Hesam Salami

MBA 2024, Iran

Hesam Salami

Hesam describes himself as a dynamic and visionary leader with 19 years’ experience in transforming engineering challenges into successful outcomes, primarily within the pharmaceutical industry. He is recognised for his ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams in delivering complex projects, including state-of-the-art greenfield facilities for anti-cancer production and innovative cleanroom solutions.

His leadership style emphasises strategic thinking, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering teams to excel. With a passion for innovation and excellence, Hesam focuses on creating impactful solutions, optimising resources, and driving projects to success while fostering a culture of growth and achievement.

Top achievements

  1. Successful delivery of greenfield projects: spearheaded the execution of multiple greenfield projects, including the setup of advanced facilities for anti-cancer injectable and solid dosage forms, as well as the construction of 10,000 square meters of cleanrooms for pharmaceutical production.
  2. Leadership and team development: managed and mentored a team of 50 engineers, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring the successful execution of large-scale projects while promoting professional growth and development within the team.
  3. Innovative engineering solutions: designed and manufactured high-precision pharmaceutical equipment, including an eye-drop filling and labelling machine with a speed of 120 units per minute and a central temperature control system for multiple production vessels with an accuracy of 0.5°C, showcasing a commitment to innovation and quality.

What attracted you to the MBA programme at Kent Business School and why?

I was attracted to the Kent Business School MBA programme due to the school’s prestigious triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which demonstrates a commitment to excellence. The curriculum’s focus on sustainable innovation and leadership development aligns perfectly with my professional goals. Moreover, the chance to work with a diverse cohort and tackle real-world business challenges creates an ideal environment for enhancing my strategic and managerial skills.

What are your motivations for undertaking an MBA

My motivation for pursuing an MBA stems from a desire to refine my leadership capabilities and strategic thinking to drive impactful results in a global business environment. With almost two decades of experience in managing complex engineering projects, I seek to expand my knowledge of advanced management practices, innovation strategies, and financial acumen. An MBA will provide the tools and network to accelerate my professional growth, enabling me to take on larger organisational challenges, foster cross-industry innovation, and create long-term value for stakeholders.

What are your future aspirations?

After completing the MBA, I aim to advance into executive leadership roles, driving innovation and growth in the pharmaceutical industry. My focus will be on leading large-scale projects, optimising operations, and creating sustainable business impact while mentoring future leaders.

What is your best advice for those wanting to progress in business?

Embrace continuous learning, build strong leadership skills, stay adaptable, and prioritise collaboration, A these are key to driving success and seizing new opportunities in business.

“The mind is everything. What you think, you become.”
– Buddha