At Varuna, we believe that strong leadership is essential for driving innovation and delivering exceptional results.
Our leadership team is comprised of seasoned professionals with a deep understanding of the biotechnology pharmaceutical, sales and distribution domains.
Born on 6th October 1954, Prabhat Shankar Pandey was a pioneering force in India's biotechnology landscape. Son of the esteemed Ayurvedic practitioner, the late Dr Ganga Sahai Pandey, he inherited a deep-rooted passion for science and innovation.
Graduating in Chemical Engineering from the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IT-BHU) in 1976, he embarked on a career dedicated to advancing biotechnology in India, long before it gained mainstream recognition.
With an unwavering commitment to research and innovation, Mr Pandey established a dedicated R&D unit, focusing on the development of industrial enzymes, functional proteins, and bio-active standardised herbal extracts using cutting-edge bio-process techniques. In 2002, this vision materialised into the formation of Varuna Biocell Pvt Ltd, a biotechnology company pioneering enzyme solutions for various industrial applications. By 2006, under his leadership, the company achieved formal recognition from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) for its in-house R&D excellence.
A firm advocate of sustainability and ethical business practices, Mr Pandey championed responsible sourcing of raw materials and minimised environmental impact across all operations. His foresight in enzyme technology laid the foundation for India’s self-sufficiency in industrial enzyme production, aligning seamlessly with the Indian Government’s "Make in India" initiative. His leadership not only propelled Varuna Biocell to the forefront of India's enzyme industry but also positioned the company as a key player in the global biotechnology ecosystem.
Beyond corporate success, Mr Pandey was deeply invested in fostering collaboration between academia and industry. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Technology Business Incubator (TBI) at IT-BHU, presenting the case for its sanction before the National Advisory Committee in Trivandrum. His dedication to innovation and education was recognised by IT-BHU, appointing him as Vice-Chairman of the society overseeing the TBI, further cementing his influence in India’s technological advancement.
Tragically, his journey was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2020. However, his legacy remains deeply ingrained within Varuna Biocell—now undergoing a strategic transformation as Varuna Biotechnology. His pioneering spirit continues to guide the company’s pursuit of excellence, innovation, and global leadership in enzyme solutions. As India emerges as a hub for industrial biotechnology, Varuna Biotechnology remains steadfast in realising Mr Pandey’s vision—driving indigenous research, manufacturing at scale, and positioning India as a leader in the global enzyme industry.
Today, his legacy is carried forward by Pallavi Raniga as Chairperson of Varuna Group, and Manish Raniga as Group Managing Director. Together, they continue to uphold Mr Pandey’s vision, steering the company towards new heights of innovation, sustainability, and global impact in biotechnology.
Pallavi Raniga serves as the Chairperson of Varuna Group, where she has been instrumental in fostering innovation and growth biotechnology, wellness, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Manish Raniga is a distinguished leader with a career marked by his adeptness in navigating and transforming companies during pivotal stages of their evolution.
Karan Deep Singh serves as the Chief Strategy and Finance Officer at Varuna Group, bringing a distinctive blend of commercial insight and financial acumen to the role.
Sanjay Verma is the Chief Procurement & Supply Chain Officer at Varuna Group, leading the global procurement strategy, supply chain operations, and logistics management.
Dr. Suman Misra is the Chief Quality, Research & Development Officer at Varuna Group, overseeing the company’s quality assurance programmes, research initiatives, and product development processes.
Akshaya Pandey is the Chief Commercial Officer at Varuna Group, where he leads the sales strategy, customer relations, and distribution network for the company’s enzyme products.
