In every great story of progress, there is a quiet foundation laid long before the world takes notice. It’s a foundation forged through personal experiences, life lessons, and a deep understanding of human potential. The journey to impactful leadership isn’t always paved with immediate success or public acclaim. Rather, it’s shaped by the small, seemingly insignificant moments where curiosity and determination intersect.
Leaders often arise from the most unexpected places—whether from a quiet moment of reflection or an unforeseen challenge. And when these moments converge, they shape the trajectory of those who dare to step into the unknown.
Where It All Started
Born on 11 May 1972, Sanjeev Hematlal spent his childhood above his father’s bustling textile and haberdashery shop in Antananarivo. Hematlal Veljee was celebrated for two unwavering traits: scrupulous honesty and a handshake that doubled as a contract.
“My father was a gentleman first and a merchant second. If you keep those priorities straight, growth looks after itself,” Sanjeev recalls.
That credo—your name is your credit line—became the steel framework on which Sanjeev and younger brother Roupesh would one day raise a 4 000‑person enterprise now known simply as HV Group. Today he serves as the Chairman of HV Madagascar, guiding the group’s strategy on home soil.
Stretching the Hematlal Legacy
Joining the family trade in the early 1990s, Sanjeev learned fast—and applied faster. Driving a modest Citroën 2CV fourgonnette along the paved arteries of Antananarivo, he built networks of customers, mentors and lifelong friends. By decade’s end he was importing commodities, diversifying product lines, and dreaming beyond traditional trading limits. A vivid marker of that ascent came when six chartered ships berthed side by side in Majunga, each laden with goods he had assembled — proof that believing in oneself and dreaming big can fill an entire harbour.
The pivotal year came in 2001. After their father’s passing, the brothers established HV International Ltd. in Mauritius to anchor finance and forex while launching UCODIS in Madagascar to streamline island‑to‑island distribution. The supply chain tightened; ambitions widened. Together, Sanjeev hits the accelerator, driving expansion, while Roupesh keeps the wheel steady, ensuring progress stays on course.
Today, HV Madagascar’s portfolio reaches far beyond food and household staples. The group manufactures everyday essentials—from biscuits, noodles and yoghurt to detergents, soaps, candles, plastics and cartons—while also developing property projects and running a nationwide home‑appliance retail and distribution network. Sanjeev’s main focus is expanding FMCG manufacturing. He steers FMCG distribution and property development hand‑in‑hand with Roupesh, who in turn leads the appliance retail and distribution arm. Each site embodies the group slogan “Le Bonheur Accessible à Tous” by delivering everyday essentials at accessible prices while employing Malagasy labour and nurturing local suppliers.
The Way He Works
Intuition over analysis paralysis. Staff say that the chairman can “comprendre au quart de tour”—grasp an issue at the quarter‑turn—because he digests a briefing and replies before the coffee cools.
Pen and paper before pixels. Even with cloud systems in place, he prefers to sanity‑check ideas on a single sheet of paper before deciding.
Risk as daily vitamin. Volatility energises him; he refuses to back down when adversity spikes. “Calm seas never made skilful sailors.”
Trust as currency. “The greatest gift I can offer is trust; spend it well,” he tells new managers.
Hiring follows the S.H.A.R.E. compass—Solidarity, Humility, Agility, Respect, Excellence—values first lived by Hematlal Veljee and now woven through every workflow.
With a mind for numbers and a heart for people, Sanjeev balances finance with human connection.
Building a Better Tomorrow: The Work of the HV Foundation
For Sanjeev, philanthropy is not a side project—it is a mission to transform lives, build sustainable communities, and ensure that growth and innovation leave no one behind. Under his guidance, the HV Foundation has implemented a wide range of impactful initiatives across Madagascar. Focused on six pillars — education, health, poverty alleviation, environment, donations, and partnerships — the foundation operates with intention, accountability, and a deep connection to the communities it serves. Among its notable charitable acts are critical donations in the south to support victims of la kéré (drought-induced famine), the consistent sponsorship of the Sathya Sai School to provide quality education to underserved children, and the organization of medical camps offering essential healthcare services to remote populations.
Education remains one of the foundation’s strongest commitments. By investing in the construction and rehabilitation of schools in areas like Ivandry, Ambohitsiroa, Ambohidratrimo, and Ankadinandriana, the foundation ensures that learning environments are safe, well-equipped, and accessible. These projects include not only classrooms but also sanitation blocks, libraries, water systems, and support materials like school kits, desks, and meals. The foundation has also supported orientation programs in public high schools, where members of Sanjeev’s team speak directly with students about career paths, helping bridge the gap between education and opportunity.
Healthcare initiatives are approached with the same level of dedication. The foundation contributed to the building of a health center (CSB) in Talata Volonondry and supported medical access for underserved populations.
HV Foundation was involved on April in a big medical camp .
During this mission, a team of general practitioners, pediatricians, gastroenterologists, cardiologists, gynecologists, physiotherapists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, dentists, and nurses will provide free consultations and appropriate medications and treatments. A total of 75 local and international doctors and nurses. This solidarity initiative is made possible through the collaboration between the international organization SSSIO (Sri Sathya Sai International Organization) and the HV Foundation.
