Sun Pharma Appoints Kirti Ganorkar as Managing Director
Mumbai, India – June 14, 2025 – In a significant leadership transition, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., one of India’s largest pharmaceutical companies, has appointed Kirti Ganorkar as its Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025. The decision marks a strategic move as the company continues to build on its global footprint and specialty business expansion.
The announcement was made following the recommendation of the Board of Directors, and the appointment will be subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for July 31, 2025.
Kirti Ganorkar’s Journey at Sun Pharma
Kirti Ganorkar brings over two decades of rich experience within Sun Pharma. A chemical engineer with an MBA, he joined the company in 1996 and has held diverse leadership roles across key business functions including:
- Global business development
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Intellectual property and litigation strategy
- New product planning and commercialization
Since 2019, he has successfully led Sun Pharma’s India business, strengthening its market presence and ensuring consistent growth. Ganorkar played a pivotal role in launching specialty products globally, including the psoriasis treatment Ilumya, and helped establish the company’s early presence in international markets such as Japan and Europe.
Dilip Shanghvi Moves to Executive Chairman Role
Dilip Shanghvi, the founder and current Managing Director, will step into the position of Executive Chairman of the Board. In this strategic role, Shanghvi will continue to guide the company’s long-term vision, focusing on specialty expansion and shareholder value creation.
In a statement, Shanghvi expressed confidence in his successor:
“Kirti has demonstrated outstanding leadership across various roles at Sun Pharma. I am confident he will lead the organization into its next phase of growth and transformation.”
Strategic Leadership Shift for Sun Pharma’s Future
This leadership reshuffle is part of a well-structured succession plan aimed at ensuring continuity and innovation at the helm. As the pharmaceutical landscape evolves rapidly, Sun Pharma is positioning itself for enhanced agility and sustained global growth.
In a related move, Richard Ascroft has been appointed as CEO – North America, succeeding Abhay Gandhi, who stepped down after a notable three-decade tenure with the company.
What This Means for the Industry
Sun Pharma’s latest executive appointments highlight a broader trend of leadership renewal within India’s pharma sector. With a solid balance between founder involvement and professional leadership, the company aims to strengthen its global competitiveness and innovation pipeline.
As Ganorkar takes charge, all eyes will be on how Sun Pharma navigates regulatory landscapes, enhances its specialty product offerings, and drives value in emerging and developed markets alike.
