Technical Advisory Committee
The QGCert Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is an independent panel of subject matter experts established to provide technical guidance, industry insights, and professional oversight for the development, implementation, validation, and continual improvement of QGCert certification schemes. The Committee comprises experienced professionals from academia, industry, regulatory bodies, and conformity assessment sectors, ensuring that certification requirements remain relevant, impartial, competency-based, and aligned with current industry practices and international standards.
Technical Advisory Committee Member
Universities
Dr. Manu J. Pillai – Chairperson, Scheme Committee
Dr. Manu J. Pillai is an accomplished academician, researcher, and quality assurance professional with over two decades of experience in higher education, research, curriculum development, and competency-based assessment. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Computer Science & Engineering and Head of the Career Guidance and Placement Unit at TKM College of Engineering, Kerala, India.
Holding a Ph.D. from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut, Dr. Pillai has made significant contributions to the fields of cybersecurity, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and information security through numerous internationally recognized publications and industry-sponsored research projects. His extensive involvement in academic governance, accreditation, examination management, and curriculum design provides valuable expertise in the development and maintenance of internationally benchmarked personnel certification schemes.
As Chairperson of the QGCert Scheme Committee, Dr. Pillai provides strategic leadership in ensuring that certification schemes remain industry-relevant, technically robust, competency-based, and aligned with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024 and global best practices. His guidance supports the continual enhancement of professional certification programs, ensuring credibility, impartiality, and value for certification candidates, employers, and industry stakeholders.
Dr. N. Yogananth, M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.-
Subject Matter / Academic Expert
Dr. N. Yogananth is an accomplished academician, researcher, and microbiology expert with over 14 years of experience in higher education, research, and biotechnology. He serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science, Chennai, and has established a distinguished record in the fields of Applied Microbiology, Microbial Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, and Food Safety-related research. Dr. Yogananth holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Bharathidasan University, an M.Phil. in Marine Biology from Annamalai University, and an M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology. His academic contributions include more than 100 research publications, multiple books and book chapters, significant citation impact, and the supervision of doctoral research scholars in microbiology and biotechnology disciplines.
Throughout his career, he has served as Ph.D. thesis evaluator, doctoral viva examiner, Board of Studies member, question paper setter, academic auditor, and editorial board member for several international scientific journals. He is also a life member of professional microbiology and biotechnology associations and has received numerous recognitions, including the Dr. Radhakrishnan Best Teacher Award and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Excellence Award.
As a Subject Matter and Academic Expert on the QGCert Advisory Committee, Dr. Yogananth provides strategic guidance on certification scheme development, competency frameworks, examination content validation, academic integrity, and alignment of certification programs with current scientific, industry, and regulatory requirements. His extensive expertise in microbiology, biotechnology, food safety, and research-based education strengthens QGCert's commitment to developing credible, industry-relevant, and internationally recognized personnel certification schemes.
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Internatioanl Experts
Mr. Nissam Sainudeen-
Food Safety & Management Systems Expert
Mr. Nissam Sainudeen is an internationally experienced Food Safety and Management Systems professional with over 20 years of expertise in certification, auditing, training, and conformity assessment. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Madras, further strengthening his technical and scientific expertise in food safety, microbiology, and public health.
Throughout his professional career, Mr. Sainudeen has successfully conducted and led more than 500 certification, surveillance, recertification, and supplier audits across diverse sectors, including food manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, cosmetics, packaging, logistics, and service industries. His auditing experience encompasses internationally recognized standards such as ISO 22000, HACCP, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 22716 (Cosmetics GMP), GMP, and related management system standards.
He is a Certified Lead Auditor and has held senior technical, certification, and quality management positions with internationally recognized certification and consulting organizations in the Middle East and Asia. His expertise includes food safety management systems, quality assurance, risk management, regulatory compliance, process improvement, competency assessment, and organizational excellence.
As a Member of the QGCert Technical Advisory Committee, Mr. Sainudeen provides strategic technical guidance on certification scheme development, competency requirements, examination frameworks, assessment methodologies, food safety standards, and continual improvement initiatives. His extensive industry experience, technical competence, and international perspective contribute significantly to ensuring that QGCert certification schemes remain relevant, credible, industry-focused, and aligned with global best practices and the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024.
Mr. V.T. Mohamed Abdul Jaleel- Chairperson, Impartiality Committee
Food Safety & Management Systems Expert
V.T. Mohamed Abdul Jaleel is a Food Safety and Quality Management professional with over 20 years of experience in HACCP implementation, regulatory compliance, auditing, training, and food safety systems across the GCC region. He holds a Master’s Degree in HACCP from the University of Salford, United Kingdom, and has served in leadership and advisory and research roles with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), General Manager Middle East Africa Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC), and JohnsonDiversey.
An Internationally certified auditor and trainer, Mr. Jaleel holds credentials from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) and the International Register of Certificated Auditors (IRCA). He has played a key role in advancing food safety initiatives across the UAE, including the implementation of HACCP-based programs, food safety training frameworks, inspection and auditing systems, and the Dubai Person-in-Charge (PIC) certification program.
Mr. Jaleel has represented the industry at leading international food safety forums, including the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) conferences and the Dubai International Food Safety Conference. His expertise in food safety governance, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and workforce development makes him a valued contributor to advisory boards and industry leadership initiatives.
His profound technical knowledge, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable member of the QGCERT Technical Advisory Committee, where he contributes to the development of certification schemes, technical guidance, and best practices that promote global standards of quality, safety, and compliance.
Industry Experts
Mr. Shefeek Shereef -
Technical Advisory Committee Member
Mr. Shefeek Shereef is a highly accomplished QHSE professional with more than 18 years of extensive experience across the GCC region, specializing in Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental Management within the construction, industrial, oil & gas, and facilities management sectors. His expertise spans high-rise buildings, infrastructure projects, industrial operations, facility management services, and large-scale engineering projects.
Currently serving as a QHSE Advisor with WSP Middle East, Mr. Shefeek has successfully led and managed QHSE programs for prestigious organizations and projects across the UAE and the wider MENA region. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional capability in developing and implementing integrated management systems, risk management frameworks, regulatory compliance programs, and safety culture enhancement initiatives.
Mr. Shefeek holds a NEBOSH Level 6 Diploma with Credit, NEBOSH International General Certificate with Distinction, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics. He is also an IRCA Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018, with extensive expertise in ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems and Integrated Management Systems (IMS).
His professional experience includes leadership roles with renowned organizations such as WSP Middle East, MacLean (a DNOW Company), Imdaad LLC (Dubai World), and CSHK Dubai Contracting LLC. He has successfully guided organizations in achieving and maintaining compliance with international standards, enhancing operational excellence, minimizing risks, and fostering sustainable business practices.
As a member of the QGCERT Technical Advisory Committee, Mr. Shefeek Shereef contributes valuable industry insights and technical expertise in occupational health and safety, environmental management, risk assessment, compliance auditing, and integrated management systems. His extensive field experience, combined with his strong technical knowledge and commitment to continual improvement, supports QGCERT in maintaining the highest standards of certification integrity, technical competence, and industry relevance.
Mr. Shefeek’s dedication to excellence, professional integrity, and continuous advancement of QHSE practices makes him a valuable asset to the QGCERT Technical Advisory Committee and the industries it serves.
Dr. Jomy Jose
Technical Advisory Committee Member – Industry & Academic Expert
Dr. Jomy Jose is a distinguished academician, microbiologist, researcher, and industry professional with extensive expertise in medical microbiology, food safety, infection control, and quality management systems. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from LNCT University, Bhopal, a Master's Degree in Medical Microbiology from Chettinad University, and a Master's Degree in Applied Psychology from Annamalai University.
With over a decade of professional experience, Dr. Jomy currently serves as Assiociate Professor and Senior Microbiologist at Mount Zion Medical College Hospital, Kerala. She has also contributed significantly to the food safety and quality sector as a HACCP Consultant and Approved Trainer with Quality Group, United Arab Emirates, where she delivered training and consultancy services in food safety management and HACCP implementation.
Dr. Jomy has authored and co-authored multiple research publications in peer-reviewed international journals, focusing on microbiological diagnostics, infectious diseases, and clinical microbiology. Her research contributions, combined with practical industry experience, provide valuable insights into competency development, professional certification schemes, food safety, healthcare quality, and microbiological risk management.
As a Technical Advisory Committee Member of QGCert, Dr. Jomy Jose contributes her academic excellence, research expertise, and industry knowledge to the development, review, and continual improvement of certification schemes, competency standards, examination frameworks, and professional qualification programs. Her involvement strengthens QGCert's commitment to scientific rigor, industry relevance, and international best practices in personnel certification and professional development.
Dr. Kishore Waman Machale
Technical Advisory Committee Member- Industry Expert Perfumery and Cosmetics
Dr. Kishore Waman Machale serves as a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Member of QGCert, providing independent technical expertise and strategic guidance for the development, implementation, maintenance, and continual improvement of the QGC-CGMP-22716 Certified Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Scheme for Cosmetics and Perfumery Manufacturing.