It reached more than 6,000 beneficiaries .
In addressing poverty, the foundation prioritizes dignity and relevance. From food aid for families facing malnutrition to tailored support for orphanages and underserved communities, each action is focused on creating practical improvements. Donations have included several tons of rice and beans, clothing, hygiene products, and festive gifts to ensure that vulnerable populations are not excluded from moments of national celebration and care.
Environmental action is another focus area, with the foundation organizing large-scale reforestation campaigns involving tens of thousands of trees. These efforts, done in collaboration with local groups, show a clear recognition of the responsibility to protect the natural resources communities depend on.
In its donations and sponsorship programs, the foundation supports a wide spectrum of causes—from education and health to cultural engagement. Activities have included distributing biscuits and drinks during public events, supporting university graduation ceremonies, and contributing to charities for elderly and disabled individuals. Each initiative is carried out with a clear intention: to make meaningful contributions where they matter most, without grandstanding or excess.
Sanjeev’s leadership style is grounded and action-oriented. He leads by example, showing up at community events, supporting his team’s involvement in grassroots initiatives, and encouraging internal programs like HV Keep Fit, where employee activity translates into donations for educational causes. His hands-on approach sends a strong message that giving is not just a policy — it is a shared responsibility.
The foundation’s work is further strengthened through collaboration with dedicated partners. These partnerships are not merely transactional — they are rooted in shared goals, joint problem-solving, and a deep respect for local knowledge. Whether it’s building schools, equipping orphanages, or sponsoring community events, each initiative is designed to ensure long-term impact and lasting relevance.
Through the HV Foundation, Sanjeev has created a model of social investment that is focused, consistent, and deeply human. The projects don’t just fill gaps—they build pathways. And in every initiative, whether it’s a classroom bench or a water tank, you can see the belief that everyone deserves a fair shot at a better life, supported, empowered, and never left behind.
Figures are rarely publicised; impact is measured in better classrooms, healthier families and greener hillsides.
Fostering Community and Upholding Tradition
Beyond philanthropy, Sanjeev serves his second term as President of the Hindu Samaj. In 2022 he inaugurated Madagascar’s largest Hindu temple, which he co‑financed alongside fellow community leaders. The complex hosts a recreation hall, game room and community kitchen, doubling as venue for language classes, cultural events.
Industrial Footprint in Madagascar
As part of its commitment to national development, HV Group has established a network of industrial units that contribute significantly to Madagascar’s economy and local job creation. Each facility is tailored to meet specific market needs while aligning with the Group’s values of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
- UNIBISC (Established 2006 – Talatamaty, Antananarivo)
- A fully automated food production plant covering 10,000 m².
- Specializes in manufacturing biscuits, wafers, cakes, noodles, and pasta.
- Employs over 900 individuals.
- Serves as the cornerstone of the Group’s food manufacturing operations.
- UNIFOODS (Established 2013 – Expanded in 2023)
- Produces a wide array of consumables including juices, snacks, yogurt, infant flour, iced tea, and coffee.
- Recently expanded to include sweetened condensed milk and UHT milk.
- Employs approximately 440 people.
- Known for its innovation in nutritious and family-friendly beverages and food items.
- UNIPLAST (Over 11 Years of Experience)
- Manufactures plastic packaging, woven sacks, and thermoformed materials.
- Supports the packaging needs of HV Group’s manufacturing and distribution arms.
- Staffed by around 350 employees.
- Enhances local supply chain resilience through quality packaging solutions.
- UNIPRO (Launched in 2019)
- Initially started with detergent sachets, now expanded to:
- Soap
- Shampoo
- Dishwashing liquid
- Hand sanitizers
- Coconut oil
- Cardboard boxes
- Employs more than 230 staff members.
- Represents the Group’s drive to provide essential household and personal care products.
- Initially started with detergent sachets, now expanded to:
- STORM (Established 2020 – Moramanga)
- Specialized production unit for mosquito coils.
- Aims to address local health concerns by providing affordable protection against mosquitoes.
- Employs around 50 people.
- UMADIS (Established 2021 – Antananarivo)
- Small-scale operation producing candles and wax polish.
- Complements the Group’s range of everyday household items.
- Reinforces HV Group’s mission to make quality products accessible while supporting local employment.
Together, these industrial initiatives reflect HV Group’s strategy of localized manufacturing, job creation, and sustainable business development. Under the leadership of Sanjeev, the Group continues to play a key role in empowering Madagascar’s economy and enhancing daily life for its communities.
Vision: Madagascar’s Growth Engine
Sanjeev believes Madagascar’s greatest commodity is its people—and that business must drive their prosperity. His roadmap centres on:
- Local capacity & integration: build capacity locally, driving vertical integration and import‑substitution through an expanding portfolio of manufacturing projects.
- Skill elevation: grow expertise through hands‑on experience and structured knowledge‑transfer from international partners.
- Ecosystem building: partnering with local entrepreneurs to drive growth across Madagascar.
“If we live our slogan, everyone moves forward. Growth isn’t real until the community feels it.”
From those early days above his father’s shop to today’s stewardship of thousands of livelihoods, the principle remains unchanged: serve honestly, dream big, trust boldly—and make happiness accessible to all.
