BOARD OF Directors

Mr. Hemang D. Mehta is a seasoned industrialist with over three decades of corporate and operational management experience in the cement, plastics, and packaging industries. He continues to play a pivotal role in the Group's strategic direction.

Mr. Mehta is a graduate of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), U.K., now known as the Manchester Business School. His global expertise is reflected in his professional journey, having worked in diverse markets including India, Kenya, Canada, and the USA.

In addition to his role as a Non-Executive Director, Mr. Mehta serves on the boards of various private companies across India, Canada, and the USA, contributing his vast experience to their growth and governance.

He first joined the Company's Board in April 1993 and was reappointed for his current term on July 26, 2022. 

Mr. Hemnabh R. Khatau is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in manufacturing and financial services. He brings a proven track record of Board-level leadership and expertise in driving strategic growth and improving organizational performance.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Electrical Engineering from Cambridge University, an MSc in Microprocessor Engineering from UMIST (now Manchester Business School), and an MSc from the Sloan Fellowship Masters Programme at London Business School. His academic background reflects a strong foundation in technology, management, and strategic thinking.

Mr. Khatau has a decade of experience working in the United Kingdom, holding various roles in consulting practices with Capgemini UK, KPMG, and Indeco IMC. His global exposure and strategic insights have been instrumental in shaping his professional contributions.

In addition to his role as a Non-Executive Director, he serves as a Director of a subsidiary company, further enhancing the Group's governance and operations. He joined the Company's Board in October 2008 and was reappointed for his current term on August 17, 2023. 

Mr. M.S. Gilotra is a distinguished professional with over four decades of extensive experience in the cement industry. He continues to play a pivotal role in steering the Company's operations with his vast expertise and leadership acumen.

An alumnus of BITS Pilani, Mr. Gilotra holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His illustrious career includes a 21-year tenure with Associated Cement Companies Ltd. (ACC), where he held various senior leadership positions. During this time, he was responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple cement units and was deeply involved in evaluating the feasibility of new ventures, as well as managing project execution and operations.

As Managing Director, Mr. Gilotra oversees the day-to-day operations of the Company and holds substantial managerial authority. His hands-on approach, coupled with his strategic insight, has been instrumental in driving operational excellence and growth for the organization.

Mr. Gilotra joined the Company's Board in June 1995 and has since been a cornerstone of its leadership team. He has been reappointed for an additional term of three years, from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026, as approved at the Annual General Meeting held on August 17, 2023. 

Mr. Ashwani Kumar is a seasoned banking professional with over 37 years of extensive experience in both operational and administrative roles. He continues to bring valuable expertise and leadership to the Company's Board.

He holds a postgraduate degree in Chemistry and is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers. Mr. Kumar has had an illustrious career in the banking sector, serving prominent institutions such as Allahabad Bank, Corporation Bank, and Dena Bank. He retired as the Chairman and Managing Director of Dena Bank, leaving a legacy of impactful leadership and operational excellence.

In addition to his role as an Independent Director, Mr. Kumar serves on the boards of other companies, contributing his vast knowledge and governance experience to multiple organizations.

He joined the Company's Board as an Additional Director on February 13, 2019, and was subsequently appointed as an Independent Director for a five-year term at the Annual General Meeting on August 21, 2019. He has been reappointed for another five-year term, from February 13, 2024, to February 12, 2029, as approved at the AGM held on August 17, 2023. 

Mr. M. N. Sarma is a highly accomplished professional with over 36 years of extensive experience in the insurance sector. He brings unparalleled expertise in insurance operations, management, and governance to the Company's Board.

He holds a postgraduate degree in Economics, a Bachelor's degree in Law (LLB), and is an Associate Member of the Insurance Institute of India. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Sarma has served in leadership roles across prominent organizations, including New India Assurance Company Ltd., Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., The Ken India Assurance Company Ltd. in Nairobi, and the Government of India-owned Health Insurance TPA of India Ltd. He retired as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of United India Insurance Company Ltd., leaving a legacy of excellence and strategic leadership.

Currently, Mr. Sarma serves as the Secretary General of the General Insurance Council, further solidifying his position as a thought leader in the insurance industry. He has been appointed as an Independent Director for a five-year term, effective from May 25, 2023, to May 24, 2028, as approved at the Annual General Meeting held on August 17, 2023. 

Mr. Aman Pradeepchand Khanna is a seasoned finance professional with over 26 years of extensive experience in corporate finance, governance, and leadership roles. He brings a wealth of expertise in financial strategy and corporate management to the Company's Board.

He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Economics, specializing in Accounting and Finance Management, from the London School of Economics, UK, and is a UK-qualified Chartered Accountant. His career includes significant tenures at renowned organizations such as Ernst & Young and Deloitte in the UK, as well as Louis Dreyfus Company in the UK and Dubai.

Currently, Mr. Khanna serves as a Board Member at MindMaze Group, Dubai, a position he has held since November 2020. Over the course of his career, he has held key leadership roles, including Group Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Financial Officer, showcasing his proficiency in corporate governance, strategic planning, and operational management.

Mr. Khanna has been appointed as an Independent Director for a five-year term, effective from June 30, 2023, to June 29, 2028. 

Mrs. Radhika Samarjitsinh Gaekwad is a distinguished philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and advocate for arts, culture, and heritage. At 47 years old, she brings a unique blend of expertise in cultural preservation, social impact, and historical research to the Company's Board.

She holds a Master's degree in Medieval Indian History and began her professional journey as a journalist with The Indian Express, New Delhi. Currently, she serves as a Director of the CDS Art Foundation, Ahmedabad, a non-profit organization where she focuses on bridging gaps between artisans, designers, and end consumers.

Mrs. Gaekwad's contributions have been recognized globally. She has been a jury member for several international platforms, including the International Crafts Awards. Her accolades include the prestigious Aspen Global Leadership Fellowship, recognition as one of India's Top 50 Women in Luxury by Luzebook, and awards for Social Entrepreneurship and Heritage Revivalism from esteemed organizations and publications.

As a patron of the Heritage Trust, she played a pivotal role in bringing the monumental Champaner complex onto the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Her commitment to preserving India's cultural legacy extends to actively preventing the destruction of heritage structures in Vadodara.

A passionate historian, Mrs. Gaekwad has been extensively researching and archiving the rich history and culture of royal India. Her findings have been presented on esteemed platforms, including Saffronart, Robb Report, and India Today Conclave.

Mrs. Gaekwad has been appointed as an Independent Director for a five-year term, effective from June 30, 2023, to June 29, 2028, as approved at the Annual General Meeting held on August 17, 2023. 

Mr. Viren Merchant is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and business sectors.He brings decades of expertise and strategic insight to the Company's Board.

He completed his schooling at The Scholar High School in Mumbai and pursued higher education at Kent State University, Ohio, USA. After completing his studies, Mr. Merchant joined his family business, embarking on a distinguished entrepreneurial journey.

Currently, Mr. Merchant serves as the CEO and Vice-Chairman of Encore Healthcare Private Limited, a prominent global contract manufacturer in the pharmaceutical industry. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant milestones and established a strong international presence.

In addition to his role at Encore Healthcare, Mr. Merchant holds directorships in several companies, including ADF Foods Limited, Encore Business Centre Private Limited, Yuga Finvest Private Limited, Delphinium Realtors Private Limited, Encore Healthcare International Private Limited, and ADF Foods (India) Limited.

His extensive experience across diverse industries and his commitment to driving growth and innovation make him a valuable addition to the Company's Board.