Gappan, a Bangalore native and alumnus of The Ohio State University, is the leader of his family’s 75+ year-old business legacy, the MAL Group, where he helms its diverse operations across Real Estate, Manufacturing, Trading, Plantations, and Education. The MAL Group’s commitment to innovation and growth spans generations, and Gappan is driving its third generation into the future.

In addition to his work with the MAL Group, Gappan is the founder of a Technology & Hospitality company specializing in Travel Management and owned Hospitality services.

With over 25 years of experience, Gappan has worked with prestigious companies such as AOL, Time Warner, GE/Genpact, and has deep expertise in Analytics, Consulting, Strategy, and the Internet, Mobile, and Media industries. Before stepping into the family business in 2019, he also spent 6 years involved in start-ups focused on Consulting, Cricket, and Travel.

About Vani Pvt Ltd:
A key entity within the MAL Group, Vani Pvt Ltd is a leader in distributing innovative, high-end industrial raw materials, serving industries like Auto and Electronics. The company works with industry giants such as Dupont, Celanese, Covestro, and Delrin in Engineering Plastics, and collaborates with 3M, Klingspor, and TBM Limex in industrial innovations and sustainable materials. With operations in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, Vani is steadily expanding across India.

Nakul Gupta is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Barbeque Nation Hospitality Ltd., India’s largest casual dining restaurant chain. He leads the brand’s vision, ensuring its execution across digital and offline channels, as well as enhancing the customer experience at the store level. Nakul also oversees Barbeque Nation’s online food delivery business and has successfully incubated new brands such as Dum Safar Biryani, Fiesta Multicuisine Restaurant, and Bricks Bar and Kitchen. He further shapes the brand direction for other group restaurants like Toscano and Salt.

With over 20 years of experience, Nakul has built a strong foundation in sales, marketing, and strategy, having previously worked with Tata Motors in both the commercial and passenger vehicle divisions. His expertise in brand building and market innovation continues to drive Barbeque Nation’s growth.

Nakul holds an MBA in Marketing from XLRI Jamshedpur, one of India’s premier business schools, and was awarded a scholarship from Carnegie Mellon University, USA, further solidifying his global approach to business. Outside of work, he is passionate about tennis.

Vikram Viswanath is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for his strategic leadership and impactful contributions across multiple sectors. As the founder and Chairman of Anuradha Holdings Pvt. Ltd. (AHPL), he has built a diversified enterprise spanning infrastructure, healthcare, technology, real estate, and hospitality. His approach blends innovation with sustainable growth, creating value while addressing global challenges.

Coming from a business family in Bangalore with a legacy in the railway industry since 1951, Mr. Viswanath’s entrepreneurial spirit is rooted in a tradition of excellence. After completing his studies in the U.S., he gained international trade expertise before joining the family business, where he drove significant growth in logistics for Container Corporation of India. His leadership in the family’s container logistics division culminated in a successful exit in 2011, paving the way for AHPL’s expansion.

Sheetal Jain is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services and Fintech sectors, leading various businesses to success. Currently, she is the Cofounder and CEO of LeRemitt, a cross-border platform that empowers exporters. Sheetal’s extensive expertise in financial domain , problem solving attitude and innovative leadership has been instrumental in driving growth and facilitating international trade.

With over 18 years of experience in Finance, Real Estate, and Brand Management, Madhushree Dutta is the founder of Brand Torque LLP, a strategic firm she established in 2018 to drive business growth, foster knowledge exchange, and create value across sectors. Her career includes leadership roles at Ajmera Realty & Infra India Ltd, Standard Chartered, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, and others.

Throughout her career, Madhushree has managed a significantly large asset book, executed multiple high-value transactions, and spearheaded large teams to drive business initiatives and deliver exceptional results. She has also received multiple accolades for her outstanding contributions in the industry.

At Brand Torque LLP, Madhushree leads Brand Consulting, Marketing Strategy, and Investment Management initiatives, with successful IPs like Rebrand, #MastersSpeak# Series, and AISL. Her expertise includes managing Ultra-HNI investments, structuring deals, and delivering solutions that ensure positive ROI for clients.

Awards & Recognition:

Top Influential Brand Leaders (2023) by World Brand Congress in association with CMO Asia
Top SME Business Awards (2021 & 2023) by Great Companies
Madhushree is a graduate of Mumbai University and holds a Diploma in Financial & Marketing Management from Wellingkar Institute of Management & Research. Her mantra is “Do it right. Do it well.”, and she is committed to building long-term, sustainable client relationships.