Marwa Ramadan, Contributing Editor of Packaging MEA interviews Hasit Patel on Ramco Group’s evolution, leadership vision, and its expanding footprint in printing and packaging.
Ramco Group is among East Africa’s most diversified conglomerates, operating across building materials, printing and packaging, manufacturing, and office distribution. Headquartered in Nairobi, the Group continues to strengthen its regional footprint through innovation, efficiency, and disciplined culture of growth.
In this exclusive conversation, Marwa Ramadan, Contributing Editor of Packaging MEA, interviews Hasit Patel, Chief Operations Officer of Ramco Group and Managing Director of Platinum Packaging Ltd., to share perspectives on leadership, transformation, and organizational excellence.
Marwa Ramadan:
Mr. Patel, how would you describe yourself as a leader?
Hasit Patel:
I see leadership as the ability to design systems, nurture culture, and empower people. I combine analytical thinking with empathy because organizations succeed when structure and humanity coexist. My goal is to create clarity, accountability, and purpose in every process, allowing teams to perform confidently and independently.
Marwa Ramadan:
What guiding philosophy shapes your leadership approach?
Hasit Patel:
I believe culture determines success. A strong culture sustains any strategy. My philosophy rests on empowerment, empathy, and excellence. People seek meaning in their work; when they understand purpose, they deliver beyond expectations. Leadership is not control — it is enabling others to reach their potential while upholding shared values.
Marwa Ramadan:
How did your journey with Ramco begin, and what transformation have you overseen?
Hasit Patel:
When I joined Ramco, I inherited a proud legacy and a clear responsibility to advance it. My focus was aligning systems, digital tools, and culture so that growth became sustainable. We introduced structured communication, data-driven decision-making, and leadership initiatives such as Momentum, Titans, and Sprint Pamoja to embed collaboration and innovation throughout the organization.
Marwa Ramadan:
Which accomplishments stand out for you personally?
Hasit Patel:
The cultural shift from compliance to ownership. Seeing employees at every level speak with ideas and take initiative demonstrates genuine transformation. Programs like Sprint Pamoja fostered inclusivity and collective innovation.
Marwa Ramadan:
What challenges did you face while implementing change?
Hasit Patel:
Change often meets resistance. We addressed it through transparency and trust-building rather than directives. Balancing heritage with progress required sensitivity — preserving the Group’s founding principles while adopting modern accountability frameworks.
Marwa Ramadan:
Printing and packaging are core businesses for Ramco. Could you elaborate on their importance?
Hasit Patel:
Printing and packaging are strategic pillars of the Group. We provide complete solutions from creative design to finished product, integrating technology, efficiency, and quality assurance. These divisions reinforce our reputation for reliability and innovation while supporting both regional and multinational clients.
Marwa Ramadan:
Looking ahead, what priorities define your vision for Ramco?
Hasit Patel:
Our next phase is about purposeful transformation — deepening digital integration, advancing leadership capability, and fostering continuous learning. We aim to evolve from operational excellence to organizational inspiration, preparing future leaders to carry the Ramco legacy forward with renewed vision.
