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About the Program
An Honorary Doctorate is an individual’s first step towards the world of research
and new knowledge. It provides an opportunity for business leaders to create a
transformational change and translate their expertise for higher credibility and
serve as an authority on the industry. AIMRI’s Honorary Industrial Doctorate Program
honors Industry professionals for their sustained achievements in their field of
expertise.
The first-ever Honorary Doctorate, in the history of AIMRI, was awarded to Dr. Ravi
Mehrotra (Chairman of Foresight Group, UK) for rendering extraordinary service to
the maritime industry for the past 57 years. His Professional Biography, “What’s It
in For You?” (published in 2012) and his unparalleled accomplishments and personal
achievements made him worthy of this honor.
AIMRI has awarded 35+ professionals with the Industrial Doctorate in the last 2 years. This year AIMRI will be awarding Industrial Ph.D. in association with the European International University (www.eiu.ac)
Eligibility Criteria
- 20+ years of Industrial Experience
- Any unique initiative / project or CSR activities implemented in your Organization
- Must have technical articles published in acknowledged journals
- Must have presented a Technical Paper in an International conference/seminar
Industrial Advisory Panel
Dr. Sohan Roy SK
Media/Marine/Entertainment
A Creative Designer by profession and a Visionary by action, Sohan Roy is an accomplished, performance-driven entrepreneur, poet, lyricist, producer, and a proven leader who has been credited with pioneering innovations in Movie, Media, Maritime and Medical industries. His first directorial Hollywood venture DAM999 was a thought-provoking movie on Dams and its effect on human life. The movie was well appreciated and found its place in many national and international film circuits. The movie also garnered 5 Oscar selections in 3 categories including Best Picture, Original Song (3 songs) and Original Score. He is also the founder director of Concept Indywood, the USD 10 billion project to elevate the Indian film industry at par with Hollywood, author of 'Anukavyam' and Founder Chairman and CEO of Aries Group of Companies, and a multinational consortium of 57 companies in 19 countries. He has also completed his Doctorate from European International University, Paris where his subject for Doctorate was EFFISM - The innovative efficiency improvement management system based on the time management principle of 1:1:1. Incorporates 200 parameters, EFFISM, helps in changing the basic character of an individual improving it on a daily basis.
Dr. Sunilkumar PG
Marine/Education
Prof (Dr) Sunil Kumar P G is a Navy veteran, and is at present working as Professor of Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding and the Dean of Research at SNG College of Engineering, Kerala, India. He is an alumnus of Cochin University of Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology New Delhi and University College London, with PhD in structural analysis of ships. His vast experience as a professional engineer for 3 decades covers academic and industrial fields including teaching in reputed universities and colleges, academic and industrial research guidance and mentoring, design maintenance and repair of ships and submarines, operations and maintenance of marine assets etc.
Dr. B. Anirudhan
Education
Dr. B. Anirudhan is the Principal of Nehru Arts and College with 28 years of experience in Teaching Research and Administration. He has organised 35 Conference, Seminar and Workshops at national and international levels and published more than 40 Research Articles and 3 books. He has organized and chaired International Conferences in Malaysia, Bangkok, Dubai, Indonesia and Australia. Being a coordinator of the Winning Team in the VI National Youth Parliament Competition, he was awarded by Mr. Gulam Nabi Azad, Hon. Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and Govt. of India on 17 th Feb. 2005 at New Delhi. The College has got the 2 (f) and 12 (B) status of UGC and “A” by NAAC through his guidance. For his dedicated services to the education he has been honored with many awards and accolades including Rajiv Gandhi Education Excellence Award, Shri P K Das Life Time Achievement Award, Rashtriya Vibhushan Samman Puraskar with a Gold Medal and many more.
Dr. Satheesh Kumar
Medical
Dr. Satheesh Kumar is a former Drug controller of the Drugs Regulatory Dept (Drugs Control Department under Ministry Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Kerala. After 30 years of his service to the organization, he retired in 2013 to join as the Sr. Vice President, Operations, AGAPPE Diagnostics Ltd, Cochin. Dr. Satheesh is also working as a Visiting faculty for Lectures on topics on Regulatory affairs for different Pharma colleges and Examiner for Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at JSS University, Mysore/Ooty. He completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Vinayaka Missions, Salem; Diploma in Business Management and LL.B from M.G. University. He has been instrumental in auditing and supervising many Pharmaceutical firms and Medical Devices for regulatory certifications and assessment of quality standards. For his dedicated services, he has been bestowed with various awards and accolades.
Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan
Founder & Director General
Dr. Oliver Massman
Visiting Professor, International Business Law
Dr. Joel Franworth
Dean, Business & Management Studies
Dr. Chrysanthi Balomenou
Director of Research & Innovation
Dr. Ajay Desai
Global Promoter
European International University
HALL OF FAME
- Honorary Doctorate 2014
- Dual Doctorate 2021
- Dual Doctorate 2022
Honorary Doctorate 2014
Ravi K Mehrotra
Founder & Chairman - Foresight Group
It's an honor and privilege to have been bestowed with the Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI. I express my gratitude to the institute for encouraging individuals for their work and expertise, my company staff, family and all the other members of the industry who have stood by me through time to make this day Possible. Thank you again for the prestigious honor.
Dual Doctorate 2021
Dr.Ahmad Golchin
He is the founder &CEO of the phars film group also credited as the father of the middle east film cinema. Educated in Iran, he established himself as a reputed publisher. Due to an onset of war in his country, he later left his publishing career behind and relocated to the UAE carrying a Persian dubbed Mexican language film in hand. Since that day, he has been building the foundations to what is now the largest and most successful film empire in the middle east. Mr. Golchin’s partnerships and investments span the middle east and operate in as diverse sectors as distribution, exhibition, post-production, media, hospitality, property development and property management.
He is being awarded The Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI
Dr.Berthold Josef Peikert
With over 25 years of valuable experience, he has experience in diverse industries, including Defense, Government/Security, Automotive, High-Tech, Oil & Gas, Healthcare. He is a perfect example of visionary leadership with expertise in shaping companies’ business strategies and achieving top & bottom-line growth objectives..Berthold is currently the Advisor to CEO Emirates Advanced Research & Technology Holding LLC.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Strategic Planning and Operations from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Defence Aero Space from AIMRI
Dr.(Capt) Khalid Al-Owais
An Emirati Underwriter Marine Damage Expert at the Ministry of Justice and Arbitrator at Dubai International Arbitration Centre. With almost twenty years of experience in Management, H.S.E., I.S.M., and Marine; his core competencies include General Trading and Logistics, International Business Management, Strategic Planning, Legal Marine, H.S.E., I.S.M. in Oil and Gas as well. He is also a veteran in International Business and Management, Legal Marine, General Trading and Logistics, Marine, I.S.M., H.S.E. in Oil & Gas Fields, etc.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Maritime Law and Logistics from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI.
Dr. Ram Buxani
He is a Forbes-listed Indian Leader and Chairman of ITL-Cosmos Group. A visionary entrepreneur endowed with unfailing business acumen, for more than 60 years, he has been a father-figure to many young entrepreneurs. A Truly multi-faceted, he is a community leader, spokesperson of the non-resident Indians, writer, theatre actor, cultural ambassador, and social organizer.
He is being awarded The Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI.
Dr.Harish Tahiliani
He started his entrepreneurial journey with his family's humble Indian spices and pulses trading company in Sharjah. He soon became instrumental in turning a small Indian spices and pulses trading firm in Sharjah into Arab India Spices, a global giant in the Dry Food Supply industry. Arab India Spices is one of the most extensive food sourcing and processing firms in the GCC, working hand-in-hand with farmers in Canada, Australia, China, and Africa. He currently serves as the Managing Director and co-founder of the firm.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Food Manufacturing and Technology from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in FMCG from AIMRI.
Dr.Ibrahim M Behairy
He is a renowned Egyptian Marine Engineer and a marine veteran with over 35 years of industry experience; he currently serves as the Managing Director at Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd. A well-respected professional figure in the Middle East Maritime Industry, Behairy specializes in planning day-to-day group marketing strategies and business development.
He is being awarded Doctorate in New Dual Fuel Engines for Eco Shipping from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI.
Dr.James George
He is an accomplished entrepreneur whose passion for learning and innovating led him to establish the leading Medical Disposable manufacturers in India. He is a Master's degree holder in Business Management. He has an impeccable record of three decades in the manufacturing and marketing of medical disposables. He leads Careon Healthcare Management Solutions as Managing Director.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Entrepreneurship from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Healthcare from AIMRI
Dr.Joginder Singh Billowria
Hailing from a small town in Kashmir, he started his professional journey by joining the Indian Navy as an Apprentice in 1982 and completed his engineering while serving his term in 1986. He left Indian Navy in 1991. After having a gleeful time sailing ,Joginder decided to step down to established Heritage Offshore and Marine Services in the heart of UAE – Dubai, one of the largest ship repairs and offshore companies.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Marine & Industrial Technology from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI.
