Hemant Lad- Board Chairman & Non Executive Director

Hemant is the third generation to the family line. He was, like most members of the family, very involved with the business at a young age and served as Operations Manager for Swits-Snax (Fiji) Pte Limited (part of Bhikhabhai Group) for 3 years before migrating to New Zealand in 1995.

He completed his Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Production) in 1988 and in 1997 he completed his Diploma in Business studies both from Auckland University. He was employed at an international restaurant food chain where is travelled extensively to explore to open new outlets, develop new products & menu and set up franchise systems. His last role was Operations Development Consultant. In the year 2004, he joined financial services industry as an Mike Pero Mortgages Franchise owner and attained a level 5 certification as Accredited Financial Advisor in New Zealand. Hemant currently consults in the food and dairy industry focusing on value add products and ghost kitchen concepts.

Hemant served as Board Chairman & Non Executive Director or Bhikhabhai Group of Companies from 2012 to 2017 and in 2021 he was re-appointed in the same role. Other than a very strong passion for his family business, Hemant brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of over 35 years having worked in New Zealand and abroad in the fields of operations management, financial planning and management, legal structures, strategic planning and risk management. He is a member of Institute of Directors in New Zealand closely follows international financial markets (currency and commodity), banking (lending), property market, taxation systems, economic indicators and its impact on  global liquidity.

He is also involved in non-profit governance work and is currently serves as a Board Member/Vice Chairman at Allergy New Zealand.

Hemant volunteers with The Art of Living International Center & is actively looks into volunteering opportunities that involve pro-bono consulting that allows him to offer his skills & expertise. Further he volunteers as a helping hand at Auckland City Mission.

He cares about economic empowerment, children, education, health well-being and civil rights.