Sun Pharma Appoints Kirti Ganorkar as Managing Director; Dilip Shanghvi to Continue as Executive Chairman

Mumbai, June 13, 2025 — In a landmark leadership transition, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., India's largest pharmaceutical company, has announced the appointment of Kirti Ganorkar as its new Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025. Ganorkar will take over the reins from the company’s founder and current MD, Dilip Shanghvi, who will continue in his role as Executive Chairman of the Board.

The appointment is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting and comes as part of a structured succession plan focused on long-term leadership continuity and strategic governance.

Ganorkar, a Sun Pharma veteran who joined the company in 1996, currently heads its India Business. Under his leadership since 2019, the domestic business has seen consistent growth and market share expansion. His tenure includes pivotal roles in business development, M&A, IP and litigation, and driving Sun’s entry into specialty and international markets including Japan and Europe.

Reflecting on his new role, Ganorkar said: “It has been a profoundly rewarding journey to participate in the company’s transformation into a leading global pharmaceutical enterprise. Sun Pharma is at an exciting juncture with all its businesses well-positioned for growth. Building on the strong foundation laid by Mr. Shanghvi and ably supported by our global leadership team, I’m confident of continued success of the company.”

Dilip Shanghvi, who founded Sun Pharma in 1983 and has steered its growth into a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, endorsed the leadership transition, saying: “Kirti has consistently demonstrated effective leadership managing diverse roles at Sun. I have a firm belief in his ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth and extend my best wishes for his success. Kirti’s elevation showcases our strong in-house talent pool, ensuring continuity of Sun’s core value systems.”

As Executive Chairman, Shanghvi will focus on strengthening the company’s specialty medicines portfolio and continue to shape its long-term strategy.

The announcement also included other key leadership updates. Abhay Gandhi, President & CEO of North America, has decided to pursue opportunities outside the company. He will be succeeded by Richard (“Rick”) Ascroft, a seasoned biopharma executive who most recently led U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Ascroft will report to Aalok Shanghvi, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, who has been additionally entrusted with overseeing the North America business. The leadership realignment reinforces Sun Pharma’s focus on operational continuity and global growth as it enters a new chapter in its journey as a top-tier global pharmaceutical company.