Subodh Chanrai
Founder
Subodh Chanrai is the Chairman of Chanrai Investments, a visionary leader with a remarkable track record in both business and philanthropy. He founded the largest distribution and manufacturing company in West Africa and, after successfully growing the business, sold the majority stake to form a strategic partnership with DP World. This partnership expanded the distribution of FMCG products, appliances, and pharmaceuticals across West Africa.
Subodh Chanrai also owns Scanfrost, Nigeria’s fastest-growing appliance brand, and holds stakes in several other businesses. His primary focus is leading Chanrai Investments’ strategy through the Investment Committee, further broadening his influence and footprint in West Africa.
Driven by a strong belief in giving back, Subodh is deeply committed to philanthropy. He collaborates with Oxford University and Northeastern University to provide scholarships for students from Ghana and Nigeria, empowering the next generation through education. Additionally, he partners with restaurants in London to support charitable causes, matching £1 added to each bill to donate funds to organizations such as FoodCycle and St. Saviour’s Sunbury in the UK.
With his steadfast dedication to education and community development, Subodh also serves on the Board of Trustees at Northeastern University, further solidifying his impact on fostering meaningful change
Vishant Chanrai
Founder
Vishant Chanrai is a graduate of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, where he specialized in Family Business. As the Chairman of Chanrai Brands, he oversees the strategic management and growth of the company, holding exclusive manufacturing rights for Blue Band Margarine and Vicks Lozenges across West Africa. Vishant combines his entrepreneurial expertise with a deep commitment to philanthropy. He actively supports community welfare through targeted food assistance and relief initiatives, reinforcing his dedication to creating a positive social impact in the regions where he operates.
Hanshika Chanrai
Founder
Hansika Chanrai, a graduate of Northeastern University, is a key member of the Investment Committee at Chanrai Investments. She plays a vital role in formulating strategies that align with the firm’s mission and financial objectives. Additionally, she leads the Real Estate Division, spearheading innovative initiatives and leveraging her dynamic approach to advance commercial development in Ghana.
Mr. Pramod Amrutkar
Portfolio Manager
Pramod Amrutkar is a Portfolio Manager for Chanrai Investments, leading the Investment Function and focusing on a Multi-Asset Strategy. He is an investment professional with 21+ years of experience (16+ years with SFO) in managing portfolios. Over the years, he has gained significant expertise in research and execution across Fixed Income, Equities, Structured Products, Currencies, and Funds. Pramod began his career as a Credit Appraiser with HDFC and has worked at firms like Global Investment House, a leading Investment Bank in the Middle East.
Pramod completed his BE in Production and MMS in Finance from prestigious institutes, VJTI and JBIMS, Mumbai, respectively.
Mr. Sandip Ojha
Finance Executive
Sandip Ojha is an accomplished finance executive with over 12 years of experience in wealth management and family office operations. As a seasoned industry veteran, his expertise lies in investment management, corporate and financial planning, risk assessment, tax planning, and structuring. With a deep understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges faced by family offices, he is dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the family’s wealth.
Sandip is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, USA. He has previously worked for listed global companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals and R Systems in various locations worldwide. His work style, efforts, and interpersonal skills are attuned to cultures of adding value and continuous improvement.
Mr. Siddharth Saiyan
Siddharth Saiyan holds a degree in Commerce and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of India. He brings with him over 17 years of post-qualification experience across various locations, including India, the Middle East, and Africa. He has held diverse roles in companies such as Far East Mercantile, Olam International, Motisun Group, Xylem Water Solutions India Private Limited, Larsen & Toubro Limited, and Deloitte Haskins & Sells.
Siddharth has extensive experience in roles such as Controller, Spin-offs/Restructuring, the formation of international companies, fundraising from globally reputed institutions, international tax planning, Accounting & Finance Operations, regulatory compliance for companies in multiple countries, ERP implementation, internal controls, insurance management, tax liaison, and treasury.
His personal traits include being a team player, assertive, possessing clear communication, analytical thinking, taking ownership, leading from the front, and seeking 360-degree feedback. He has an excellent ability to provide leadership, establish controls, implement administrative and reporting procedures, and build people systems to effectively drive organizational growth.
Mr. Didier Duret
Chairman & Advisor
Didier Duret is an advisor to the Chanrai Investments Committee. He is a member of the International Thorium Energy Committee, an offshoot of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Formerly the Global Chief Investment Officer at ABN Amro Private Banking (2005 to January 2019) and a board member of ABN Amro entities, Didier brings 35 years of investment experience, primarily with ABN Amro, UBS, and Paribas Asset Management.
He lectures on leadership and professional training at INSEAD and the Cambridge Judge Business School of Management, focusing on virtual teams, investment decision practices, and governance. Didier is also a guest speaker on major networks such as CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg TV.
He completed the INSEAD International Directors Program in 2019 (IDP-C). He holds master’s degrees in Economics from Grenoble University and the Institut d’Études Politiques, along with a post-graduate degree in International Finance from the “École des Hautes Études Commerciales” in Montreal.
