Sun Pharma appoints Kirti Ganorkar as MD; Dilip Shanghvi to continue as Executive Chairman of Board

Pharma major Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has appointed Kirti Ganorkar as Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025, succeeding Dilip Shanghvi. All business and functions will report to him. The appointment is subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

As Executive Chairman, Shanghvi will continue to chair the Board, focus on strengthening Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio, and guide the company’s long-term strategy. The announcement marks the culmination of a structured succession planning process, underscoring Sun Pharma’s commitment to leadership continuity and strategic governance.

Ganorkar has led Sun Pharma’s India Business since June 2019. Under his leadership, the business has grown consistently, increasing market share.

He has held leadership roles across business development, marketing, M&A, new product introduction, project management, IP, and litigation. He helped secure rights for specialty products like Ilumya, led Sun Pharma’s entry into Japan, and laid the groundwork for its expansion into Europe. He also supported key generic projects for the U.S. market. A chemical engineer and MBA, Ganorkar joined Sun Pharma in 1996.

Ganorkar said Sun Pharma is at an exciting juncture, with all businesses well-positioned for growth. "Building on the strong foundation laid by Mr. Shanghvi and supported by our global leadership team, I’m confident of continued success.”

Shanghvi said Ganorkar has demonstrated strong leadership across roles. "I believe in his ability to lead Sun Pharma into its next phase of growth. His elevation reflects our strong in-house talent and ensures continuity of core values.”

Meanwhile, Abhay Gandhi – President & CEO, North America – will exit the company. Richard Ascroft will succeed him as CEO – North America. “Abhay has played a pivotal role in Sun’s growth across geographies. I thank him for his contributions and wish him the best,” said Shanghvi.

Ascroft, a seasoned biopharma executive, most recently served as SVP and Business Unit Head, U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Aalok Shanghvi – Whole-time Director and COO – will now oversee the North America business. Rick will report to him. Sun Pharma shares closed 0.10% higher at Rs 1688.70 on the BSE on Friday.