Early Life
Leena Gandhi Tewari was born on March 9, 1957, in Mumbai, into a business family. Her grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, founded USV Private Limited in 1961. Growing up in this environment sparked her early interest in business and entrepreneurship.
Rise to Success
Tewari holds a B.Com degree from the University of Mumbai and an MBA from Boston University. She joined USV Private Limited and rose through the ranks to become the Chairperson, leading operations and driving growth. Under her leadership since the 1990s, USV has expanded its operations globally, with a presence in 75 countries, specializing in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs, biosimilar drugs, injectables and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Key Business Strategies
Leena Tewari's leadership has been marked by a focus on innovation, strategic philanthropy, and a long-term vision. She has prioritized research and development to keep USV at the forefront of pharmaceutical advancements. The acquisition of the German generics company Juta Pharma in 2018 demonstrated her ambition for international expansion.
Philanthropy
Tewari is actively involved in humanitarian works and supports causes that empower underprivileged women, particularly in education. She supports the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women. In 2019, she was ranked #23 in the Hurun India Philanthropy List and #3 in the list of Women Philanthropists. She has also authored a biographical book titled "Beyond Pipes and Dreams" in 2013, which chronicles the life and achievements of her grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi.