Early Life
Leena Gandhi Tewari was born on March 9, 1957, in Mumbai, India, into a prominent business family. Her grandfather, Vithal Balkrishna Gandhi, founded USV Private Limited in 1961, which instilled in her an early interest in business and entrepreneurship. She pursued her education at the University of Mumbai, earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree, and later obtained a Master of Business Administration from Boston University.
Rise to Success
After completing her education, Leena Tewari joined USV Private Limited. Through her leadership, she has guided the company to new heights. Initially, USV was an importer of medicines, but under Tewari's strategic vision, it ventured into manufacturing. A key development in USV's growth was the acquisition of the German generics company Juta Pharma in 2018, reflecting Tewari's ambitions for the company's international expansion. USV specializes in diabetic and cardiovascular drugs as well as biosimilar drugs, injectables, and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The company operates in 75 countries globally. USV’s annual revenue was ₹5,200Cr as of March 31, 2025.
Key Business Strategies
Under Leena Tewari's leadership, USV has focused on innovation and strategic partnerships to drive growth. The company invests a percentage of its revenue in R&D and has received patents. USV has also been expanding its product portfolio, including biosimilars and injectables, to cater to growing market demands. Furthermore, the company has been expanding internationally. Key brands include Glycomet, Ecosprin, and Roseday.
Philanthropy
Leena Tewari is actively involved in philanthropic work, with a focus on healthcare and education for underprivileged communities. In 2019, she ranked third among women philanthropists on the Hurun India Philanthropy List, donating ₹34 crore to social causes. Her initiatives include supporting the Dr. Sushila Gandhi Centre for Underprivileged Women.