Sun Pharma announce major leadership shake-up, names Kirti Ganorkar as MD, Shanghvi steps into executive Chairman Role

The move marks the culmination of a "structured and forward-looking succession planning process" aimed at ensuring leadership continuity, the company said.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., India's largest drugmaker, announced a significant leadership transition, appointing Kirti Ganorkar as Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025. Founder Dilip Shanghvi will step down from the role and continue as the Executive Chairman of the Board.

As Executive Chairman, Shanghvi will focus on strengthening Sun Pharma's high-growth specialty portfolio and will provide strategic oversight for the company's long-term strategy.

The move marks the culmination of a "structured and forward-looking succession planning process" aimed at ensuring leadership continuity, the company said.

The appointment is pending shareholder approval at the company's next Annual General Meeting.

Ganorkar, a Sun Pharma veteran who joined in 1996, has been heading the company's India Business since June 2019, where he successfully increased market share. His career at the pharmaceutical giant includes leadership roles in business development, marketing, and M&A. He was instrumental in driving the company's entry into the specialty drug market by securing rights for innovative products like Ilumya and led its initial expansion into Japan and Europe.

"Kirti has consistently demonstrated effective leadership managing diverse roles at Sun," said Dilip Shanghvi in a statement. "I have a firm belief in his ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth."

The company also announced changes in its North American operations. Abhay Gandhi, President & CEO for North America, is leaving to pursue other interests.

He will be replaced by Richard "Rick" Ascroft, a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with more than thirty years of experience. Ascroft previously served as Senior Vice President at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, heading the U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies business unit. Aalok Shanghvi, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, will now also oversee the North America business, with Ascroft reporting directly to him.