Meet our people

Mary-Ann Griffiths cofounded the group with her husband Owen in 1984. She holds a Bachelor of science degree from the University of New South Wales [Australia] majoring in microbiology and biotechnology. She began her career as a scientific researcher at Australia’s national science agency and innovation catalyst – the Commonweath Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. From there, Mary-Ann decided to return to her birthplace, Mauritius, to found Bioculture Group. She is a hands-on managing director and has ultimate responsibility for all operational aspects of the group and its strategy. Mary-Ann is also extremely passionate about social engagement and empowerment projects and leads the company’s human-focused corporate social responsibility projects.

Owen Griffiths cofounded the group with his wife Mary-Ann in 1984. He holds a Bachelor of science majoring in zoology from the University of New South Wales [Australia]. Owen began his career working as a scientist at the Australian Museum before moving to Mauritius to found Bioculture. He holds the ultimate responsibility for the Group’s strategy and real estate transactions. Owen is extremely passionate about science and conservation and leads Bioculture Group’s conservation activities through the Ebony Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar charities.

Mehul Bhatt was the Chief Strategy and Sustainable Development Executive for Rogers Group in Mauritius, one of Bioculture Group’s shareholders. Mehul holds an MBA from London Business School and a BSc in Nautical Sciences from BITS Pilani [India]. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute. He has extensive experience working with international groups such as A.P. Moller-Maersk and Chevron. He has worked in various strategic, finance, general management, performance management, operations, and commercial positions across the US, Denmark, East Africa, the U.K and India.

Naveen Sangeelee will assume office as from February 2024. Naveen has been the CFO of Velogic in Mauritius since 2011 and previously pursued an international career as senior manager with Warner Bros and UPS in the United Kingdom. He holds an MBA in Finance and is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Fresh out of his Bachelors Laws and International Relations from the University of New South Wales [Australia], Jacob founded a conservation focused NGO in Colombia to protect one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems from illegal fishing. After his graduation, Jacob was informally involved with Bioculture Group, advising the board on legal and business strategy. In 2019, he joined the company in his actual capacity.

Dr Kisnasamy [Sam] Naraina Poulle oversees Bioculture Group’s local and international veterinary operations. He first joined the group in 1995, two years after becoming a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine. Dr Sam left the position of Associate Veterinarian at the California National Primate Research Center to return to the group to lead and develop our veterinary department. He is a respected figure both locally amongst animal rescuers and internationally, by his primate veterinarian peers. Dr Sam is a regular speaker at international primate conferences and meetings focusing strongly on animal welfare.

Mel Ferre joined Bioculture Group in 1996 after studying accounting. Mel supervises client services and ensures that the needs of our clients are met by overseeing export and planning processes.

Eric Baboo oversees the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Programme. He holds a certificate in primatology and joined Bioculture Group in 2001. Eric has since worked his way through several departments, enhancing his knowledge and proficiency mostly in the area of Human-Animal Interaction Refinement which is fundamental to ensure both the physical and psychological wellbeing of our animals.

Jeremy Griffiths’ team harnesses technology to continuously improve the breeding program of the group. While focusing on the efficiency of breeding, he ensures that the highest standards of animal welfare are met during all the interactions that our staff have with our animals. After his Commerce degree at Curtin University in Sydney [Australia], Jeremy worked different positions in banking and asset financing for Westpac & Macquarie Bank. Eager to return to his home island after his teenage years in Australia, Jeremy moved back to Mauritius to join the family business in 2020.

Nada Padayatchy has been with the organisation for 25 years, he joined Bioculture Group after obtaining a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Environmental Sciences. He is in charge of trapping operations and oversees the operational processes at our facilities, including waste management. Nada also currently heads our Public Relations department and passionately shares our mission and vision with local and international media as well as with local stakeholders.

Jaymahaluxmi Rao “Soudha” Geddedu-Hurdial meticulously supervises all quantitative and qualitative analysis for diagnostic and routine analysis. She ensures that the most stringent local and international standards are met at all times. Jaymahaluxmi joined Bioculture Group in 1998 and holds a BSc in Biology and an MSc in Molecular and Cell Biology.

Sandhya Teeluckdherry joined the company in 2007 and holds a Certificate in Law and Human Resources Professional as well as a Diploma in Business Management.

