Company Overview
Shelys Pharmaceuticals, Caring for All!
About shelys
Shelys Pharmaceuticals is a renowned pharmaceutical company in Sub Saharan Africa. Shelys has humble origins starting as a diminutive family business in 1956 and over the years, Shelys has been established to be one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in East Africa.
Shelys has footprints in Tanzania ,Zambia ,Malawi ,DRC, Rwanda , Burundi, Mozambique, Madagascar ,Mauritius, Djibouti ,Uganda and Kenya and is a leader in the script market for crucial therapeutic categories such as cough and cold, anti infectives, nutraceuticals, antimalarials, gastro intestinal, pain management, fever and topical inflammation, disinfectants, cardiovascular and erectile dysfunction.
As part of the Aspen Group, Shelys Pharmaceuticals has acquired an impressive range of established products with significant brand equity, enhancing its product offering and market presence. These acquisitions include well known brands such as Hedex, Cofta, Decavit Plus, Cafenol, Ashton & Parsons from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Diprivan, Marcaine, Xylocaine, and Xyloproct from AstraZeneca. This strategic acquisition of products has strengthened Beta Healthcare’s therapeutic portfolio and expanded its reach into multiple markets across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Shelys Commitment
Shelys Pharmaceuticals is committed to excellence, with access to experienced cross-functional teams and strong relationships at the regulatory, statutory and distribution levels. The company enrolls memberships with various industry associations, which further support its operations across the region. Its extensive network includes relationships with distributors / stakeholders, the medical fraternity and retail sectors.
With a proven track record in integrating acquisitions and operational excellence, Shelys continues to build a solid foundation for future growth and continued success.
Our Culture & VAlues
Culture of excellence & employee growth
Shelys Pharmaceuticals, an Aspen Group Company, prides itself on cultivating a work environment where skilled employees are not only retained but also empowered to thrive. Shelys’ approach to employee retention focuses on long-term development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported in their professional journey. This commitment to retaining top talent is built on a strategy that includes recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths and contributions of each employee. Clear roles and responsibilities are defined from the outset, giving employees a sound understanding of their contributions to the company’s success, while ensuring accountability and alignment with organizational goals, vision and values.
Rewarding and motivating employees is integral to Shelys’ culture. The company offers various recognition programs that highlight outstanding performance, coupled with competitive compensation and benefits that reflect the hard work and dedication of its staff. By focusing on each individual’s strengths, dedication and core values, Shelys ensures that employees are placed in roles where they can excel and contribute meaningfully to the company’s overall success.
Continuous training and development is a key part of Shelys’ people management strategy, with opportunities for professional growth and skill development provided regularly to ensure employees stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
Shelys’ culture also emphasizes the importance of talent development through mentorship, role models and knowledge sharing. Senior leaders actively mentor junior staff, fostering a supportive environment that equips the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to succeed. This knowledge sharing culture ensures that expertise is passed down, creating a pipeline of talent that can step into key roles as the company continues to grow.
Employee benefits go beyond traditional offerings, encompassing health, wellness and work-life balance programs that promote a holistic approach to employee well-being.
Effective communication is a hallmark of Shelys’ operations. The company keeps employees informed with regular updates on organizational growth, achievements and future goals, ensuring that everyone feels connected to the broader mission and vision of the company. Employees are encouraged to get involved and contribute ideas, with a platform for sharing insights and innovations that can help improve processes and products. This culture of openness fosters an environment where diversity is not only accepted but celebrated, with a focus on creating an inclusive workplace that values different perspectives, cultures with inclusivity and equity.
Internal promotion is a priority at Shelys, with a clear focus on ensuring that employees are given the opportunity to grow within the organization. Promotions are based on merit, with a rigorous process in place to ensure that candidates have the requisite skills and experience to succeed in their new roles. Regular performance reviews of employees ensure that their growth is on track and that they continue to be supported in their responsibilities. Shelys’ is committed to employees achieving their professional goals within the organization.
Our dedication is to provide a safe, healthy and enjoyable work environment. We invests in creating a space where employees can feel comfortable and motivated, with a focus on physical and mental well-being. This commitment to a positive work environment, combined with opportunities for growth, recognition and support, helps ensure that Shelys continues to attract, retain and nurture the very best talent in the healthcare industry.
Shelys' growth history
Shelys Pharmaceuticals
Shelys Pharmaceuticals Ltd initiated business in Tanzania
Sumaria Group
The Sumaria Group through Shelys Pharmaceuticals acquired Beta Healthcare International forming a stronger alliance – Shelys Africa Ltd
Aspen Group
Aspen acquired 60% of the share capital of Shelys Africa Limited. This alliance provides the foundation for Aspen’s expansion into the East and Central African market and the establishment of an affordable quality generics brand presence on the African continent.
Shelys Pharmaceuticals becomes a Business Unit
Due to the outstanding performance and sustainable growth of Shelys Africa, Aspen acquired 100% of the share capital of Shelys Africa Limited (Aspen SSA)
Our Leadership
- Aspen SSA – Board of Directors
- Aspen SSA – Regional Heads
- Shelys’ Management
Carnie
Van der LindeNazir
AllyBernhardt
Nicklaus
Carnie van der Linde
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS)
December 2023
Senior Group Executive: Commercial (International Regions)
Further Information
Carnie develops and implements the Commercial Pharmaceuticals strategy and performance delivery across the Group’s international regions from Aspen South Africa (Aspen SA.). Carnie also chairs the Board of Directors for Aspen’s subsidiaries in the Sub Saharan Africa regions – (Aspen SSA).

