AstraZeneca Pharma India announced a key leadership transition, with Praveen Rao Akkinepally appointed as the company’s new Managing Director, effective 1 July 2025, for a period of three years. The appointment follows the resignation of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Panchal, who will move into a global leadership role within the AstraZeneca Group, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA, after his tenure ends on 30 June 2025.
Akkinepally, a seasoned commercial leader, brings over 20 years of experience in oncology and biopharmaceuticals, spanning the US, global markets, and India. He has a proven track record in brand launches, commercial strategy development, and market expansion. Within AstraZeneca, he has been instrumental in driving the growth of the Oncology Business Unit in India, launching multiple oncology products that significantly strengthened the company’s market position.
Prior to this, he held leadership roles across various global commercial functions within AstraZeneca and contributed to shaping healthcare policy through his association with FICCI’s Cancer Round Tables.
His academic credentials include an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and a Master’s in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. With this rich blend of strategy, science, and leadership, Akkinepally is well-positioned to lead AstraZeneca India into its next phase of growth.
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Meanwhile, AstraZeneca reported a 47.54% YoY increase in standalone net profit to Rs 58.25 crore in Q4 FY25, and revenue from operations rose 25.39% to Rs 480.48 crore, reflecting strong business fundamentals.
