Leadership Team
Dr. Azim Parekh
Founder and CEO
Azim attended the University of Toronto and has a bachelor in Mathematics and Physical Chemistry. In 1996, he graduated Western University with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Azim leads and mentors the Practice Community from a clinical perspective and has a loyal patient following. Azim has a solid understanding of the key components of what makes a business successful and has demonstrated this time and time again through consistent revenue growth and exceptional margins. Through his journey, Azim has learnt that the success of any business is people and relationships, which breeds passion, vision and innovation.
Leslie Carrafiello
Vice President, Operations
Leslie joined Smiles First from the dental sector, where she led the National Operations Team, overseeing 150+ practice locations and over 300 dentists. Leslie was able to improve EBITDA margins by 9%. Her ability to identify opportunities and create solutions in all areas of the business is a contributing factor to her success. Some specific examples include, double digit increases in top line revenue, reducing consumables and staffing costs by 2% and 2.5%, respectfully. Prior to dental, Leslie worked in the retail industry at a national level, overseeing a multitude of departments where she optimized each department for long term success. Leslie is known for her inspirational leadership and driving results through relationships and team building.
Oyinkan Akinyele
Legal Counsel
Oyinkan is a corporate and commercial lawyer who has gained experience as in-house counsel in the public, health and environmental services sectors. She graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a B.A. (Honours) in Arts, with a major in political science and minor in sociology, from the University of Waterloo. Prior to joining Smiles First, Oyinkan provided legal support to a leading waste management and recycling business during a multi-billion dollar merger.
Entrepreneurial and solution-driven, Oyinkan has a track record of building relationships and communicating effectively within a fast-paced environment.
Mohamed Razakazi
Managing Director, Operations
Mohamed graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelors in Business Commerce and Marketing. Mohamed focuses on stream lining the operations as a whole and maximizing the Dens ‘N Dente’s efficiencies. Mohamed is an excellent coach and works with the leadership team to develop their leadership and management skills.
Connie Guido
Director of Operations, Practice Community
Connie joined Smiles First with 25 years of experience in the dental industry. Having worked first hand in most positions at the practice level, Connie understands the ins and outs of what is needed, from a clinical and leadership perspective, to make each practice reach its full potential.
Prajesh Rajput
Director of Operations, DENS ‘N DENTE
Prajesh has a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Corporate Accounting and Economics. He has also completed his post graduation in International Business Management, Marketing Research and Analytics. Prajesh has worked with our Dens ‘N Dente division for over 5 years carrying vast experience in procurement, logistic and accounting. Prajesh’s main focus is to build strong relationship with our vendors, increasing our product assortment as well as a large focuson developing new product lines for our D2 private label.
Donya Rashidi
Director of Dental Acquisition & Practice Community
Donya completed her degree in Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Marketing at Saint Mary’s University, in 2008. She has over 10 years of managerial experience with a proven track record. Her diverse experience has enabled her to implement strategies that deliver results. She is fluent in English and Farsi and has working proficiency in Arabic and Hindi. Donya’s passion is in helping businesses and individuals grow and thrive.