Dr.Joseph Jegan Morrais
Hailing from Kanyakumari. South of Tamil Nadu, his passion in fishing was ignited when he saw his father going to sea. He took a plunge into the Export business at the age of 22, and started as a Merchandise Exporter in Neema Cold Storage, Tondairpet, Chennai. It was 1981 when he established St. Peter & Paul. The core areas of his business include export and local market, and they soon plan to introduce consumer supply.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Management Specialization in Seafood Exports from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Sea Food Export from AIMRI.
Dr.June Manoharan
She is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience, she is presently the Managing Director at one of the largest marine lubricant suppliers globally, LUKOIL. She currently looks after the Marine Lubricant business in the core East part of the world, the eastern part of Africa to Australia. She is also looking after the Automotive lubricant in selective markets on the east side of the world. She is also the founder member of WISTA Dubai and a big supporter of Mission to Seafarers.
She is being awarded Doctorate in Marine Lubricant Management from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Oil & Gas from AIMRI
Dr.Meena Mathews
A dynamic woman who has walked along the challenging paths to assume the position of power in the Maritime industry she was among the first Maritime woman lawyers in the Middle East who sowed the seeds of change in the Maritime and Legal Industry. She is currently a Director at Arabian Ocean Services, one of the leading companies in the procurement of material and equipment for the Oil and Gas Industry.
She is being awarded Doctorate in Maritime Law from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI.
Dr. Guru Pali Chandra
A renowned Kathak Dance educationist with over 30 years of industry experience. Her work encompasses performance, choreography, training, and dance evaluation. She is a committee member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, U.K., and a graded member of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
She is being awarded Doctorate in Dance Education from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Performing Arts from AIMRI.
Dr.Riaz Abdul Aziz Khan
A veteran professional in the UAE and Indian healthcare sector, he leads business transformations and facilitates business setups. He is a prominent figure in the healthcare industry in the Middle East as well as in India. He has almost three decades of experience in the field and significantly towards Hospital/Healthcare Facility Design, Development and Operation, Hospital/Healthcare Project Management, M&A, Business Turnaround, and Revenue Generation.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Hospital Management and Operations from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Healthcare from AIMRI.
Dr.Shailendra Rughwani
He is one of the known faces in the Global IT industry. He started his professional journey in Japan and moved to Dubai to establish Experts Computer LLC in 1994. Regarded highly amongst Dubai's reseller community, he is the Chairman of Experts Computer and president of the new Dubai Computer Traders Group.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Business Management from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Information Technology from AIMRI.
Dr.Shajikutty.K
An Engineering Graduate and Industrial EPCM Professional with over 26 years of progressive experience across the Oil and Gas, Energy, petrochemical, refinery and infrastructure industries. He is the co-founder and Managing Director of Global Sources – A Premier Industrial EPC Contractor in Saudi Arabia, Team Global sources, KSK Engineers Ltd., and KSK International Trading LLC in the United Arab Emirates, KSK International consulting Bahrain and Global Sources Technical solutions – Oman and founder of KSK Group of companies which is engaged in diverse business operations.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Industrial Project Management from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from AIMRI.
Dr.John Peter Gray
He started his professional journey at 17. He joined P & O as an engineering cadet and later completed a four-year sandwich course with an engineering diploma in mechanical and marine engineering, including a year at sea on general cargo vessels and first-generation container vessels. Moving up the career ladder, he was soon promoted to Passenger ships as a senior engineer and eventually returned to the shore to take up new challenges. John Gray currently works as the Chief Operating Officer at Fair Deal, focusing on fleet management and technical and safety services.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Corporate Strategy from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI.
Dr.Padma Shankar Coram
She is a well-respected and globally recognized Spiritual Healer, Meditation & Emotional Wellness specialist, and motivational mentor. For the past 30 years, she has traveled extensively, learning different aspects of wellness modalities from the masters. She brings a wealth of knowledge around leadership effectiveness, talent development, team building, change of family engagement, culture, and goal achievement.
She is being awarded Doctorate in HOLISTIC WELLNESS Specialization in ASHTA YOGA from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Wellness and Spirituality from AIMRI.
Dual Doctorate 2022
Sanjiv Kumar Khurana
President, Eros Tours and Travel Inc and Airtkt.com
He has 33+ years of experience in the travel industry, both as the travel agent and conceptualizer of a popular ticket booking site, AirTkt.com. He has worked as a travel agent and amassed a vast knowledge of all leading booking software, including Worldspan, Sabre, Amadeus, and Apollo. He is also adept at working with all major Airlines, has visited most the Countries, and has handled the passengers for a long time.
Group Captain KN Gopakumaran Nair, VM(G)
Chairman and Managing Director, Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
He is an Indian Air Force Veteran with a rich experience in Aviation. He took retirement from Airforce in 1998 and started his entrepreneurial journey. He has over 14,500 hours of accident/incident free flying in the 40 years of his aviation career. The President of India has also awarded him the prestigious Vayu Sena Medal Gallantry. He conceptualized the concept of HeliTaxi in 2017 after two years of market study, led by a solid vision to provide the fastest means of travel for a passenger from the city to the airport and vice-versa.
