After nearly a decade at the helm, Umang Vohra is set to step down as the Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla on March 31, 2026, marking the end of a transformative chapter in the 90-year-long journey of the pharma major.
Vohra, who joined Cipla in 2015 and became CEO a year later, said his departure was part of a planned transition, and the company is “ready for the future” with a strong talent pipeline and solid foundation for growth.
Vohra's Tenure at Cipla
“I was brought in at a time in Cipla’s journey where we had to create Cipla for the sustainable future,” Vohra said during the post-earnings media interaction. “That included repositioning our India business, establishing a business in the US, and doing that with passion at the centre of the heart and always running with the theme of Caring for Life.”
Vohra was the second executive roped in from outside Cipla’s promoter family to lead the drug maker.
Under his watch, Cipla saw a sharp improvement in profitability, driven by strategic expansion in chronic therapies, operational efficiencies and global partnerships. The company’s EBITDA margin in FY25 stood at 25.9 percent, reflecting the financial discipline and growth focus that Vohra had championed. In Q2FY26, Cipla delivered its highest-ever quarterly revenue of Rs 7,589 crore with a robust EBITDA margin of 25 percent despite tapering sales of generic cancer drug Revilimid in US.
Read More: Cipla says Achin Gupta to replace Umang Vohra as Cipla MD, global CEO from April 1, 2026
Not Retiring, says Vohra
While Vohra, 54, declined to comment on his next move, he made it clear that he isn’t retiring from the pharmaceutical space.
“I’m not retiring… I believe we probably should not retire until we’re 65 or 70,” he said. “As of now, it is for me to leave on the 31st of March.”
Vohra also addressed speculation around promoter’s involvement and stability post-transition, asserting that Cipla is a fully professionalized organization.
“Cipla today is truly run by professionals. The promoter insight and guidance is always there, and the board takes a very active role. I don’t think there is a vacuum,” Vohra said.
When asked if he would consider taking up a role at Cipla in the future, Vohra said he would be happy to help “if there is a requirement of the board,” but emphasized that the transition is designed to empower the next generation of leadership.
Is Innovation Cipla’s Next Chapter?
Reflecting on his tenure, Vohra acknowledged both successes and challenges, adding that the company has emerged stronger and more resilient.
“The task I had set out to do through my two terms is achieved. Cipla is now in good hands,” said Vohra.
He acknowledged that while Cipla has made strides in generics and chronic therapies, the next phase of growth will require deeper investments in innovation. Vohra also said the new leadership under Achin Gupta will likely shape its own course, especially in areas like next-gen therapies and differentiated products.
“Cipla must become an innovation player over the next 5-7 years and stronger and bigger than where it is today in terms of the innovation journey,” Vohra added.
The statement signals a shift from Cipla’s traditional strengths in generics and respiratory care toward a more innovation-led model, aligning with global pharma trends.
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