Amitabh Dube appointed OPPI president for two-year term

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) has appointed Amitabh Dube as its president for a two-year term effective September 10, 2026.

Dube is the country president and managing director of Novartis India and has nearly three decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry across India and international markets.

He takes over from Bhushan Akshikar, vice president and managing director of GSK Pharmaceuticals, who has completed his two-year term as OPPI President.

Dube to focus on innovation, access

Speaking on his appointment, Dube said the innovative pharmaceutical industry has an important role to play in improving patient outcomes, advancing scientific innovation and supporting India's emergence as a global life sciences powerhouse.

“It is a privilege to lead OPPI at a time when India's healthcare landscape is undergoing rapid transformation,” Dube said.

He added that OPPI would work with member companies and stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to promote innovation, improve access and deliver lasting value for patients.

“By harnessing the collective expertise of our member companies and working collaboratively with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem, we can help shape an environment that promotes innovation, improves access and delivers lasting value for patients,” Dube said.

Prior to his current role at Novartis India, Dube served as Country President of Novartis Vietnam, where he also chaired the country's leading pharmaceutical industry association.

Akshikar hands over charge

Welcoming Dube, Akshikar said his tenure had focused on advancing innovation, access and collaboration in healthcare. He said OPPI had strengthened its engagement with stakeholders and reinforced its commitment to the country's healthcare priorities during his two-year term.

“I am delighted to pass the baton to Amitabh, whose deep industry experience, global perspective and strong understanding of India’s healthcare landscape will be invaluable to OPPI,” Akshikar said.

OPPI director general Anil Matai also welcomed Dube, saying his breadth of experience and global outlook would bring fresh momentum to the organisation's work.

“At a time when India is poised to play a larger role in shaping the future of healthcare, his leadership will help us sharpen our priorities, amplify our collective voice and translate dialogue into meaningful action for patients and the wider healthcare ecosystem,” Matai said.

Established in 1965, OPPI represents research-based global pharmaceutical companies in India and works with stakeholders on policies and initiatives related to scientific innovation, healthcare access and patient needs.