Mr. Amir Pratap J.B. Rana, 54, is a dynamic leader with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the American College of Management, Singapore. As the Chairman of Universal Group, he oversees a diverse array of business activities, employing over 3,500 individuals. Under his visionary leadership, the footwear division has flourished, featuring acclaimed brands like "GOLDSTAR," known for its high-performance sports shoes, and "HATHI," a range of Hawaii slippers that have been admired for over two decades. Additionally, Mr. Rana serves as Chairman of Thoppal Khola Hydropower Nepal Pvt. Ltd., further showcasing his commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, he was a founding member and President of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (Nepal Chapter) in 2017/18. His dedication to environmental and social issues is evident through his memberships in the World Environment Society and the Young Presidents’ Organization. He actively contributes to the Footwear Association of Nepal and serves as a member director at the Society for Welfare of Socially Deprived Children, as well as a national council member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI). Mr. Rana’s multifaceted contributions highlight his influence and commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in Nepal’s business landscape.
Mr. Pashupati Murarka, 61, holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Tribhuvan University. He has been deeply involved in the family business from a young age, demonstrating remarkable leadership and vision. He currently serves as the Managing Director of the Murarka Group, overseeing a diverse portfolio of industries. Under his leadership, the Group has established numerous manufacturing units, including Arghakhachi Cement Pvt. Ltd. and Pashupati Iron and Steel Pvt. Ltd. along with trading companies such as P. K. Traders and Paramount Motors Pvt. Ltd. He is also a promoter of several financial institutions in addition to Kumari Bank, including NMB Bank, Himalaya Re-Insurance Limited and Nepal Life Insurance Limited. His commitment to community service is evident through initiatives like the Ram Kumar Uma Prasad Murarka Memorial Hospital and J.S. Murarka Multiple College in Lahan. A respected figure in the business community, he has held leadership positions as the past president of Round Table Nepal and YPO Nepal, and is a charter member of Lions Club Capital in Kathmandu. He has actively participated in various national and international seminars, further enhancing his expertise and influence in the industry.
Mahesh Prasad Pokharel, 60, is an accomplished financial professional currently serving on the Board of Directors at Kumari Bank Limited, drawing from a distinguished career in the banking sector. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), which has equipped him with a strong foundation in stock trading and financial management.
With over 11 years of experience as a Board Director at Siddhartha Bank Limited, he has developed robust strategic insights and governance skills, significantly contributing to the bank's growth and development. At Kumari Bank Limited, he continues to utilize his extensive expertise in the financial industry, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and implementing sound practices that position the bank for ongoing success in a competitive market.
Mr. Bijay Kumar Shrestha, 53, is a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the financial sector. He holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which have equipped him with a strong foundation in both business management and legal affairs. He began his career with the Employee’s Provident Fund of Nepal, where he served as Chief Manager from 1998 to 2022. He currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at Sanchayakosh Ghar Jagga Byawasthapan Company P. Ltd, a role he has held since April 2022.
Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in leadership roles across various institutions. He is a current director at Kumari Bank Ltd and Sanchayakosh Ghar Jagga Byawasthapan Company P. Ltd. Previously, he served as a director at Deva Bikash Bank Ltd, Himalayan Bank Ltd, Rastriya Beema Company Ltd, Prabhu Insurance Co. Ltd, and Bank of Kathmandu Ltd (now Global IME Bank Ltd). His extensive experience in banking, real estate management, and insurance reflects his expertise in navigating Nepal’s financial landscape. He is a dedicated professional known for his strategic leadership and commitment to the growth of the institutions he serves.
Mr. Raja Ram Khadka, 52, is a distinguished business leader and finance expert with a robust academic background. He completed his MBA in Finance from Tribhuvan University’s Shankar Dev Campus in 1996, achieving a first division with a commendable 66.30%. His earlier studies include a Bachelor of Commerce and an Intermediate in Commerce, both focused on Account and Marketing, from Makawanpur Multiple Campus.
With over two decades of experience in the cement industry and banking sector, he currently serves as the Executive Director of Gaurishankar Cement (P) Ltd. Previously, he held the position of Managing Director at Mahashakti Cement Ltd. for approximately 7.5 years. His banking career spans several key roles, including Chief Executive Officer at International Development Bank Limited and Senior Manager at Sunrise Bank Limited. He has also contributed to NIC Asia Bank, Everest Bank Limited, and Nabil Bank Limited in various capacities. He is committed to professional development, having attended numerous training programs, including workshops on credit, financial statistics, and leadership, both locally and internationally.
Mr. Bijay Sthapit, 35, is a distinguished Chartered Accountant and Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. With a robust professional background encompassing accounting, auditing, and financial crime prevention, he has emerged as a key figure in Nepal's financial services sector. He earned his Chartered Accountancy qualification (CAP III) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal in 2017 and further enhanced his expertise by completing the Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) course in June 2019. He also holds a Master’s in Business Studies with a specialization in Accounts from Shankar Dev Campus, Tribhuvan University, which he completed in 2018.
Currently, he serves as the Managing Partner at Sthapit Rayamajhi Associates, Chartered Accountants, where he offers strategic financial advice and audit services to a diverse clientele. His prior experience includes a significant tenure at Nepal SBI Bank Ltd from January 2018 to August 2023, along with roles at Lumbini Bank Ltd, PM & Associates, Chartered Accountants, and KB Chitracar & Co, Chartered Accountants. His extensive auditing experience spans public corporations, non-governmental organizations, and international development projects, leading statutory audits for notable institutions such as Nepal Rastra Bank and Jyoti Bikas Bank Limited. He has also participated in specialized training in general management, risk-based internal auditing, and quality management systems, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in the field.
Ms. Simran Agrawal, 27, is a dynamic professional serving as the Director of Kumari Bank Limited, where she leverages her extensive expertise to drive strategic initiatives and enhance operational efficiency. With a solid academic background, she completed a Post Graduate Programme in Family Managed Business from the esteemed S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research in Mumbai in May 2021. She also holds a Bachelor in Management Studies from Narsee Monjee College, Mumbai, obtained in May 2019, and her foundational education includes a CIE A-Level from Rato Bangala School in Kathmandu, which she completed in 2015.
In her role as Director, she brings a wealth of experience gained through various managerial positions, including her tenure as Operation and Marketing Manager at Sprightlite Foods Pvt. Ltd. and as Operation Manager at Zen Tiger Kombucha. Additionally, her experience in social media and business development at Alphabet Investment has equipped her with a multifaceted skill set, enhancing her ability to navigate the complexities of the financial sector. She is committed to fostering innovation and excellence within Kumari Bank, making her a pivotal force in the institution’s ongoing growth and success.