Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has announced the appointment of Kirti Ganorkar as its new Managing Director, effective September 1, 2025, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting. Dilip Shanghvi, the current Managing Director, will transition to the role of Executive Chairman, where he will continue to provide strategic oversight and focus on strengthening Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio.
This leadership transition is part of a structured and forward-looking succession plan, reinforcing the company’s commitment to continuity and strategic governance.
Kirti Ganorkar has been an integral part of Sun Pharma since 1996 and currently heads the company’s India Business — a role he has held since June 2019. Under his leadership, the India Business has witnessed consistent growth and an increase in market share.
Over his tenure, Kirti has served in several leadership roles spanning business development, marketing, mergers & acquisitions, new product launches, project management, and intellectual property strategy. He played a pivotal role in:
- Launching Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio, including securing rights for innovative products like Ilumya.
- Expanding Sun’s footprint into Japan and laying the groundwork for its entry into Europe.
- Supporting the U.S. business through the successful execution of major generic product launches.
A chemical engineer with an MBA, Kirti’s appointment reflects Sun Pharma’s strong internal talent pipeline and the company’s emphasis on long-term strategic growth.
Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director (Designate) of Sun Pharma, stated, “It has been a profoundly rewarding journey to participate in the company’s transformation into a leading global pharmaceutical enterprise. Sun Pharma is at an exciting juncture with all its businesses well-positioned for growth. Building on the strong foundation laid by Mr. Shanghvi and ably supported by our global leadership team, I’m confident of continued success of the company.”
Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman & Managing Director of Sun Pharma said, “Kirti has consistently demonstrated effective leadership managing diverse roles at Sun. I have a firm belief in his ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth and extend my best wishes for his success. Kirti’s elevation showcases our strong in-house talent pool, ensuring continuity of Sun’s core value systems.”
Sun Pharma also announced a leadership transition in its North America business. Abhay Gandhi, President & CEO – North America, has decided to step down to pursue interests outside the organization. “Abhay has played a pivotal role in driving business growth for Sun across geographies including the U.S., India and Emerging Markets. I thank him for his valuable contributions and wish him all the best for his future endeavours,” added Dilip Shanghvi.
Rick Ascroft will take over as CEO – North America. A seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in commercial operations, market access, medical affairs, and corporate strategy, Rick most recently served as Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head of U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies at Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Rick will report to Aalok Shanghvi, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, who will now also oversee the North America business.
