VARUN MALI
Hyderabad
Summary
A highly accomplished leader with over a decade of experience fostering India-UK economic partnerships, driving major investments, and managing complex cross-sector projects. Renowned for expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and innovation, with a proven track record of delivering impactful results while mentoring startups, supporting social causes, and advancing global collaboration.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Trade & Investment & Deputy Head of Mission
UK Government (Dept for Business, Trade & Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
Hyderabad
01.2018 - Current
- Led strategic business development initiatives on behalf of the UK Government, advising British companies on market entry and expansion strategies in India, and encouraging Indian companies to invest and establish operations in the UK.
- Spearheaded government-to-government (G2G) dialogues, fostering bilateral trade relationships and promoting economic collaboration between India and the UK.
- Managed a team of 20 UK Government officers as Head of Staff in Hyderabad, overseeing operations and serving as Deputy Head of Mission (equivalent to Deputy Consul General) at the British High Commission.
- Delivered technical advisory services on foreign direct investment (FDI), mergers and acquisitions (M&A), licensing, export finance, and market access, driving economic development goals for His Majesty’s Treasury and UK Government.
- Cultivated relationships with senior leadership of Indian companies, regulatory bodies, and startups, designing strategies for account management, trade policy advocacy, and cross-border business development.
- Successfully managed projects in sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, and technology, aligning corporate strategies with sales, marketing, and economic growth objectives to strengthen India-UK trade ties.
Project Manager – Heading Strategy & Portfolio Management (Global Medical Operations)
Novartis
Dublin, Ireland / Hyderabad
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Managed a $5M portfolio for key biopharmaceutical brands, including Cosentyx, Ilaris, Xolair, and Certican.
- Led a global team of 30+ scientists and oversaw outsourced projects to ensure delivery aligned with SLAs.
- Delivered on KPIs such as customer satisfaction, compliance, and execution of strategic and tactical plans.
- Possess 10+ years of expertise in biosimilars, strategy modeling, and Global Medical Affairs management.
- Demonstrated proficiency in IPS, product lifecycle management, and insights from HEOR, competitive intelligence, and KOL management.
- Conducted expense forecasting, business intelligence, and due diligence to drive strategic decision-making and business development.
Project Manager - R&D Program Management (Pharma Solutions)
Piramal Healthcare
Mumbai
07.2013 - 01.2016
- Managed $2M+ R&D projects annually, delivering 100% on-time completion for top 5 global pharmaceutical clients.
- Led a team of 20+ scientists, achieving a 95% success rate in formulation and analytical development projects.
- Secured 30% repeat business through streamlined operations, earning the President’s Award for excellence.
- Developed and filed 50+ regulatory submissions (ANDA) while ensuring compliance with FDA (21 CFR) guidelines.
- Optimized vendor sourcing and negotiations, reducing project costs by 15% while maintaining quality standards.
- Increased customer satisfaction scores by 25% through proactive client management and SLA adherence.
Formulation Scientist
Kuecept Ltd. / UCL
London
01.2012 - 06.2013
- Selected as one of the top 2 post-graduate students to complete an industrial project with Kuecept Ltd.
- Worked as a pharmaceutical scientist, contributing to Pre-formulation research and development.
- Completed a Master’s thesis in Pre-formulation while supporting the CRO with external projects.
- Gained hands-on experience in pharmaceutical product development and cross-functional collaboration.
Education
Masters in Drug Delivery -
UCL, School of Pharmacy
UKBachelor of Pharmacy -
Pune University
IndiaMBA (International Business & Marketing) -
IBM, CSJM
Registered Pharmacist -
Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
IndiaSkills
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Management
- Stakeholder Management
- Business Development
- Crisis Management
- International Diplomacy
Career Highlights
- Recognized globally as a Top Global Leader under 40 by the EU Parliament and awarded for inclusion, mentorship, and innovation by the UK Government.
- Led £1 billion+ India-UK trade and investment deals, creating over 1,000 jobs, and represented the UK in high-profile meetings with world leaders.
- Awarded for innovation with a patented ‘Tattoo Drug Delivery System’ and excellence in R&D and financial management by organizations like Piramal Healthcare and Novartis.
- Supported over 100 start-ups with fundraising and market access, while hosting 100+ trade missions and events across India and the UK.
- Officially recognized by Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, and the British Royal Family for exceptional contributions to trade, leadership, and public engagement.
Timeline
Head of Trade & Investment & Deputy Head of Mission
UK Government (Dept for Business, Trade & Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
01.2018 - Current
Project Manager – Heading Strategy & Portfolio Management (Global Medical Operations)
Novartis
01.2016 - 01.2018
Project Manager - R&D Program Management (Pharma Solutions)
Piramal Healthcare
07.2013 - 01.2016
Formulation Scientist
Kuecept Ltd. / UCL
01.2012 - 06.2013
Masters in Drug Delivery -
UCL, School of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Pharmacy -
Pune University
MBA (International Business & Marketing) -
IBM, CSJM
Registered Pharmacist -
Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)