Izadeen Boodhoo joined Bioculture Group in 2012 as Quality Assurance Officer and moved to the operations of the company in 2019. Since 2021, he is in charge of the management, coordination and refinement of the operations at the 9 sites in Mauritius. Izadeen contributes to our public relations endeavours while also leading our various crisis teams. He hold a BSc in Biology with specialisation in Cell and Molecular Biology as well as an MBA.

Sandiren Naiken leads a team of data scientists and operators tasked to manage data and conduct analysis. Sandiren comes from a research background; he holds a Bachelor of Sciences and Masters in Research. He joined the group in 2006.

Anoop Shewraj is an adept IT manager who specialises in software development, bringing decades of experience in IT management to Bioculture Group. Holding a MSc in Information Technology and an MBA, he has honed his skills in managing end-to-end software development from conceptualisation and design to implementation and maintenance. His expertise spans from IT Infrastructure, System Integration and Security to Network Administration.

Khaleel Bheekhun joined Bioculture group in 2001. He manages the team tasked with maintaining the integrity of our Quality Management System. After his certificate in General Nursing, Khaleel branched out to specialise in Quality Assurance during his career at Bioculture group. From 2004 to 2022, he has been continuously refreshing and updating his Quality Assurance expertise through trainings in internal auditing, nursing, veterinary-related incident investigation, occupational health and safety as well as Quality Assurance ISO standards.

Sittee Uppadoo holds a BEng in Civil Engineering, he is responsible for the design and construction of all buildings and civil works at our various sites. Sittee seeks to continuously improve the design of our animal housing units and the devices that we use. He oversees all the major renovations, repairs and maintenance of our housing units.

Avin Pothunnah spearheads all aspects of supply chain including assessment, procurement, and inventory management, among others. He holds a BSc in Management and has been part of the organisation since 2005.

With a background as a Nursing Officer in the public sector, Rajen Armoogum joined the group in 1991 and held the post of Veterinary Technician till 2009. He was subsequently appointed as head of our OHS Team. Rajen holds a Bachelor Degree in Occupational Health and Safety Management (IOSH affiliate member). His utmost priority is to inculcate and imprint the BCM safety culture through meaningful safety practices, procedures, continuous training and welfare of all the employees.

Kersley Pel joined Bioculture Group in 1996. He ensures that all pieces of equipment, machinery and utilities operate at optimum level while minimising any operational disruption. On a daily basis, Kersley sees to it that the safety of the workforce and animals are at no time jeopardised. He holds a City and Guilds Certificate in Electrical Installation.

Moshe is a veterinarian specialised in macaque medicine, breeding, husbandry and welfare. He has worked extensively to promote best animal welfare conditions thus contributing to good and ethical science that fosters better and more reliable research studies. Moshe previously served as president of the European Primate Veterinarian Organisation for 3 years.

Dr Lynette Gierbolini has been practicing as clinical veterinarian since 1996. As the Attending Veterinarian of BC US LLC, she manages and enforces all of the company’s Standard Operating Procedures and oversees the veterinary care team. Dr Lynette also monitors all animal activities for compliance with applicable rules, regulations, and policies set forth by BC US LLC, IACUC, AWA, and AAALAC. She joined the company in 2022 and has 18 years of experience working with non human primates. Dr Lynette Gierbolini is licensed to practice in FL, SC and is USDA accredited.

Dr Elda Mendoza joined BC US LLC in June 2023 as Colony Manager. She directly monitors census, births, and housing needs in the company’s facilities. Additionally, Dr Elda participates with behavioural management to monitor social interactions of groups and assess the implementation of enrichment or training programs. Since receiving her M.V.Z degree from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico [U.S. equivalent to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine], she has worked in the veterinary field for thirty eight years, nearly half of which with research primates.

Tina Koban has extensive training and expertise in non human primate behaviour, socialisation, enrichment, breeding and training. She joined BC US LLC in September 2022 and is responsible for the oversight of the planning, implementation, and management of the Animal Welfare and Behaviour Program for the population of cynomolgus macaques at our Florida facility. Tina works on improving animal welfare processes and also trains animal care staff on non human primate natural history and well-being.