Dr. Machale is a highly respected perfumery and cosmetics industry expert with more than 30 years of international experience in fragrance formulation, cosmetic manufacturing, quality assurance, production management, regulatory compliance, and product development. His extensive industry knowledge contributes significantly to the technical integrity, industry relevance, and regulatory alignment of QGCert certification schemes.
He currently serves as Founder and Chief Perfumer of Kairose Perfumes & Cosmetics Manufacturing LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where he leads perfume formulation, contract manufacturing operations, regulatory compliance activities, and product innovation initiatives. Prior to this role, he held senior leadership positions with leading perfume and cosmetics manufacturers, including Factory Head and Head of Manufacturing for Shaikh Mohammed Saeed Group and Senior Manager – Production at Ajmal Perfumes Group, where he managed large-scale production operations and quality systems for internationally recognized fragrance brands.
Dr. Machale holds a Ph.D. in Perfumery and Cosmetics and a Master of Technology (M.Sc. Tech.) in Flavours and Perfumes from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, India. His academic and research background is complemented by practical expertise in fragrance chemistry, aroma chemical synthesis, essential oil extraction technologies, gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), quality control systems, and cosmetic manufacturing processes.
Regulatory Expert
Mr. Sham Saju
Regulatory Expert – Technical Advisory Committee Member
Mr. Sham Saju serves as a Regulatory Expert Member of the QGCert Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), providing independent technical and regulatory guidance for the development, implementation, review, and continual improvement of QGCert certification schemes. His extensive experience in regulatory compliance, food safety, quality management systems, hygiene control, inspection programs, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) strengthens the technical credibility and regulatory alignment of QGCert certification activities.
Mr. Saju possesses over 18 years of professional experience in regulatory inspection, food safety management, quality assurance, health and safety management, GMP implementation, auditing, training, and compliance verification across government authorities, free zones, hospitality operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and consultancy sectors. He currently serves as Food Safety and Quality Compliance Officer with the Government of Sharjah – Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA), where he is responsible for regulatory inspections, compliance verification, licensing reviews, enforcement of food safety regulations, complaint investigations, shipment approvals, and coordination with public health and regulatory authorities.
His role within the Government of Sharjah involves monitoring compliance with applicable laws, standards, licensing requirements, and regulatory obligations for food and manufacturing establishments operating within the free zone. This experience provides valuable insight into regulatory expectations, inspection methodologies, enforcement mechanisms, and compliance frameworks relevant to conformity assessment and certification activities.
QGCert -Member
Dr. Tariq Ahmad Lone
Chief Executive Officer, Certification Decision Authority & Technical Advisory Committee Member
Dr. Tariq Ahmad Lone serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of QGCert Certification Services and is a designated member of the QGCert Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), providing strategic leadership, technical oversight, certification governance, and competence management across QGCert certification schemes. He also functions as an approved Certification Decision Authority, ensuring that certification decisions are conducted impartially, independently, and in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065 and applicable accreditation criteria.
Dr. Lone is an accomplished academician, scientist, assessor, and quality assurance professional with more than sixteen years of experience in higher education, scientific research, examination systems, competency assessment, laboratory quality management, and technical evaluation. His multidisciplinary expertise spans microbiology, biotechnology, food safety, laboratory sciences, research methodology, competency assessment systems, and conformity assessment frameworks.
He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biotechnology, along with postgraduate qualifications in Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, and has established an outstanding reputation in scientific research, academic assessment, and professional competence evaluation. Throughout his career, he has served as a University Examiner, External Examiner, Research Guide, Academic Assessor, and Assistant Professor, contributing significantly to examination standardization, competency assessment, and quality assurance within academic and professional environments.
Dr. Lone has authored and co-authored more than forty-six scientific research papers published in national and international journals and has contributed to multiple scientific books and book chapters in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, environmental sciences, food-related microbiology, and applied biological sciences. His extensive research portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to scientific excellence, evidence-based decision-making, and continual professional development.
As a member of the QGCert Technical Advisory Committee, Dr. Lone contributes to the development, maintenance, and continual improvement of certification schemes, including the QGC-CGMP-22716 Certified GMP Scheme for Cosmetics and Perfumery Manufacturing. His responsibilities include technical review of certification criteria, evaluation of competence requirements, review of audit methodologies, assessment of certification risks, interpretation of technical requirements, and monitoring of regulatory and industry developments affecting certification activities.
