BUNKA is a human-centric management consulting firm and trusted advisor for manufacturing-based organizations around the globe. We are your hands-on partner delivering tangible benefits to your organization and to your customers that endure years after our engagement.
Dr. Monika, BUNKA Inc.'s founder and managing partner since 2018, encapsulates the integration of deep manufacturing insight with the nuanced understanding of anthropological principles. Her expertise, solidified by a doctorate in biosocial anthropology, underpins the foundation of BUNKA’s innovative approach to addressing manufacturing inefficiencies. Guided by her vision, BUNKA has championed the application of ethnographic methodologies to uncover and resolve the behavioral dynamics affecting operational outcomes, leading to over $5 billion in client achievements. Her methods underscore a commitment to not only identify but pragmatically solve the intricate challenges of manufacturing-based organizations.
A respected thought leader and strategic mentor, Dr. Monika's contributions extend beyond the confines of BUNKA through her participation in the Forbes Coaches Council, coupled with her role as a published author and speaker. Her work reflects a blend of scholarly insight and practical experience, offering tangible strategies for C-suite leaders to navigate the complex landscape of life sciences manufacturing. Dr. Monika personifies BUNKA's mission to deliver solutions that marry technical expertise with profound human understanding, ensuring our clients not just navigate but excel in the evolving pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sector.
Dr. Monika brings to BUNKA a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Toronto, attained in 2019, complemented by her MSC in women's studies and anthropology, and a BSC in women's health and sociocultural anthropology, enriching our analytical and practical approach to industry challenges.
Bringing over 25 years of strategic management consulting expertise, Steve Sumra, the co-founder and senior partner of BUNKA Inc., commands a distinguished presence in the realm of process enhancement and operational optimization. Since embarking on this journey with BUNKA in 2018, Steve has been a cornerstone in spearheading transformative solutions for our clients, enabling them to achieve breakthroughs that were once deemed unattainable. His career, rooted in the strategic consultancy landscape since 1999, is a testament to his ability to significantly elevate the performance and financial health of a wide array of organizations.
Steve’s proficiency extends beyond mere process improvement; his exceptional skill lies in dissecting and understanding the intricacies of human behavior within professional settings. This unique blend of insights fuels Steve’s capacity to foster environments where cross-disciplinary collaboration flourishes, effectively addressing and resolving deep-rooted issues. Under his guidance, our clients across various sectors—including food, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and medical device manufacturing—have witnessed unparalleled success. Through practical, evidence-based solutions, Steve has solidified BUNKA Inc.’s status as a beacon of innovation and enduring change in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing industries. His leadership not only propels our mission forward but also ensures that our clients are equipped to navigate the complexities of their operations with confidence and strategic foresight.
Steve holds an MBA from the University of Nottingham, UK as well as a BSC in manufacturing.
Harry Fouke, stepping into the role of Senior Partner at BUNKA Inc. in 2022, marks a pivotal addition to our leadership, synergizing once more with the company's founders after a history of collaboration dating back to 1999. His entry into BUNKA is underpinned by a profound track record of leading transformational change within the stringent landscapes of FDA and USDA-regulated industries. Harry’s extensive resume is characterized by his ability to drive both cost-efficiency and quality enhancements on a global scale, aligning seamlessly with BUNKA's mission of delivering pragmatic, high-impact solutions to our clients. His extensive experience serving in advisory and C-suite roles, especially as the COO of Deverus, evidences his adeptness at navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and strategic operational improvement.
Beyond his strategic acumen in the realms of HR technology and operational consultancy, Harry’s leadership roles at Alexander Proudfoot, Hitachi, and The Highland Group have equipped him with a nuanced understanding of corporate operational strategy, touching upon critical areas such as private equity due diligences, post-merger integrations, growth strategy design, and implementation. His commitment to operational excellence is demonstrated through his unwavering focus on the harmonization of people, processes, and systems—a commitment that resonates deeply with BUNKA's ethos.
Harry holds an MBA from The Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University, as well as a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in addition to completing the High Impact Leadership program at Columbia University.
Dr. Raul, esteemed for his role as the Global Quality Lead at Merck's Animal Health North America and regarded for his robust proficiency across Human and Animal Health, retired in December 2022 after an illustrious tenure that commenced in 1991. His vast knowledge, honed through pivotal positions—including Operations Director of Merck, Sharp & Dohme’s Animal Health Bio-pharmaceutical operations in Brazil and leadership within pharmaceutical operations near Mexico City—culminated in the expertise that makes Dr. Raul a true industry vanguard. His journey from a practical Plant Manager at Merck's bio-pharmaceutical campus in Virginia to a visionary industry leader is anchored in a practical understanding of product lifecycles—a perspective enriched by his firsthand experience with BUNKA's transformative approach. As a former client, he stands resolute in his belief that BUNKA's expertise extends beyond implementation to internalize enduring organizational proficiency.
Dr. Raul’s career trajectory, marked by over thirty years at Merck, has equipped him with an encyclopedic understanding of pharmaceutical production from small to large molecules, sterile to non-sterile modalities, vaccines to contamination control. His previous role as the Global Leader of Strategy Development and Realization for Merck's Manufacturing Division saw him orchestrating plans that propelled not just Merck's mission, but also its fiscal growth.
His scholarly foundations, with degrees in biochemistry spanning from the University of Puerto Rico to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and the University of South Carolina's School of Pharmacy, form the academic bedrock that solidifies his analytical and strategic prowess—a boon for BUNKA and the advanced solutions we advocate for in our quest to elevate industry standards.
Dharmesh Kharwar brings to BUNKA a wealth of experience and an indomitable passion that perfectly encapsulates our ethos: to drive significant improvement in health and well-being through strategic insights and actions. As an Independent Director and Strategy Advisor with a dedicated focus on the Healthcare Sector, Dharmesh’s extensive cross-functional capabilities, honed over more than 28 years, offer a deep, actionable understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the life sciences sector. His current role as the Director for NGBLPL, overseeing the export-import of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and devices, reflects his invaluable expertise in navigating international markets and regulations—a critical asset for our clients looking to expand their global footprint.
Dharmesh's commitment to elevating Indian Manufacturers to unparalleled heights aligns seamlessly with BUNKA's mission of achieving sustainable results that positively impact public health outcomes. His global advisory experience, spanning American, European, Asian, and Indian companies, brings a unique perspective on how to address and overcome the challenges faced by our clients. This integrated approach, rooted in Dharmesh’s passion and belief in what we stand for, reinforces the foundation of BUNKA’s drive towards operational excellence. It is this intersection of knowledge, passion, and practical application that enables us to deliver on our promise of enhancing the capabilities of the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, emphasizing the tangible benefits and improved health outcomes that can be achieved through our collaborative efforts.
Dr. PK Yegneswaran joins BUNKA as an esteemed advisor, bringing his extensive three decades of experience in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain management, and technology. With a proven track record from over a decade of leadership at Merck, PK has driven the development, technology transfer, and commercialization of over 25 significant products, alongside commissioning numerous state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. His expertise has been pivotal in realizing cost savings exceeding $500 million, enhancing operational efficiencies and advancing global health solutions. At BUNKA, Dr. Yegneswaran is set to support our initiatives in India, aiming to fortify our presence and facilitate our expansion in the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sectors.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Yegneswaran has been instrumental in strategic innovation, specializing in sterile supply strategies and manufacturing network rationalization. His leadership in digital transformation initiatives has earned his teams multiple accolades, including the prestigious Manufacturing Leadership Council Awards in 2021 and 2022. PK’s commitment to excellence is not just limited to technical achievements but extends to fostering inclusive and diverse workplace cultures, promoting access to healthcare innovations, and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.
Dr. Yegneswaran's academic foundation is as impressive as his professional journey. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta. These credentials have provided him with a deep understanding of the scientific and engineering principles that are critical to our industry. At BUNKA, we are confident that PK’s blend of strategic vision, operational acumen, and educational background will greatly enhance our capabilities and extend our impact on global healthcare solutions.
