Olam Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Olam has 10 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, plantation management, information technology, and regional business operations.

Committed to reimagining global agriculture, Olam drives sustainable food and agri-business solutions across Asia, Africa, and the Americas through its diversified portfolio of ingredients and logistics assets.

Leadership Roles at Olam

  • Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director - Sunny Verghese
  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations - Darshan Raiyani
  • Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri) - Jayant Parande
  • President & Group Chief Information Officer - Thiagaraja Manikandan
  • President - Cotton Duvision - Azeez Syed
  • President - Martin Pohl
  • President, Country Manager & Business Head Caraway Nigeria & Olam Sanyo Foods JV - Amitabh Coomar
  • President - Mukul Mathur
  • President (Singapore) - Vinayak Mohan
  • Human Resources Director - Rufin Bekale
  • Sunny Verghese - Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

    Sunny Verghese, the Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director at Olam, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire organization. Overseeing the complex transition toward independent listings for core business segments, the Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director ensures alignment between long-term sustainability goals and operational performance. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine the corporate structure while managing global market volatility. By championing the integration of value-added food products and agri-logistics, Sunny Verghese directly influences the competitive positioning of the firm across international markets. The executive maintains a rigorous focus on capital allocation and portfolio optimization, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the global food and agri-business sector while navigating diverse regulatory environments in Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
    Sunny Verghese

    Darshan Raiyani - President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations

    Darshan Raiyani, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations at Olam, manages the operational performance and sustainability standards of large-scale agricultural assets. Overseeing the cultivation and processing of palm and rubber, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations ensures that production cycles meet international quality benchmarks while adhering to strict environmental protocols. This leadership role involves managing local labor forces and infrastructure development to optimize yield and supply chain efficiency. By integrating advanced agricultural technology into plantation management, Darshan Raiyani drives productivity improvements that support the broader Olam Global Holdco portfolio. The executive coordinates with corporate leadership to align plantation output with global market demand, ensuring consistent supply for downstream food and industrial customers. Through meticulous oversight of land use and resource management, Raiyani maintains the long-term viability of these critical agricultural assets.
    Darshan Raiyani

    Jayant Parande - Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri)

    Jayant Parande, the Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri) at Olam, manages the financial architecture and treasury operations for the global agri-business segment. Overseeing capital structure and risk management, the Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri) ensures liquidity for large-scale grain, rice, and edible oil trading activities. This role requires precise coordination with regional finance teams to mitigate currency exposure and optimize trade finance instruments across diverse markets. By implementing robust financial controls, Jayant Parande supports the expansion of logistics and distribution networks. The executive drives fiscal discipline, enabling the company to maintain a strong balance sheet while pursuing growth in volatile commodity markets. Through strategic oversight of financial reporting and investment analysis, Parande secures the necessary resources to sustain the firm's competitive advantage in the global food supply chain.

    Thiagaraja Manikandan - President & Group Chief Information Officer

    Thiagaraja Manikandan, the President & Group Chief Information Officer at Olam, architects the digital transformation strategy across all global business segments. Overseeing the implementation of enterprise-wide data systems and cybersecurity frameworks, the President & Group Chief Information Officer ensures that technology infrastructure supports the complex logistics and trading requirements of the firm. This role involves deploying advanced analytics to improve supply chain visibility and operational efficiency in the food and agri-business sectors. By modernizing digital platforms, Thiagaraja Manikandan enables seamless collaboration between regional offices and corporate headquarters. The executive drives the adoption of cloud-based solutions to enhance data security and decision-making capabilities. Through the strategic alignment of IT initiatives with business objectives, Manikandan supports the company's goal of reimagining global food systems through innovation and technological integration.
    Thiagaraja Manikandan

    Azeez Syed - President - Cotton Duvision

    Azeez Syed, the President - Cotton Duvision at Olam, directs the global origination, processing, and distribution strategies for the cotton business. Overseeing the entire value chain from farm-gate procurement to international delivery, the President - Cotton Duvision ensures that quality standards and supply reliability meet the needs of global textile manufacturers. This role involves managing complex logistics networks and navigating regional market fluctuations to maintain competitive pricing. By optimizing the procurement process, Azeez Syed drives efficiency and profitability within the agri-business segment. The executive coordinates with global trade teams to manage inventory levels and mitigate supply chain risks. Through a focus on sustainable sourcing and operational excellence, Syed strengthens the market position of the cotton division, ensuring that the company remains a preferred partner for customers across the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

