Kasturi Chellaraja Wilson will succeed Steven Enderby as Group Chief Executive Officer of Hemas Holdings from October 1, 2020, making her perhaps the first woman to head a large-scale Sri Lankan conglomerate.

As part of a planned succession, Ms. Wilson Kasturi will take on the role of Deputy CEO and be appointed to the Board of Hemas Holdings PLC, effective July 1, the company announced on Thursday.

Husein Esufally, Chairman, Hemas Holdings, said, 'The Board decided to appoint Kasturi as Group CEO following a thorough selection process in line with our company's succession plans, which prioritise developing internal talent. Kasturi is no stranger to Hemas, having been with us since 2002, and we are delighted that a long-standing colleague has risen to occupy the highest executive position in the group.'

Commenting on the transition Mr. Esufally added, 'Steven's leadership over the last six years has enabled Hemas to become a more streamlined, purposeful and effective organisation, which will stand us in good stead as we look to the future. The Board joins me in thanking Steven for his immense contribution to Hemas over the years. Further, we are happy that Steven will continue to be associated with us as a member on the Boards of our hotel ventures.'

In a career spanning two decades at Hemas, Ms. Wilson rose through the ranks to become the Chief Process Officer and thereafter in 2011 she took on the leadership of the aviation, travel and mobility businesses of the group. In 2016, she was tasked with leading Hemas Pharmaceuticals, where she worked closely with all stakeholders to satisfy emerging patient needs whilst delivering sustainable growth in a challenging regulatory environment.

Ms. Wilson is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK and over the years, has actively contributed to industry forums and committees. She is the President of the Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan