Management Team

Current Leadership Team

Matt Hickson – Managing Director

Matt recently joined Zeta Analytical as Managing Director, bringing over 25 years of laboratory experience across a range of sectors including forensic science and environmental services.

Matt spent 15 years in forensic science in the UK and Australia, developing technical expertise and leadership experience, before transitioning into senior leadership roles, both operational and commercial, within the environmental sector. He has a track record of developing high performing teams, driving business performance, and creating and maintaining deep customer partnerships across highly regulated scientific industries.

Most recently, Matt was Commercial Director at Eurofins Chemtest, where he played a key role in developing new business opportunities, while ensuring a strong focus on client engagement.

Matt now leads Zeta Analytical into its next phase of development, focused on building on the company’s strong foundations, supporting the team, and continuing to grow Zeta’s reputation for quality and technical excellence within pharmaceutical testing.

Baskaran Nagendran: Founder and Head of Analytical

Baskaran graduated in 1996 with a degree in Analytical chemistry. He has been in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years and has amassed a wealth of knowledge. He has also acquired fellowship into the royal society of chemistry. In 2004 he co-founded Zeta and for the majority his time was the Head of Analytical, before becoming MD.

In his spare time Baskaran enjoys educating QP students, meditation and developing software (the in-house QMS system was designed by him) 

Guruparasharma Shadadsharasarma – Founder & Laboratory Director

Guru began his career as a physical analyst at Wallis Laboratory before gaining further experience as an analyst at GSK. With over 25 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Guru is one of the founding members of Zeta Analytical.

In the early days of the company, he worked hands-on as an analyst before progressing to oversee the day-to-day operations of the laboratory. He is also responsible for procurement of laboratory supplies and plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operational running of the business.

Outside of work, Guru enjoys cycling, walking and listening to music.

Ramesh Khot – Operations Director

Ramesh joined Zeta with over 16 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry, bringing strong expertise across Quality Control, Quality Assurance and Corporate Quality Assurance.

As Operations Director, Ramesh plays a central role in maintaining Zeta’s high standards of quality and regulatory compliance. His strengths include internal and vendor audits, investigations, and operational oversight, all of which support the integrity and robustness of Zeta’s services.

Outside of work, Ramesh enjoys reading, gardening and swimming.

Priya Gohil – Director of Administration

Priya began her journey with Zeta in 2006 as a summer analyst within the physical testing team. She re-joined the business full-time in 2013 after completing university, moving into the Accounts and HR function.

With a growing passion for people development, Priya completed her CIPD qualification in 2022 and became an Associate Member in 2023. She also completed the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management to support her broader leadership responsibilities.

Today, Priya oversees HR and financial operations across the business, supporting both the team and the wider strategic direction of Zeta. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young daughter.

Nikul Patel – Head of Quality & Compliance

Nikul joined Zeta in 2013 after graduating and has developed extensive experience across quality control testing, quality assurance, leadership and management within a GMP environment.

Having grown alongside the business, Nikul now leads Quality and Compliance, making a significant contribution to maintaining standards, supporting audits, and ensuring the continued credibility of Zeta’s outputs.

Outside of work, Nikul enjoys astronomy documentaries and is an avid gamer.

Ravi Kumar Pachva – Assistant Quality Control Manager

Ravi began his career in India within an API manufacturing environment, testing raw materials using a range of analytical techniques. He later joined Archimedis Healthcare Pvt Ltd, where he progressed from Deputy Manager to Manager, leading method validations, routine analysis and overseeing the QC laboratory.

Ravi joined Zeta Analytical in November 2021 as an Analytical Chemist. Through his technical expertise and strong commitment to quality, he has since progressed to Team Leader and then Assistant Quality Control Manager.