Nik Kotecha
Nik Kotecha OBE DL is a British pharmaceutical entrepreneur and philanthropist. He founded Morningside Pharmaceuticals and led the company until its acquisition by Aspire Pharma in 2022.[1][2]
He has served as Pro-Chancellor of De Montfort University[3] and Pro-Chancellor (Enterprise) of the University of Leicester.[4]
Early life and education
[edit]Nikesh Rasiklal Kotecha was born in Uganda and came to the United Kingdom with his family in the early 1970s following the expulsion of Asians under the regime of Idi Amin.[1]
He studied chemistry and completed a PhD at Imperial College London before undertaking research at the University of Cambridge. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science by the University of Leicester.[5]
Career
[edit]In 1991, Kotecha founded Morningside Pharmaceuticals, operating from the Midlands[6]. The company exported medicines internationally to over 120 countries and later developed manufacturing capabilities for generic medicines.[1] Morningside Pharmaceuticals received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade in 2012.[7]
Public and philanthropic work
[edit]Kotecha established the Randal Charitable Foundation, supporting projects which save and significantly improve lives in the UK and internationally.[8]
In 2022, Kotecha was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire.[9]
Honours
[edit]Kotecha was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2017 Birthday Honours.[10]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 Eye, Eastern. "Dr Nik Kotecha – Founder, Morningside Pharmaceuticals | EasternEye". www.easterneye.biz. Retrieved 2026-08-26.
- ↑ Pegden, Tom (3 October 2022). "Morningside Pharmaceuticals sold to Aspire Pharma". Birmingham Post.
- ↑ "Honorary Professorship for Leicestershire Philanthropist & Business Leader". Love Business East Midlands. 23 November 2022.
- ↑ "Summaya Mughal - Leicester entrepreneur becomes honorary professor - BBC Sounds". BBC. Retrieved 2026-10-05.
- ↑ Pegden, Tom (21 July 2023). "Honorary doctorate for great philanthropist and businessman". Leicester Mercury. Retrieved 5 October 2026.
- ↑ "University of Leicester honours refugee-turned-entrepreneur". Business Desk. 21 July 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2026.
- ↑ "Full list of 2012 Queen's Award winners". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2026-10-05.
- ↑ Pegden, Tom (1 June 2023). "Charity set up by pharma entrepreneur Dr Nik Kotecha OBE helping highlight issue of ex-prisoners finding work". Leicester Mercury.
- ↑ "Deputy Lieutenant Commissions". 21 February 2022.
- ↑ "Birthday Honours 2017". The Gazette. Retrieved 22 May 2026.