Sun Pharma India’s largest drug maker names new CEO, stationed in North America

SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, India’s largest drug maker, on Wednesday announced changes to its top-level management structure for North America, India and emerging market units.

Abhay Gandhi, who previously served as the head of India and sub-continent business, will take over as the chief executive for all North American territories. Gandhi, a veteran executive of the company, will be based in the U.S., his appointment will become effective Aug. 1, the company said in a statement.

“In his new role, Abhay Gandhi will spearhead the growth of Sun Pharma’s business in North America,” the statement said.

North American represents nearly half of the company’s generic sales, totaling Rs. 28,000 crore for the year ending March 2016.

Kal Sundaram, who was the previous chief executive of North American territories, will be shifted to head up the company’s India and emerging markets business, a marketshare which combined represented 39 percent of the company’s total generic sales for 2015-16. Sundaram will be based out of the company’s global headquarters in Mumbai.

Additionally, Sundaram served as the chief executive officer of Taro Pharmaceuticals, the U.S. subsidiary of Sun Pharma. The company announced he will be vacating that position by the end of 2016. The company will conduct a formal recruitment and interview process to appoint a new CEO of Taro, the statement said, of which Sundaram will assist in the search of.

Sundaram, a former GSK executive, played a crucial role in turning around Taro Pharmaceuticals. He became the Taro’s chief executive in 2012, had been Sun Pharma’s CEO since April 2010 and played a role in accelerating the company’s growth in India and other emerging markets.

Sun Pharma acquired a controlling stake in Israel-based Taro in 2010, marking the culmination of a three-and-half-year takeover battle.