CNBC-TV18 Exclusive: Umang Vohra says his job at Cipla is complete, clarifies he is not retiring

In an exclusive conversation with CNBC-TV18 on Thursday (October 30), outgoing Cipla Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer Umang Vohra said his journey at the pharmaceutical company has reached its natural conclusion, while clarifying that he is not retiring.

As a company, Vohra said that Cipla is run by professionals with guidance from promoters and management teams also need to change every 11-12 years, as change can also be good.

Vohra has expressed his intention not to seek re-appointment on completion of his current term on March 31, 2026. Vohra, who joined Cipla in 2015 as Global Chief Financial and Strategy Officer and thereafter served as Cipla’s MD & GCEO since 2016.

Also Read: Cipla shares nosedive after Umang Vohra says not seeking reappointment as MD & CEO

Over the past decade, Umang has led Cipla through a period of effective transformation, guided by the company’s purpose of Caring for Life. His leadership has been instrumental in driving strategic growth, financial performance, innovation, and operational excellence across the organisation.

Cipla strengthened its global lung leadership, AMR stewardship, advanced its digital and manufacturing capabilities, and invested in next-generation therapies. The company has consistently maintained top rankings
across key geographies.

Umang’s tenure has been defined by a deep commitment to patient centricity, sustainability, good governance, talent development and being an employer of choice, laying a strong foundation for Cipla’s future.

Also Read: Cipla Q2 Results: US sales deliver sequential growth; MD & CEO to step down

The board elevated Achin Gupta, currently Global Chief Operating Officer, to MD and GCEO effective April 1, 2026, for a five-year term through March 31, 2031, subject to shareholder approval and liable to retire by rotation. Mr Gupta will be MD and GCEO Designate from January 1, 2026, and has also been appointed as an Additional Director of the company with effect from April 1, 2026.

Gupta joined Cipla in 2021 as CEO of the One India business and was appointed Global Chief Operating Officer in February 2025, overseeing Commercial markets, API, Manufacturing and Supply Chain.

His profile includes driving growth in chronic therapies and underserved geographies, modernising the India retail force, strengthening operations and forging strategic global partnerships. He holds an M.Tech (Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology) from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and has over two decades of leadership experience.

Also Read: Cipla shares see profit booking after Eli Lilly deal to market weight-loss drug in India

The board also appointed Meera Vanjari as Global General Counsel and Senior Management Personnel with effect from April 1, 2026.

Vanjari — a graduate in Arts and Law from St. Xavier’s College and Government Law College, Mumbai — brings over three decades of experience leading Legal, Compliance and IP functions across organisations, including Abbott Healthcare, Glenmark, Johnson & Johnson, Bunge, Kodak and Marico. She succeeds AS Kumar, whose term as Global General Counsel and SMP ends on March 31, 2026.