Best CEOs from Asia 2024 Akash Kataria

Leading with Integrity, Innovation, and Cultural Adaptability

Akash Kataria

Chief Executive Officer,

TFI (TH Group)

What makes a great leader? It’s their ability to adapt to diverse environments while maintaining core principles. Akash Kataria, CEO of TFI (TH Group), embodies this balance through his leadership, shaped by over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Having worked across regions like Europe and South Asia, Akash has mastered the nuances of different leadership styles—understanding when swift decision-making is needed and when consensus-building is crucial. Akash’s leadership philosophy centres on hard work, humility, and politeness, which he considers universal keys to success in any geography. Initially, he encountered hurdles such as business challenges, team capabilities, and complex pharma regulations. However, his step-by-step approach to problem solving, with a strong focus on brainstorming and collaboration, allowed him to navigate these obstacles effectively. Though consensus-building is time-consuming, he believes it ensures the right decisions are made, instilling confidence in his direction. At TFI (TH Group), Akash oversees strategic direction, financial performance, and quality management for the global pharmaceutical company, which specialises in innovative and affordable therapeutic solutions. His strengths in overall organisation’s financial management, driving profitability, setting strategy, leadership, green field project, Country: Vietnam Favourite Book: Life is Fair Favourite Movie: Three Idiots Favourite Travel Destination: Italy Favourite Cuisine: Indian Punjabi Food Hobby: Travel & Sports Inspiration/Motivation Quote: If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else — T. Washington Objective: To use my skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. QUICK facts process improvement, regulatory compliance, lean six sigma, and team building have been instrumental in handling multiple high-stakes audits from USFDA, EUGMP, MHRA, TGA, and ANVISA. His hands-on leadership ensures the company upholds the highest standards of quality and safety while achieving operational excellence. Akash is not only focused on results but on building and motivating teams, which he views as the company’s greatest asset. Speaking with TradeFlock, Akash discusses his work and vision.

What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced as a CEO, and how did you handle it?

One of the toughest challenges I faced as CEO was navigating the rapidly changing pharmaceutical market, marked by intense competition, shifting demand, and stringent regulations around pricing and compliance. Balancing innovation with execution in such a high-stakes environment required more than just strategic planning; it demanded flawless implementation. To overcome this, I fostered a culture of collaboration, held intense brainstorming sessions, and leveraged expert insights to ensure every plan was executed to perfection. By aligning our team through clear communication and shared knowledge, we turned obstacles into opportunities, ensuring sustained success while staying ahead of regulatory complexities.

What leadership principles guide you, and how do they influence your management at TFI?

My leadership is grounded in a clear vision, integrity, and open communication. I lead by example, fostering trust and respect while empowering my team to innovate. I actively engage with staff through regular floor rounds and dialogue sessions, which enhances productivity and boosts morale. This handson approach not only drives exceptional performance but also strengthens team cohesion and satisfaction.

How do you foster creativity and initiative in your teams within a regulated environment?

Encouraging creativity in a regulated environment involves setting clear goals and providing the necessary resources and freedom. In the pharmaceutical field, where regulations are stringent, fostering innovation requires balancing compliance with creative problemsolving. By establishing clear expectations, offering positive feedback, and rewarding initiative, we empower our team to think outside the box and develop unique solutions, enhancing efficiency and maintaining our competitive edge

How do you balance innovation and regulatory compliance?

Balancing innovation with regulatory compliance in the pharmaceutical industry is challenging but crucial. While innovation drives progress, regulations ensure the safety and efficacy of our products. We manage this balance through continuous training, compliance audits, and a system that keeps our team up to date on evolving regulations across jurisdictions. By fostering a culture of technological innovation while adhering strictly to quality and safety standards, we ensure that groundbreaking solutions meet rigorous approval processes. This approach allows us to bring lifesaving medicines to market while maintaining full regulatory compliance, ensuring both patient safety and industry leadership.

How do you define success beyond financial metrics?

Success extends beyond financial metrics. Personally, I measure it by my passion, enthusiasm, and energy towards achieving our business objectives. For the company, success is gauged through a positive workplace culture, which includes technical upskilling, work-life balance, and employee motivation. Professional growth and freedom of expression are also crucial. Additionally, we assess our success through quality, trust, and innovation—key pillars that drive long-term achievement and satisfaction

What trends in Asian pharmaceuticals excite you, and how will you capitalise on them?

In 2024, the Asian pharmaceutical market is set to reach $238.10 billion, with oncology drugs leading at $40.67 billion. This growth signals exciting opportunities, particularly for companies like Trust Farma, a TH Group company dedicated to public health and clean, organic products. Our founder, Madam Thái Hương, who is well-known as a determined and kind-hearted woman, has successfully launched the brand “True Happiness” based on the core value of “For Public Health.” At TFI, we’re aligning with this vision by focussing on high-quality, affordable medicines. Our key projects include pursuing EU GMP certification for our plant by 2025, which will enhance our global competitiveness and reinforce our commitment to excellence. We’re also investing in innovative solutions to address emerging healthcare needs in the region, ensuring that we contribute effectively to the market’s dynamic growth while upholding our core values of freshness, cleanliness, and community health.