Pratima Reddy

Country Speaker, Merck India and MD at Merck Specialities Pvt Ltd

Pratima Reddy is the first woman Managing Director at Merck Specialities Pvt Ltd, the healthcare division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in India. An MBA from JBIMS, Pratima has had an extensive career journey starting in strategy consulting followed by roles of increasing Global, Regional and Country responsibilities at Merck KGaA. With a strong strategic orientation coupled with a collaborative and patient centric approach – Pratima has demonstrated impact in adeptly shaping and executing the organizational vision, driving growth, expanding access, and fostering a resilient human capital strategy. As the designated Country Speaker for Merck India, Pratima’s strategic outlook revolves around building a High Impact Culture, propelling scientific advancement, innovation, and research excellence, all while championing the ethos of ‘In India for India and the World’. A passionate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) advocate, Pratima Reddy stands out for her unparalleled commitment to empowering women and nurturing diverse talent across all hierarchical levels.

APM Gopalakrishnan

Managing Partner Bestotel & Best Bakers

APM Gopalakrishnan, the fourth-generation leader of Mambally’s bakery legacy, has been integral to the iconic Bestotel (Est. 1956) and Best Bakers (Est. 1944) since 1970. Under his leadership, the business thrived with multiple stores, blending tradition with an entrepreneurial spirit.

A skilled cricketer, he represented Kerala for four years and chaired the Ranji Selection Committee for six, propelling Kerala cricket to historic milestones. A Rotary member since 1978, he served as secretary for four years, Director for over four decades, and Rotary Club president, achieving a Paul Harris Fellowship and a near 100-percenter. Beyond business and sports, his network and community engagements extend to membership in prestigious clubs and associations such as Rama Varma Union Club, Kottayam Sailing Club, Citizen Club, YMCA, Kennel Club of Kottayam, Kerala Cricket Association, Lodge Kottayam, Lodge Vanchinad, Peermade Club, and Kottayam Club.

Dr. Paul Brown

4th Generation of Murdoch Brown (Mambally’s Christmas Cake Story)

Paul’s ancestor Murdoch Brown brought the traditional Christmas Cake recipe from Scotland to Mambally Bapu in 1883, laying the foundation for a lasting culinary legacy that continues to thrive under Paul’s guidance. Paul, now the torchbearer of this legacy, is committed to preserving and expanding the tradition in the world of baking as a renowned and reputable business in Great Britain.

Paul brings a unique blend of tradition and modernity to his role as a business advisor. His goal is to guide Mambally’s Royal Biscuit Factory towards new heights, ensuring that the legacy initiated by Murdoch Brown and Mambally Bapu remains vibrant and influential in the contemporary market. As a descendant intimately connected to the roots of Mambally’s Royal Biscuit Factory, Paul Brown’s advisory approach encompasses strategic business development, quality assurance, and a commitment to honouring the rich history embedded in each delectable creation.

MP Ramesh

Chairman & Managing Director Of Cochin Bakery

MP Ramesh, a trailblazer in the bakery industry, is a 2nd generation entrepreneur from the Ponnambath family that under the mentorship of Mambally Gopalan, founded the legendary Cochin Bakery in 1939. Under his stewardship Cochin Bakery expanded to multiple stores across 4 cities in Kerala and Karnataka and also collaborated with Infosys to open counters at their campuses in Mangalore and Mysore.

A vanguard of innovation in the Indian baking landscape, Ramesh’s commitment to pushing boundaries has birthed ground-breaking products, most notably the GHEE CAKE. His awe-inspiring cake creations have also secured multiple entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, The Limca Book of Records, The Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records, and Best of India. Ramesh’s global impact on the baking industry has won awards such as the prestigious Indo Arab award as the Brand Ambassador of Ghee Cake from The Dubai Government and the Star of Asia Award by the Open International University in Sri Lanka. Closer to home, he has received prestigious awards including the Gandhi Peace Foundation Award and the Nehru Award, testaments to his unwavering commitment to excellence.

Beyond the boardroom, Ramesh is an ardent philanthropist, actively contributing to various charitable causes. His influence extends to leadership roles in esteemed institutions and clubs, including the Rotary Club and the All Kerala Bakery Association.

Acknowledged for his profound expertise, Ramesh is a sought-after speaker at prestigious institutions such as NIT Calicut, Calicut University, and MES College Mambadu. His engagements offer invaluable insights into the nuances of bakery and business management, providing a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs to navigate the intricacies of the industry.