Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, India’s largest drugmaker, announced a significant leadership transition on Friday. Kirti Ganorkar, currently head of the India business, will succeed founder Dilip Shanghvi as Managing Director effective 1 September 2025. Shanghvi will continue as Executive Chairman, focusing on board leadership, specialty portfolio development, and long-term strategy.
Commenting on the transition, Shanghvi expressed confidence in Ganorkar’s leadership: “I have a firm belief in his ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth. Kirti’s elevation showcases our strong in-house talent pool and ensures continuity of Sun’s core value systems.”
The leadership overhaul also extends to Sun Pharma’s global operations. Aalok Shanghvi, son of Dilip Shanghvi and the company’s Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, will assume charge of the North America business. Abhay Gandhi, the current CEO of the North America business, is stepping down to pursue interests outside the company. He will be succeeded by Richard Ascroft, who previously led Takeda Pharmaceuticals' U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies unit. Ascroft will report to Aalok Shanghvi.
Sun Pharma described the reshuffle as the result of a structured, forward-looking succession planning process, reflecting its commitment to leadership continuity and strategic governance.
Ganorkar joined Sun Pharma in 1996 and has served as India business head since June 2019. Over his nearly three-decade career at the company, he has held leadership roles in business development, marketing, M&A, product management, intellectual property, and litigation. He played a pivotal role in Sun Pharma’s specialty segment entry, securing rights for its first biologic, Ilumya, for plaque psoriasis. He also helped establish the company’s presence in Japan and laid the groundwork for expansion into Europe, while supporting U.S. operations with multiple generic launches.
“Sun Pharma is at an exciting juncture with all its businesses well-positioned for growth,” said Ganorkar. “Building on the strong foundation laid by Mr. Shanghvi and supported by our global leadership team, I’m confident of continued success.”