    Martin Pohl - President

    Martin Pohl, the President at Olam, leads specific strategic initiatives focused on expanding the company's footprint in key international markets. Overseeing the development of new business opportunities and partnerships, the President ensures that the firm's portfolio of food ingredients and agri-products reaches a broader customer base. This role involves identifying market trends and aligning operational capabilities to meet evolving consumer demands. By driving cross-functional collaboration, Martin Pohl facilitates the integration of new assets into the existing global supply chain. The executive works closely with other senior leaders to refine the company's market entry strategies and enhance operational efficiency. Through a focus on sustainable growth and value creation, Pohl contributes to the overall success of the organization's mission to reimagine global agriculture and food systems.

    Amitabh Coomar - President, Country Manager & Business Head Caraway Nigeria & Olam Sanyo Foods JV

    Amitabh Coomar, the President, Country Manager & Business Head Caraway Nigeria & Olam Sanyo Foods JV at Olam, directs the operational and commercial activities within the Nigerian market. Overseeing the production and distribution of packaged foods and joint venture operations, the President, Country Manager & Business Head Caraway Nigeria & Olam Sanyo Foods JV ensures that local market strategies align with the broader corporate mission. This role involves managing relationships with local stakeholders and optimizing the supply chain to meet regional demand for food products. By driving sales growth and operational efficiency, Amitabh Coomar strengthens the company's presence in the African market. The executive coordinates with global product teams to ensure that local offerings reflect the firm's commitment to quality and sustainability. Through effective leadership of these joint ventures, Coomar secures long-term market share and profitability.
    Amitabh Coomar

    Mukul Mathur - President

    Mukul Mathur, the President at Olam, manages specialized business units focused on enhancing the efficiency of the global supply chain. Overseeing the logistics and distribution networks for key agri-commodities, the President ensures that products move seamlessly from origin to destination. This role involves optimizing transport routes and warehouse operations to reduce costs and improve delivery times. By implementing data-driven logistics solutions, Mukul Mathur supports the company's goal of providing sustainable and reliable food products to customers worldwide. The executive collaborates with regional teams to address supply chain bottlenecks and improve overall service levels. Through a focus on operational excellence and strategic planning, Mathur contributes to the firm's ability to navigate complex global trade environments and maintain a competitive edge in the food and agri-business sector.

    Vinayak Mohan - President (Singapore)

    Vinayak Mohan, the President (Singapore) at Olam, oversees the strategic operations and corporate functions based in the company's headquarters. Managing the interface between regional business units and the global executive team, the President (Singapore) ensures that corporate policies are effectively implemented across the organization. This role involves coordinating high-level projects that support the firm's reorganization and independent listing objectives. By facilitating communication and alignment among senior leaders, Vinayak Mohan drives the execution of the company's long-term strategy. The executive monitors market developments and provides insights that inform corporate decision-making. Through a focus on operational efficiency and organizational health, Mohan supports the firm's mission to lead in the global food and agri-business industry while maintaining a strong presence in the Singaporean market.

    Rufin Bekale - Human Resources Director

    Rufin Bekale, the Human Resources Director at Olam, manages the talent strategy and organizational development for the global workforce. Overseeing recruitment, performance management, and employee engagement, the Human Resources Director ensures that the company attracts and retains the expertise required to operate in diverse agricultural markets. This role involves designing training programs that align with the firm's sustainability and operational goals. By fostering a culture of performance and accountability, Rufin Bekale supports the successful execution of the company's reorganization plan. The executive collaborates with regional leadership to implement consistent HR policies while respecting local labor regulations. Through the development of robust talent pipelines and leadership succession planning, Bekale ensures that the organization maintains the human capital necessary to drive growth and innovation across all business segments.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Olam Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Olam?
    Olam is led by Sunny Verghese (Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director), along with executives such as Darshan Raiyani (President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations) and Jayant Parande (Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri)).
    Who is part of Olam’s executive team?
    The executive team of Olam includes leaders such as Sunny Verghese (Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director), Darshan Raiyani (President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations), Jayant Parande (Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Olam have?
    Olam has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Olam’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Olam includes roles such as Co-Founder, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, President & Chief Executive Officer, Gabon Plantations, Global Group Chief Financial Officer, Head Tsf (Olam Agri), President & Group Chief Information Officer, President - Cotton Duvision.