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
Pratheepan Karunagaran is the Executive Director of Apical, overseeing the Group’s Bulk and Value Added downstream business, Sustainability Roadmap and long-term growth strategy.
With a strong commitment to continuous improvement, people and culture, he has played a pivotal role in leading Apical into new and emerging markets, most recently the renewable fuel sector. By unlocking new sources of value through circularity, Pratheepan leads Apical’s venture into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
A seasoned leader in global agro commodities trading and merchandising, Pratheepan brings over two decades of leadership experience in the commodity space, spanning various sectors such as rice, sugar, oil seeds, and edible oils processing. His expertise extends across Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Pratheepan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (United States).
ASHOKKUMAR SONTHALIA
Chief Financial Officer
As the CFO of Apical, Ashokkumar Sonthalia oversees the entire finance spectrum of the Apical’s agri-business. He is responsible for all its related aspects across the value chain including corporate governance, treasury and funding, financial planning and analysis, accounting and consolidation, as well as tax and risk management.
He brings over 20 years of valuable multinational experience across various geographies and industries namely steel, cement, power and IT.
Ashokkumar holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Mumbai (India) 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).
PETER SETIABUDI
Head of Indonesia Operations
As the Head of Apical’s Indonesia Operations, Peter Setiabudi oversees the operations in Indonesia and ensures the production, performance and quality standards are met.
Peter has over 20 years of leadership experience in commercial, business development and operation management across various sectors such as chemical, petroleum and shipping in both in B2B and B2C.
Prior to joining Apical, he helmed a management role at a prominent supply chain and distribution company in Indonesia.
