We are continuously driven by our highly experienced leaders who are shaping Apical’s sustainable and scalable business for a better tomorrow.
DATO’ YEO HOW
President
As the President of Apical, Dato’ Yeo How oversees the entire spectrum of the Group’s agri-business value chain including refining, downstream processing into renewable fuel, oleochemicals, functional fats and trading.
An industry veteran with a wealth of experience in finance, palm-based manufacturing and commodity trading, Dato’ Yeo was named ‘Best CFO in Malaysia’ by Finance Asia.
Dato’ Yeo is also a Certified Public Account by training and was actively involved in the accounting profession in various capacities.
PRATHEEPAN KARUNAGARAN
Executive Director
As the Executive Director of Apical, Pratheepan Karunagaran is responsible for Apical’s overall Bulk and Value Added Fats business.
With over 20 years of experience, Pratheepan helmed senior leadership roles across oil seeds, edible oils, agro commodities trading and merchandising in Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.
Prior to joining Apical, he worked with prominent companies in the commodity space, where he was responsible for the African Business in 18 countries ranging from rice, sugar, oil seeds and edible oils processing and value addition.
Pratheepan holds a Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison (United States).
SANJAY TANWANI
Chief Financial Officer
As the CFO of Apical Group, Sanjay Tanwani is responsible for the overall finance, risk management, strategic planning, banking and treasury related functions of Apical’s upstream and downstream businesses.
Sanjay has over 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles across finance and commercial functions in food, agriculture and chemical industries in Asia, Africa and Europe.
Prior to joining Apical in 2019, he was the Country Head and Director for a fertilizer manufacturing, sales and marketing business. Preceding that, he was the Director of Commercial Operations for a prominent organisation in India.
Sanjay holds an MBA from IMD Business School (Switzerland) and CA ranks from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
BENN TANG
Head of Oleochemicals Business
As the Head of Apical’s Oleochemicals Business, Benn Tang leads the Group’s oleochemicals growth projects and drives the overall efficiency of the business unit.
Prior to joining Apical in 2017, Benn served as the Business Director at a prominent chemical-based business.
Benn holds a Bachelor of Chemistry from University Putra Malaysia and an MBA from the International Management Centres (UK).
MICHAEL VAN SALLANDT
Head of Functional Fats Business
As the Head of Apical’s Functional Fats Business, Michael van Sallandt is responsible for the global business development opportunities and overall growth of Apical’s Functional Fats division.
He has an extensive experience in project management, supply chain, operations, business development and general management among others. Prior to joining Apical, Michael worked with prominent manufacturers in the Netherlands and Malaysia.
Michael holds a Master’s Degree in Food Science from the University of Wageningen (Netherlands).
BREMEN YONG
Head of Sustainability
As the Head of Sustainability, Bremen leads Apical’s journey towards becoming one of the reputable sustainability leaders in the palm oil sector. He advocates sustainable and ethical business conducts, leads the effective implementation of Apical Sustainability Policy, Apical2030 and drives positive changes in the supply chain inclusively through Apical’s sustainability framework – all towards living up to Apical’s sustainability commitment and UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
With the aim to deliver impact beyond compliance as well as to evolve with the global environmental and social challenges, Bremen together with his team, developed and launched their sustainability roadmap, Apical2030, earlier this year. Apical2030 will further drive their sustainability commitment by driving transformative changes in the palm oil sector and guide decisions and actions with the aim of achieving sustainable growth and value creation for all stakeholders.
Prior to joining Apical in 2016, Bremen was the Group Head of Sustainability for a SGX-listed and RSPO-certified palm oil management company in Indonesia. He also helmed the role of Head of Certification with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) in 2011.
With a strong foothold in sustainability, he is actively involved in global multi-stakeholder forums and development of local policies.
Bremen is a PhD candidate at Universiti Putra Malaysia and holds an MBA from the University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia).
LIM KIAN GUAN
Head of Indonesia Operations
As the Head of Apical’s Indonesia Operations, Lim Kian Guan oversees the operation of the Group’s refineries in Indonesia and ensures the production, performance and quality standards are met. Additionally, he also assures the Group’s effective and efficient use of facilities and human capital in Indonesia.
Prior to joining Apical in 2014, Kian Guan was an Engineering Advisor for an agri-business in Indonesia. In addition to that, he also attained experience across various industries including marine, power, paper and the palm-based food production industry.
Kian Guan holds a Master of Science from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
