Hemas Holdings leadership changes signal a strategic shift as veteran CEO Husein Esufally retires, making way for Ajith Fernando as Chairman and Murtaza Esufally as Deputy Chairman, ensuring continuity and strong governance.
Hemas Holdings leadership changes ensure smooth transition and board continuity
Hemas Holdings PLC has announced significant leadership changes at the Board level, reflecting the Group’s commitment to strong governance, strategic continuity, and long-term shareholder value. The transition comes as longstanding Group CEO and Chairman Husein Esufally prepares to retire at the end of December 2025, marking the conclusion of a remarkable four-decade tenure with the company.
Under Esufally’s leadership, Hemas evolved into one of Sri Lanka’s most respected conglomerates, spanning healthcare, consumer goods, and other key sectors. His stewardship helped establish a purpose-driven corporate culture and a governance framework that has consistently delivered value to stakeholders. The Board and the wider Hemas Group formally expressed their gratitude for his visionary leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering dedication, noting the pivotal role he played in shaping the Group’s long-term success.
Alongside Esufally, Deputy Chairman Dr. Anura Ekanayake will also retire on 31 December 2025. Dr. Ekanayake contributed significantly to Board deliberations, enhancing governance practices and providing strategic advice during periods of transformation. His tenure strengthened the Group’s oversight and ensured robust policy guidance across multiple business units.
Effective 1 January 2026, Ajith Fernando will assume the role of Chairman of Hemas Holdings PLC. A seasoned investment banking professional with over 30 years of experience, Fernando is renowned for his strategic insight, disciplined execution, and ability to scale businesses. His leadership is expected to guide Hemas through its next phase of growth, innovation, and market expansion. The Board emphasised that Fernando’s appointment balances the need for renewal with the preservation of the Group’s established values, ensuring both continuity and forward-looking strategic direction.
Supporting this transition, Murtaza Esufally, currently serving as Chairman of the Healthcare cluster, has been appointed Deputy Chairman of Hemas Holdings PLC, effective 1 January 2026. Murtaza brings deep sectoral expertise and extensive internal experience, ensuring seamless integration of leadership responsibilities and reinforcing the Group’s governance standards. His appointment aligns with Hemas’ strategy to maintain institutional knowledge while fostering leadership renewal.
The Board’s announcement underscores the Group’s philosophy of balancing continuity with renewal, safeguarding its heritage while positioning the company for future growth. Hemas Holdings’ approach to leadership succession exemplifies its commitment to strong corporate governance, strategic clarity, and the delivery of consistent shareholder value.
Hemas’ governance framework, strengthened by these appointments, ensures that strategic decisions will continue to be guided by a combination of experience, industry insight, and forward-looking planning. With Fernando and Murtaza at the helm, the company aims to reinforce its market position, pursue innovative growth opportunities, and maintain its legacy of operational excellence.
The leadership changes are part of Hemas’ broader commitment to transparency, continuity, and performance. By proactively managing succession at the top, the Group ensures minimal disruption to its operations and strategic initiatives. Stakeholders can anticipate a smooth transition that maintains the Group’s trajectory in terms of growth, corporate responsibility, and financial performance.
Hemas Holdings’ leadership evolution demonstrates how well-managed succession planning can strengthen corporate governance and preserve institutional knowledge while introducing fresh perspectives. The appointments of Ajith Fernando as Chairman and Murtaza Esufally as Deputy Chairman signal a deliberate strategy to marry heritage with innovation, ensuring that the Group remains resilient and competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
With these changes, Hemas Holdings reinforces its commitment to ethical leadership, strategic foresight, and stakeholder engagement, setting a benchmark for corporate governance and Board effectiveness in Sri Lanka. The transition marks not only the end of an era but also the beginning of a new phase of leadership focused on sustainable growth and long-term value creation.