Hem Raj Dhakal is a highly influential first-generation serial entrepreneur in Nepal, best known as the Co-Founder and Managing Director of the IME Group, a sprawling conglomerate with diverse business interests.
Born in Baglung, Nepal, in 1975, Dhakal pursued his higher education in Kathmandu. He holds a Master’s in Business Studies (MBS) from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He further honed his entrepreneurial and leadership skills by completing the Entrepreneurial Master’s Program (EMP) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and the Owner/President Management Program (OPM) at Harvard Business School. He also attended the London Business School (LBS) Growth Forum.
Hem Raj Dhakal, alongside his brother Chandra Prasad Dhakal, played a pivotal role in institutionalizing the remittance business in Nepal through IME (International Money Express). Their vision was to create efficient and cost-effective channels for millions of migrant workers to send money home, significantly impacting the financial landscape of Nepal and the broader South Asian region.
Under his leadership, the IME Group has diversified significantly and holds investments in numerous sectors, including:
- Remittance and Digital Finance: The core business that revolutionized money transfer in Nepal.
- Banking and Financial Services: Including a strong presence in the banking sector (e.g., through its association with Global IME Bank) and insurance (Chairman of IGI Prudential Insurance Company).
- Trading and Retail
- Information Technology (IT) and Communications: Chairman of Swift Technology and Co-Founder/Chairman of Dish Media Network (DishHome).
- Energy
- Tourism and Hospitality: Notably, he is the Founder/Director (Founding Chairman) of Chandragiri Hills Ltd., a major tourist destination.
- Automobiles
- Infotainment and Sports
- Logistics
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture: Including joint ventures like Green Lab Financial / IME Group for potato production.
Beyond his direct business ventures, Hem Raj Dhakal is an active voice in Nepal’s business community. He has held significant positions in various industry bodies, including:
- Vice President and Spokesperson of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI).
- Executive Committee Member of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), having chaired committees like the Bank, Finance & Insurance Committee and the International Investment Promotion Committee.
- President of the Nepal Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Executive Committee Member of the Nepal India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI).
Dhakal is known for his sharp business acumen, pioneering spirit, and dedication to social entrepreneurship. He co-founded the IME Foundation in 2009, which focuses on philanthropic activities. His philosophy emphasizes creating opportunities for youth and fostering a sense of ownership within his team, contributing to Nepal’s economic growth and development.
