Naushad Merali, an Asian-Kenyan tycoon, is the founder of the Sameer Group, a conglomerate with activities in construction, agriculture, information technology, telecom and finance. Three of his companies--tea and coffee producer Sasini Ltd,, battery manufacturer Eveready East Africa and tire maker Sameer Africa -- are listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange. He also serves as chairman of mobile phone company Bharti Airtel's Kenya operations. The Sameer Group is named after his first son, Sameer Merali, who serves as an executive director for the group and is widely believed to be the heir apparent.