AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd. has announced the appointment of Praveen Rao Akkinepally as its new Managing Director, effective July 1, 2025, for a tenure of three years. The leadership transition follows the resignation of Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Panchal, who will take on a global role within the AstraZeneca Group, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, US, from July onward.

The company’s board of directors, during a meeting held on June 9, formally accepted Dr. Panchal’s resignation and expressed its gratitude for his leadership and valuable contributions. His tenure was marked by strategic growth initiatives and strengthened operational performance across key therapy areas.

Leadership Aligned with Strategic Growth in Oncology and Biopharma

With over 20 years of experience spanning the United States, global markets, and India, Praveen Rao Akkinepally brings deep commercial acumen and scientific understanding to the role. A seasoned leader in the life sciences industry, he has been instrumental in shaping oncology strategies and launching several high-impact therapies across markets.

Akkinepally most recently served as the Business Unit Head for Oncology at AstraZeneca India. Under his leadership, the company witnessed significant growth in oncology market share and executed successful product launches that strengthened its footprint in India’s speciality therapeutics space.

His journey at AstraZeneca began in the scientific domain as a microbiologist, evolving into pivotal commercial leadership roles, including Head of Marketing for oncology brands in the US. His experience includes shaping clinical adoption strategies, influencing policy discussions, and driving transformative changes in patient care.

Academic and Strategic Credentials

Akkinepally holds an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and a Master’s in Public Health from the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, the credentials that further solidify his expertise in navigating the complex intersections of healthcare delivery, market access, and public health policy.

Beyond his corporate responsibilities, he has actively participated in healthcare advocacy, including contributing to oncology policy dialogues organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), reflecting his commitment to holistic healthcare advancement in India.

Also read: HealthKois Unveils $400 Million Investment Fund to Power India’s Next Wave of HealthTech and Biopharma Innovation

Looking Ahead

The appointment of Praveen Rao Akkinepally marks a significant chapter in AstraZeneca India’s growth journey. With a renewed focus on innovation-led patient solutions and robust portfolio expansion, the company is expected to continue advancing its leadership in critical care areas such as oncology and respiratory medicine.

As the Indian healthcare ecosystem accelerates its shift toward personalised medicine and advanced biologics, industry stakeholders will be closely watching how Akkinepally steers AstraZeneca’s strategic vision to align with emerging healthcare priorities in India and beyond.

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