Leadership Rx: Sun Pharma Prescribes Richard Ascroft as CEO for North America

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Sun Pharma Industries Limited announced a major leadership transition, appointing Richard Ascroft as its Chief Executive Officer, North America business, with effect from June 16, 2025. This is a part of a comprehensive succession plan that further sees Kirti Ganorkar assume the role of Managing Director and founder Dilip Shanghvi as Executive Chairman.

Richard Ascroft, a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with over three decades of experience, succeeds Abhay Gandhi, who is stepping down after a pivotal tenure leading Sun Pharma’s North American operations. Ascroft joins Sun Pharma from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, where he served as Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head of U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies, and brings deep expertise in commercial strategy, market access, clinical development, and corporate affairs across U.S. and global markets.

As CEO North America, Ascroft will lead Sun Pharma's growth in the US and Canada, overseeing a portfolio of diversified products including upcoming launches of new therapies for squamous cell carcinoma and alopecia areata. He will report to Aalok Shanghvi, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, who now oversees the North America business as well.

The change in leadership emphasizes Sun Pharma's emphasis on continuity and strategic management to consolidate its specialty and generics business globally.

Key Highlights

Richard Ascroft appointed to CEO, North America, effective June 16, 2025, succeeding Abhay Gandhi.
Ascroft possesses more than 30 years of pharmaceutical management experience, previously at Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Will head Sun Pharma's USA and Canadian generic and new medicines business, including launches.
Reports to Aalok Shanghvi, Whole-time Director & COO, who is now in charge of North America operations.
Part of broader leadership transition: Kirti Ganorkar named Managing Director; Dilip Shanghvi named Executive Chairman.
Succession plan is also designed to ensure leadership continuity and international expansion.

"I am excited about being the CEO of Sun Pharma North America. It is wonderful challenge to head a high-performing team focused on advancing Sun's portfolio of generic and innovative medicines," Richard Ascroft stated.

Source: PR Newswire