Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
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Veerendra Kumar Rawat

Veerendra Kumar Rawat

Rulindo

Summary

Global Tea Industry Executive with 33+ years of experience driving operational transformation, sustainability, and growth across India and Africa. Proven track record in leading large-scale plantation operations, integrating ESG principles, and spearheading expansion initiatives. Recognized for innovative strategies that boost quality and productivity, strong stakeholder engagement from smallholder farmers to government bodies, and cross-cultural leadership in building high-performing teams aligned with global standards.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior General Manager

SORWATHE Ltd, Rwanda
10.2024 - Current
  • - Enhanced tea quality and expanded orthodox tea output to 1.5 million kg, boosting premium-grade production and smallholder farmer revenues.
  • - Optimized plucking schedules and techniques, reducing weed-control costs, improving yields and quality, and synchronizing field-to-factory logistics for greater efficiency.
  • - Strengthened sustainability initiatives: achieved early renewal of Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certifications, and led peatland conservation and agroforestry projects improving soil health and lean-season crop yields.
  • - Reinforced workforce development by increasing female workforce participation through inclusive policies and mentorship (Motivating several women in supervisory roles), and implementing knowledge-exchange programs to upskill teams and smallholders.
  • - Introduced climate-responsive and Climate smart plucking strategies and grade-focused manufacturing to align products with evolving international buyer demands.
  • - Forged strategic stakeholder partnerships by collaborating with GOR and certification bodies to position SORWATHE as a sustainable, high-performing industry leader

General Manager

Pfunda Tea Company, Rwanda
01.2020 - 01.2024
  • - Drove operational efficiency and quality improvements, doubling smallholder farmers’ incomes within four years.
  • - Elevated Pfunda’s industry standing by leveraging its 50-year legacy to champion sustainable farming practices and superior tea quality.
  • - Spearheaded strategic planning and resource optimization initiatives, achieving key production milestones and cost efficiencies.
  • - Championed biodiversity conservation and smallholder development programs, reinforcing environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Multiple Leadership Roles in seven Plantations

Luxmi Tea Co. Ltd, India
01.1992 - 01.2020
  • - Managed numerous tea estates across India, focusing on quality enhancement, cost control, and developing high-performing teams.
  • - Contributed to major projects including the operations of the renowned Moran Tea Estate and working in Luxmi’s expansion into Rwanda in Pfunda Tea Company, supporting the company’s growth by empowering communities and Tea farmers.

Education

B.Sc. - Agriculture & Animal Husbandry

GB Pant Univ. of Agriculture & Technology
India

Skills

  • Core Competencies
  • - Strategic Tea Estate Management
  • - Sustainable Agriculture & ESG Integration
  • - Quality Assurance & Grade Optimization
  • - Cross-Cultural Team Leadership
  • - Export & Supply Chain Management at operations level
  • - Government & Stakeholder Engagement
  • - Project Management & Budget Control

Certification

  • - Fairtrade Compliance & Sustainability Leadership
  • - Rainforest Alliance Certification (Tea)
  • - Trustea Sustainable Tea Certification
  • - Member, Tea Research Association (Assam) Advisory Committee (2016)

Timeline

Senior General Manager

SORWATHE Ltd, Rwanda
10.2024 - Current

General Manager

Pfunda Tea Company, Rwanda
01.2020 - 01.2024

Multiple Leadership Roles in seven Plantations

Luxmi Tea Co. Ltd, India
01.1992 - 01.2020

B.Sc. - Agriculture & Animal Husbandry

GB Pant Univ. of Agriculture & Technology

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