Pradip Shah

Seasoned business leader with 25+ years of professional experience and extensive leadership exposure across FMCG manufacturing and industrial businesses in Africa and Asia. Proven expertise in developing, executing and managing large-scale, complex and integrated manufacturing operations, with more than nine years at CEO level. Strong track record of leading businesses with annual revenues exceeding USD 750 million, large manufacturing footprints, multi-country markets and 1,200+ employees.

Experienced in complete greenfield and brownfield investment projects from concept and feasibility studies through investment structuring, government approvals, incentives, bank financing, Export Credit Agency (ECA) funding, engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commissioning and final handover. Strong operational and commercial background with end-to-end responsibility across production, engineering, supply chain, procurement, sales, marketing, finance, compliance, quality, EHS and overall business performance. Demonstrated capability in full P&L leadership, profitability improvement, cost optimisation, working-capital management and sustainable growth; new product development, brand expansion, market penetration and geographical expansion; government policy engagement and industry advocacy; and international commodity procurement, pricing and risk management covering edible oils and other agro-based raw materials.

Since 2024, additionally responsible for expanding the packaging manufacturing portfolio, including the development and management of corrugated box manufacturing operations.

Chief Executive Officer - East Coast Oil and Fats Limited - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

(2016-09)

Provide overall strategic, commercial and operational leadership for a large integrated FMCG manufacturing business serving Tanzania and 11 neighbouring countries. Lead a diversified manufacturing complex with palm oil refining capacity of 1,600 TPD and 500 TPD, a 500 TPD chemical refinery and other production units, supported by 1,200+ employees. Manage end-to-end business performance across production, engineering, procurement, supply chain, sales, marketing, distribution, finance, compliance, quality, EHS and corporate governance.

Oversee annual revenues exceeding USD 750 million and monthly FMCG product volumes of approximately 26,000 MT across East Africa and adjacent markets.

• Drive full P&L performance with focus on revenue growth, operating profit, cash flow, working capital, productivity, cost optimisation and sustainable business expansion.
• Expanded market share from 5% to 15% through portfolio development, distribution expansion, commercial strategy and stronger market execution.
• Delivered approximately 10% annual market growth for four consecutive years and consecutive annual profit increases of 10%.
• Reduced overhead costs by approximately two-thirds, from USD 3 million to USD 1 million, through centralisation and operating-system improvements.
• Lead new product, brand and market-development initiatives including Superwash, MO 29, Simba Power and Kosha.
• Lead complete greenfield and brownfield investment programmes from feasibility and investment structuring through approvals, incentives, financing, project execution, commissioning and handover; including three projects with combined investment of approximately USD 150 million.
• Engage government authorities and industry stakeholders on industrial policy, import duties, raw-material duty remission, fiscal incentives and competitiveness of local manufacturing.
• Lead commodity procurement and market analysis, supporting supply security, pricing strategy, cost competitiveness and commercial risk management.
• Since 2024, additionally oversee packaging manufacturing activities, including the development and operation of corrugated box manufacturing capabilities as part of broader industrial diversification and vertical integration.
• Lead digital transformation initiatives to improve process visibility, operational efficiency and management systems.

Engineering & Strategy Development Manager - PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC - Lagos, Nigeria

(2012-06 - 2016-05)

• Managed daily operations, production planning and plant engineering across multiple manufacturing lines, driving KPI and OEE improvements.
• Managed annual budgets and capital allocations, aligning plant performance and strategic investments with corporate objectives.
• Led recruitment, training and development of local talent while reporting to the Manufacturing Director in Nigeria and Regional Director in the UK.

Project Coordinator – Greenfield / Brownfield Projects - PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC - Lagos, Nigeria

(2007-09 - 2012-05)

• Spearheaded multimillion-dollar greenfield and brownfield projects from engineering procurement through construction, installation and commissioning, delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Directed installation of a 20 MT/hr detergent powder plant and an 8 MT/hr soap plant, together with major soap-finishing-line upgrades.
• Managed a 1,000 TPD edible oil refinery project and multiple new manufacturing facilities covering liquid detergents, pomade, jellies and baby wipes.
• Coordinated cross-functional engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and operational-readiness activities.

Group Utility Engineer - PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC - Lagos, Nigeria

(2004-03 - 2007-08)

• Ensured reliable operation of critical utilities across three sites, including chillers, compressors, boilers and cooling systems, achieving 100% reliability.
• Implemented energy-conversion and efficiency initiatives to reduce utility costs while maintaining regulatory compliance.
• Supported process and packaging plant maintenance, managed energy budgets and developed utility personnel.

Assistant Manager – Maintenance - United Phosphorus Limited - India

(2003-08 - 2004-02)

• Directed mechanical, electrical, electronic, utility and civil maintenance functions, ensuring machine availability and resolving production issues.
• Maintained 100% uptime of critical utility equipment including chillers, boilers, generators, compressors, air dryers and nitrogen plants.
• Managed spare-parts inventory, vendor development, contract negotiations and statutory compliance.

Sr. Officer – Maintenance - Cheminova India Limited - India

(1998-09 - 2003-04)

• Led plant and equipment maintenance and utility services, achieving 100% equipment availability.
• Improved reliability through equipment-performance analysis, cross-functional coordination and continuous improvement initiatives.

Engineering Supervisor - Wockhardt Limited - India

(1993-02 - 1994-09)

• Managed plant utilities, energy consumption and energy-reduction projects, supported by preventive and predictive maintenance programmes.
• Maintained spare-parts inventory and conducted safety and compliance audits with engineering and production teams.

Maintenance Engineer - J.B. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Limited - India

(1992-05 - 1993-02)

• Maintained equipment and utilities for a soft-gelatin manufacturing plant, including cold rooms, AHUs, dehumidifiers, steam boilers, chillers, compressors and cooling towers.
• Reduced equipment failure rates by approximately 30% through preventive and predictive maintenance programmes.