A well-versed leader, Dr. Anju is dedicated to research-driven advancements. A firm believer in the power of research, she focuses on investments in infrastructure and scientific research to improve preventive healthcare solutions.
By merging traditional knowledge with modern science, she helps her organisation create high-quality, evidence-based health products. Over the years, she has played a crucial role in developing groundbreaking nutraceutical and cosmeceutical ingredients that have gained recognition in the global healthcare community. Reflecting on this journey, she says, “We are building a legacy of wellness founded on science and nature. For us, every breakthrough is a step toward a healthier, more empowered world.”
Dr. Anju’s journey into scientific research and business leadership is driven by her strong academic background. She earned her PhD in Microbiology from Bharathidasan University and holds double master’s degrees in Biology and MicroMolecular Genetics from Johns Hopkins University and Rutgers University. She also has considerable experience in SAS and Clinical SAS database management, which indicates her thorough knowledge of healthcare data analysis. As a molecular biology expert, she plays a pivotal role in designing and conducting experiments for developing new products, enhancing processes for commercial applications, or expanding scientific knowledge. Her contributions to the field are also well-documented through numerous scientific publications and patents, which reinforce her reputation as a true researcher dedicated to revolutionising the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical markets. Under Dr. Anju’s guidance, the Sami Sabinsa Group has expanded significantly and emerged as a leader in innovation by consistently delivering scientifically backed products that support holistic well-being. Headquartered in Bangalore, the company has 27 facilities dedicated to manufacturing, R&D, and sales and has expanded to 18 locations globally with employee strength of 1,800.
The organisation’s sustained emphasis on quality, sustainability, and clinical validation has helped it gain a loyal customer base globally. With a robust global presence, the organisation continues to launch innovative health and wellness solutions that appeal to a global clientele.
LEADING A LEGACY
Dr. Anju has been diligently carrying forward the legacy of her late father, Dr. Muhammed Majeed, the founder of the Sami-Sabinsa Group, who is revered as the ‘Father of the Indian Nutraceuticals Industry.’ As she continues to build on her father’s legacy, the researcher-turned-entrepreneur remains steadfast in transforming India into a global hub for nutraceutical innovation.
With deep domain expertise and a research-driven approach, she has already strengthened the company’s reputation as a global leader in standardised herbal extracts. Furthermore, her focus on scientific advancements has led to several breakthroughs in medicinal plant research. These milestones have further cemented the company’s reputation in the industry.
DONNING MULTIPLE HATS
As Co-Chair of ASSOCHAM’s Karnataka State Development Council, Dr. Anju formulates policies and strategies for industry growth and women’s empowerment. She actively engages in discussions on regulatory advancements, sustainable business practices, and the future of the nutraceutical sector in India. By advocating for policies that support research-driven enterprises, she is contributing to India’s emergence as a global leader in the nutraceutical sector.
ROOTED IN EMPOWERMENT
Dr. Anju believes that the success of any economy depends on utilising the potential of women. She has also extended this commitment beyond corporate spaces by actively supporting women’s empowerment initiatives.
The company’s contract farming initiative has empowered thousands of women in rural South India with financial independence through training and employment, enhancing the herbal supply chain and fostering long-term economic benefits for women farmers. Reflecting on her initiatives for women’s empowerment, Dr. Anju says, “At Sami-Sabinsa Group, women have assumed leadership roles and are driving our global business. They constitute the majority of our research workforce, a domain which is the focal point of our operations.”
COMPASSION AS CAPITAL
Dr. Anju is a compassionate leader committed to philanthropy. As a trustee of the Dr. Majeed Foundation, she leads initiatives in healthcare, education, and social welfare, providing medical aid, scholarships, and infrastructure support to underserved communities.
In 2024, under her leadership, the foundation awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 130 meritorious students from economically disadvantaged families in Karnataka, India, in collaboration with The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Her humanitarian efforts embody her belief that true success lies in the positive impact one makes on society.
SCOOPING UP ACCOLADES
Dr. Anju’s dedicated efforts have enabled the Sami-Sabinsa Group to earn several awards. One of its most prestigious recognitions includes the Varro E. Tyler Award from the American Botanical Council, which acknowledges outstanding contributions to phytomedicinal research.