Capt. Yasser Jalal Yasser Hashem
Director, Fleet personnel, BAHRI Ship management
He is a highly proficient mariner with upstream & downstream expertise in world-wide hydrocarbon exploration, production and delivery. He has over a decade of sailing experience and dealing with hydrocarbons in ascending ranks from a Deck Cadet to a Harbor Pilot (Since 1999) on VLCC’s, Suezmax , Aframax Oil Tankers and Product Carriers. He also has a strong background in Internal and External Auditing for ISM, ISO 9000, SIRE inspections, Marine Quality Assurance, operation excellence and Risk Assessment.
James Mathew
CEO & Managing Partner of UHY James (Chartered Accountants & Management Consulting)
A renowned financial practitioner in the audit & advisory space in the UAE, backed by almost 30 years of experience and profound expertise on the workings of diverse industries. A seasoned professional with sharp business acumen and a passion for precision, his leadership style focuses on integrity while helping organizations drive strategic growth. He is the fellow member of ICAI and a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) -Colorado USA.
Devrish Malik
Director, Marketing and Operations, Five oceans Ship Repairing and Marine Services LLC
An Experienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the maritime industry. He is a strong professional skilled in Negotiation, International Shipping, Engineering, Maritime Operations, and Project Engineering. As the Director of Five Oceans, he is responsible for all divisions, right from budgeting to decision making. He also ensures the incorporation of new technology into the company and the continual development of his staff
Sonja Louise de Pattenden
Regional Employee Benefits Business Development Director, AXA Gulf
A seasoned insurance professional with over 30 years’ of experience in the industry. She held the position of General Manager, Middle East and Africa at Now Health International and was part of the senior management team that set the company up from inception in 2011. Prior to Now Health, she also held the position of Head of Business Development for the Middle East and Africa for Aetna. She has spent more than 20 years in the Middle East, in management and business development within the employee benefits insurance industry.
Dr. Suma Velekat
CEO/ Founding partner, Maisaloon Group
A Dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organizations. Utilize keen analysis and insights and team approach to drive organizational improvements and implementation of best practices. She has superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex (sales, human resources, legal, financial, operational) issues and is adept at motivating staff to peak performance.
Bhavishya Gupta
Managing Director, Sensation Group
He is an MS holder in Real Estate from NYU, and has 15+ years rich experience in RE across land acquisition, local legalities and JVs. He keeps himself well versed with the latest developments in the industry & enjoy a great relationship with Real-Estate linked Consultants Globally. Sensation is always enthusiastic of adapting new technologies & systems for improving all spheres of Real Estate development under its umbrella.
Mr. Ved Chhabra
Chairman and Managing Director of Interocean Ship Repairs LLC
An outstanding leader in the maritime industry. An entrepreneur whose skills and expertise has earned him recognition in both India and the Middle east. He went on to become the ‘first’ private entrepreneur to build and export the ‘first’ sea-going vessel from India. For his achievements, he was associated with the Government of India’s Engineering Export Promotion Council, Ship Building Division in 1976. Featured in Forbes Middle east four consecutive times and conferred with the UAE Business Leaders Award and the Lifetime Achievement award in Dubai this man demonstrates the success story of someone who had braved trying times with passion, perseverance and will.
Mr. Shyam Alimchand Bhatia
Founder, Alam Steel group
An entrepreneur and the head of a diversified business group in the Middle East he is an author, a sports enthusiast and a social worker who had been conferred with the Mother Teresa Award. He is named as one of UAE’s 40 most influential Asians, he has initiated his own foundation ‘Cricket for Care’ in 2007 and curated his own one -of – a -kind cricket museum. Under his astute leadership, Alam Steel has become one of the largest steel companies in the Middle-East in the last 30 years. Alam Steel was ranked as one of the top 20 most influential suppliers in the Middle East.
Documents Required for Submission
- Curriculum vitae
- Professional biography **
- Career Path and Distinguished achievements
- Details of Industrial/technical papers/presentations and reports (where appropriate)
- General substantiation providing pertinent information not covered in the above categories.
- A video of Technical paper presentation
** A professional biography of the nominee or a published work by the nominee is mandatory, as a thesis. In case the candidate doesn’t have a Professional Biography, AIMRI shall help you create one to satisfy the criteria.
Contact us
For more details or submit your nominations at industrialdoctoratecouncil@aimri.ae
Or Call: +971 56 679 6096 / +91 95390 00727