Description

I am a scientific-minded, curious and analytical individual with extensive experience in senior executive roles. I have led overseas operations of UK-based businesses through transition and growth. My strong communication skills, coupled with understanding of the commercial landscapes and cultural expectations of teams across geographies enabled me to effectively shape, plan and implement business strategy. Lately, I looked after the Supply Chain for an international processed-food brand (The Spice Tailor), whose products were mostly produced in India, and headed a team there that provided end-to-end support to all aspects of the global business. I had joined the fledgling start-up 8 years earlier. I delivered planned outcomes across multiple functions, adhered to detailed budgets and maintained management stability through a time of exceptional and continuous growth. Premier Foods plc acquired the brand for ~£70m.

I am highly numerate, with excellent verbal ability and business skills.

I anticipate and prepare for crises.

My tasting abilities have helped me succeed in the tea and food industries.

I have developed and helped launch extremely successful food products.

I believe in harnessing data to guide growth.

Languages

English
Native or bilingual
Hindi
Native or bilingual
French
Basic

Workplace preferences

Can work on-site

London (up to 50km)

Foodimentary (I) Limited
Managing Director
LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN
November 2013 - June 2022 (8 years and 7 months)
Foodimentary is a captive service provider to a fast-growing, branded food business (The Spice Tailor) whose production is almost entirely outsourced to India. Before becoming Managing Director, I headed the Insight (analytics) and New Product Development (NPD) functions, both key drivers to the rapid growth of The Spice Tailor brand from start-up in 2010. The products are premium, clean label, convenient, and distributed through major multiple retailers in the UK, Australia, Ireland and Canada. I actively participated in strategy discussions to align the product portfolio with consumer trends and expectations. I led the delivery of compliances (process, regulatory, and quality), end-to-end supply chain management, environmental tracking (GG emissions and recyclability), and multiple crucial business support functions – e.g. IT infrastructure, demand/supply forecasting, MIS, Client Relations and Digital Marketing.
Business strategy cross-cultural communication demand planning NPD supply chain management environmental issues
Oceans Connect
Finance Director
May 2010 - July 2012 (2 years and 2 months)
BPO business (turnover ~£5m) employing ~500 people in India and Runcorn. Aided by a team of 10, I handled the Finance and MIS functions of group companies in the UK and India.
- prepared and managed budgets, streamlined reporting to the Executive Team for clarity on profitability.
- was instrumental in discovery of false reporting and closure of an unprofitable centre in the UK.
- Restructured intercompany accounting for tax efficiency; along with cost controls saved ~£400k costs
- Post-departure, worked with Indian counsel for satisfactory resolution of Indian tax (transfer pricing) litigation.
R. K. Agencies Limited
Director
May 1998 - May 2010 (12 years)
Complete management of a tea plantation in Assam, India employing ~800 workers
- Oversaw the entire business including finance, cultivation and manufacturing operations, domestic/export sales and workforce management (including labour issues linked to regional political tensions).
- Coupled with previous experience selling branded tea, I possess a uniquely wide-ranging knowledge of tea – from plantation to consumer marketing and cup.