Nazir Ally
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
CA(SA)
December 2023
Chief Executive Officer – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Nazir is a seasoned Executive, reputed for developing global strategies, Operations, commercial and financial improvement plans that has contributed to long-term business growth in the global markets from Aspen South Africa (Aspen SA) where he Operates. He establishes missions, processes, objectives and clear focus on high-quality service delivery and company profit across Aspen’s Business Units in the Sub Saharan Africa regions. Nazir has Demonstrated expertise in guiding and facilitating the achievement of key functions, navigating and cultivating partnerships for seamless execution in alignment with collaboration commitments. Nazir has carried the Aspen’s entities in the Sub Saharan Africa region for over a decade as the co-chair of Business Units in the region. He is the successful Chief Executive Officer for the Aspen SSA ( CEO – Aspen SSA).

Bernhardt Nicklaus
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
CA(SA), MBA
December 2023
Chief Financial Officer – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Bernhardt is a seasoned Executive with proven success in overseeing finance strategy, operations, performance and all ICT operations. Since his joining Aspen’s Sub Saharan Business Units, Bernhardt has played a pivotal role in shaping effective governance strategies and fostering transparency and accountability that has seen successful changes to the operations of Aspen’s Sub Saharan Africa entities (Aspen SSA). He is a key member to the Board of Directors.

Nazir
AllyBernhardt
NicklausGurcharan Singh
MatharuChirag
PatelImraan
ParukMuhul
Jotaniya
Nazir Ally
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
CA(SA)
December 2023
Chief Executive Officer – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Nazir is a seasoned Executive, reputed for developing global strategies, Operations, commercial and financial improvement plans that has contributed to long-term business growth in the global markets from Aspen South Africa (Aspen SA) where he Operates. He establishes missions, processes, objectives and clear focus on high-quality service delivery and company profit across Aspen’s Business Units in the Sub Saharan Africa regions. Nazir has Demonstrated expertise in guiding and facilitating the achievement of key functions, navigating and cultivating partnerships for seamless execution in alignment with collaboration commitments. Nazir has carried the Aspen’s entities in the Sub Saharan Africa region for over a decade as the co-chair of Business Units in the region. He is the successful Chief Executive Officer for the Aspen SSA ( CEO – Aspen SSA).

Bernhardt Nicklaus
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
CA(SA), MBA
December 2023
Chief Financial Officer – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Bernhardt is a seasoned Executive with proven success in overseeing finance strategy, operations, performance and all ICT operations. Since his joining Aspen’s Sub Saharan Business Units, Bernhardt has played a pivotal role in shaping effective governance strategies and fostering transparency and accountability that has seen successful changes to the operations of Aspen’s Sub Saharan Africa entities (Aspen SSA). He is a key member to the Board of Directors.

Gurcharan Singh Matharu
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Master-Pharmacy (M.Pharm Hons) UK
February 2024
Enablement Services – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Gurcharan holds Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm Hons) from the University of Nottingham – UK. Gurcharan is a registered member of: General Pharmaceutical Council – United Kingdom, Royal Pharmaceutical Council – UK, Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) – Kenya & Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya PSK. Having 23yrs of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Gurcharan joined the Aspen’s Business Unit – Beta Healthcare International Ltd in 2011. Gurcharan has worked in various senior ranks since his joining. He currently serves as the Regional Head – Enablement Services across Aspen’s subsidiaries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Aspen SSA) – with a strategic focus on Human Capital and Operational Management, Project Management, Government Relations and Legal/Statutory Compliance across the region. He leverages a strategic approach to optimize Enablement efficiency and execute Strategic Initiatives, ensuring excellence across the Aspen’s Business units in the SSA region.

Chirag Patel
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharma)
July 2019
Regional Head Technical – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Chirag holds a Degree in Pharmacy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Science, India. He has over 17 years experience in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Quality Assurance and Drug Regulatory Affairs. Chirag joined Aspen’s Business Unit – Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited in Sep 2007 and later transitioned to Beta Healthcare International Ltd in 2019. Since his Joing Beta Healthcare International Ltd – an Aspen’s subsidiary, Chirag has risen over the ranks and now heads the Technical Department across the Aspen’s entities in the SSA region.

