeholders, strengthening internal structures, and positioning MNPL for sustainable global scale. Under his leadership, MNPL continues to strengthen its international presence and enhance its reputation as a trusted global manufacturer of high-quality botanical extracts and nutraceutical ingredients.
Mr. Vivek Tapuriah brings with him over thirty years of diverse professional experience, including more than nine years in the United States with the global consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. He holds an MBA in Finance as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, both from Mumbai University. Mr. Vivek Tapuriah has held key roles at prominent Indian conglomerates, including Reliance Industries and Jubilant LifeSciences, where he built a strong foundation in consulting, strategy, and large-scale business operations. Over the past fifteen years, he has held senior leadership positions in the nutraceutical and herbal ingredients sector, successfully driving global commercial strategies and overseeing end-to-end P&L responsibilities at organizations including Arjuna Natural, Natural Remedies, and OmniActive. His career achievements span building and nurturing high-performing teams, establishing a branded nutraceutical business, spearheading international business development, and shaping market positioning strategies across key geographies such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. As CEO of Manipal Naturals Private Limited, Vivek will focus on strengthening our global presence, driving sustained and profitable growth, fostering innovation, and delivering meaningful impact across markets through strategic partnerships and geographic expansion.
Mr. C P Madhukumar, as Chief Operations Officer of Manipal Natural Pvt Ltd oversees entire Manufacturing operations. Mr. Madhukumar holds a Masters degree in Organic Chemistry. He has over 3 decades of leadership experience in the fields of Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Operational Excellence, Quality Management, Green field & Brown field Projects, Statutory & Regulatory compliances, People Leadership & Cross functional Management etc. He is responsible for setting the overall strategic vision and guiding the team with the execution of key objectives of Nutraceutical business. A dynamic and results-oriented executive, Mr. Madhukumar has a proven history of spearheading operational strategies that drive business expansion and efficiency. With his vast experience in the Active Nutraceutical Ingredients & Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients industry, he excels in developing and implementing innovative solutions that streamline operations, enhance productivity, and yield outstanding outcomes. Prior to Manipal Natural Pvt Ltd, Mr. Madhukumar worked in the leadership Teams of Sami-Sabinsa Group, Sequent Scientific Ltd (Strides Group) & KDL Biotech Ltd etc.
Belongs to the third generation of Pais of Manipal, who are repeatedly known as “Visionary Bankers. They founded the Syndicate Bank in the year 1925, which is the eighth biggest bank in the country. The family also promoted several Public Limited companies, like Maha Rashtra Apex Corporation Ltd., ICDS Ltd., Manipal Finance Corporation Ltd., Kurlon Ltd. to name a few. Thus earning a place for the Manipal Group on the business map of India. On completing his management education from IIM, Bangalore, he entered into the family business by taking charge of one of the group concerns in Canara Wire & Wire Products Ltd. which was at the time a firm on the downward trend with depleting reserves. Mr. Sudhakar Pai took charge of this dying business and within a period of two years resurrected its prospects by transforming it to a highly profitable company of the group. In 1982, Mr. Sudhakar Pai began his stint in Kurlon Ltd. and then went on to being elected on its Board in 1990 to further rising in ranks to become its Vice President in 1994. As a testament to his leadership and fine track record he was elevated as its Managing Director in 2001. Continuing in constant innovation and improving customer experience - today, Kurlon is Indias Largest Mattress Company.
Mr. Jamsheed Panday is a B.Com (Hons) from Sydneham College of Commerce & Economics became Chartered Accountant (C A) in 1982 and Company Secretary (ACS) during the same period in 3rd rank. Before joining the Company he was enjoying lucrative positions in prominent organizations like Hindustan Lever Ltd, Voltas & Eastman Kodak Company Etc.
Mr. KR Madhusudan heads the Finance & Accounts team of Manipal Naturals. As the group CFO he oversees F&A functions of various other verticals of Manipal Group in different industry segments such as Technology, Investments, Advertising, Trading and other businesses. Mr. KR Madhusudan has more than 25+ years of work experience in Corporate Banking, Corporate Finance, Strategic Planning, Business Alliance and Investor Relations. Earlier, KR Madhusudan had a stint as an entrepreneur in food and nutrition space apart from working as a Chief Finance Officer of a Multinational Paints Company. Mr. KR Madhusudan is a Chartered Accountant and also holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce from Bangalore University.
Mr. Ashish Pradhan, as the President oversees multiple verticals such as Innovations, Information Technology, Enterprise Software, Fintech & Banking, E-commerce and Value Chain for the Manipal Group. He is responsible for setting the overall strategic vision and guiding the leadership team with the execution of key objectives. Earlier, Mr. Pradhan worked in the various technical fields such as Nano-biotechnology, Biomedical Instrumentation, Embedded Systems, Internet-of-Things, Smart Home & Large-scale manufacturing. He has leadership experience in the fields of Organizational Leadership, Business Development, Business Strategy, Product Management, Program Management and Product Development. He has 17+ years of international work experience spanning Americas, Europe and Asia. Mr. Pradhan holds a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California, USA and a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumentation & Control from the Gujarat University, India.