Imraan Paruk
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Masters Digree (OSCM), BSC – UK
May 2024
Group Head (Aspen -SA), Head Supply Chain (Aspen SSA)
Further Information
Imraan is a seasoned executive with expertise in optimizing logistics, procurement, and operations within diverse industries to mention Aspen South Africa (Aspen SA) where he serves as the Group Head – Supply Chain. Known for his strategic approach to supply chain management, Imraan recently Joined the Aspen Sub Saharan Africa (Aspen SSA) and has successfully led initiatives that streamlines operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. With a deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes, he has excelled at managing inventory, vendor relationships, and cross-functional teams to meet and exceed organizational goals for Aspen’s Buness Units in SSA region.

Muhul Jotaniya
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Expatriat – SSA Sales & Marketing
June 2024
Head Sales & Marketing – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Muhul is a dynamic and results-oriented Sales and Marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in driving business growth, building customer relationships, and delivering impactful marketing strategies across diverse industries. Muhul joined Aspen’s Subsidiary – Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited in 2007. Muhul has had exceptional leadership optimizing sale with Beta Healthcare International Ltd some years and later transitioned to Shelys Pharmaceuticals where he is currently based. Known for a strong ability to blend creativity with data-driven decision-making, Muhul has a proven track record of enhancing brand visibility, increasing sales, and optimizing customer engagement within Sub Saharan Africa Region (SSA).

Nissa
MwaipyanaPraveen
KumarRajendra
ShoneiMuhul
Jotaniya
Nissa Mwaipyana
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Msc.HRM – MU, BBA – UDSM
February 2010
Senior Manager – Human Resource
Further Information
Nissa is a Master of Science (Msc.) in Huma Resource Management (HRM) holder, from the Mzumbe University (MU), and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Dar es salaam (UDSM). Nissa has a vast experience of over 20 years in Human Resources Operations. He joined Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited as Manager – Human Resource in 2005. Having Demonstrated an exceptional leadership as a member of the HR team in contributing to strategic ideas and partnership with all levels of management to integrate HR with overall Business Objectives in achieving individual and Company goals, Nissa rose to the rank of Senior Manager – Human Resource in 2010 – the position he currently holds as the Head of all HR Operations at Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited – An Aspen’s Business Unit in Tanzania.

Chirag Patel
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Bachelor of Pharmacy(B.Pharma)
July 2019
Regional Head Technical – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Praveen is an accomplished Finance expatriat…..

Rajendra Shenoy
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm)
March 2024
General Manager – Technical
Further Information
Rajendra holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm). Rajendra has a vast expirience of over 27 years in the Pharmaceutical Industry. He joined Aspen’s Busines Unit – Shelys Pharmacuticals Limited in the 2023’s closure of the financial year. Rajendra’s custody of operations involves in overseeing Manufacturing Performance, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Compliances and Processes Optimization. He leads the Shelys’ technical team to ensure successful efficiency in productivity and quality.

Muhul Jotaniya
Qualifications:
Appointed:
Classification:
Expatriat – SSA Sales & Marketing
June 2024
Head Sales & Marketing – Aspen SSA
Further Information
Muhul is a dynamic and results-oriented Sales and Marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in driving business growth, building customer relationships, and delivering impactful marketing strategies across diverse industries. Muhul joined Aspen’s Subsidiary – Shelys Pharmaceuticals Limited in 2007. Muhul has had exceptional leadership optimizing sale with Beta Healthcare International Ltd some years and later transitioned to Shelys Pharmaceuticals where he is currently based. Known for a strong ability to blend creativity with data-driven decision-making, Muhul has a proven track record of enhancing brand visibility, increasing sales, and optimizing customer engagement within Sub Saharan Africa Region (SSA).

insights to our values
Shelys is driven by a core set of values that guide our operations that have impact on the healthcare industry. At the heart of these values is COMMITMENT, with the company dedicated to improving lives through high quality pharmaceutical products, ensuring the well-being of its customers, employees and patients. This commitment is complemented by a relentless pursuit of EXCELLENCE in every facet of the business—from product development to customer service—ensuring the delivery of optimum services
3. INNOVATION
Shelys' culture prides itself in innovation as its cornerstone, with the company continuously investing in research and development to create a pipeline of products. The company encourages a forward-thinking mindset, empowering its employees to push boundaries and think creatively
4. INTEGRITY
In all our endeavors, Shelys upholds the highest standards of INTEGRITY, ensuring transparent, ethical practices in every business decision. This commitment to integrity builds trust with customers, partners and stakeholders alike
5. TEAMWORK
Teamwork is central to Shelys' success. The company fosters a collaborative environment where employees across departments work together, leveraging their diverse skills and expertise to achieve common goals
By embracing these values of Commitment, Excellence, Innovation, Integrity, and teamwork, Shelys ensures its continued leadership in the healthcare industry within the region