Our Leadership
A Future-Ready Leadership of Vision & Resolve
Granules India is led by a team of seasoned professionals of the pharmaceutical industry. Each leader brings in-depth expertise and a modern outlook to tackle the challenges of today’s dynamic business. Collectively, the Granules leadership chalks out strategies that helps in building organisational capability while delivering sustainable growth.
Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati
CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati is the Chairman and Managing Director of Granules India Limited. Under his leadership, the organization has transformed itself into one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies.
His pharmaceutical journey started in 1984 with the manufacturing of Paracetamol for quality-conscious customers in the global markets. He pioneered many innovations in pharmaceutical manufacturing including commercializing Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates as a cost-effective product for global finished dosage manufacturers.
Dr. Prasad with his passion for innovation undertook research in process chemistry and filed 33 patents, out of which 5 patents were granted so far. He also ventured into setting up facilities across the continents in cities and countries such as China and the US. He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by GITAM Deemed University for his exemplary contribution to science & society.
Dr. Prasad is an avid marathon runner and has participated in many marathons across the globe. In 2010, he along with his wife, Mrs. Uma Devi Chigurupati, ran marathons on all the seven continents including Antarctica and the north pole. In 2015, they have completed the ‘World Marathon Challenge’ of running seven marathons in seven continents in seven days. Both these achievements have been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records.
He is a passionate wine connoisseur and is the co-founder of KRSMA. The vineyard and the winery are located near Hampi.Today the wine from this vineyard is recognised worldwide and has put Hampi Hills and India on the world wine map.
Dr. Prasad is the President of Hyderabad Chapter of Swarna Bharat Trust, an NGO involved in the holistic improvement of the face of rural India, in the fields of Health, Education, Employment and Human Development.
Dr. K.V.S. Ram Rao
JOINT MANAGING DIRECTOR & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dr. K.V.S. Ram Rao holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Osmania University, Hyderabad and Masters& Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Dr. Rao has 30 years of experience in the field of Manufacturing, R&D, Business Development and Commercial operations. Prior to Granules, Dr. Rao worked as the Executive Director &CEO for CSM Business of PI Industries Limited. He played significant role in Dr. Reddy’s while working in various capacities from 2000 to 2018. He also worked with Jubilant Life Sciences and Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd.
Dr. Rao is well known for making high stake business decisions and solving complex challenges, while building strong leadership team. He established innovative business models to drive growth agenda of the company while instituting good manufacturing and R&D systems. He also built best in class practices in environment, health &safety and nurtured diversity & inclusion. He possessessharp business acumen, deep market knowledge& industry network, strong leadership skillsand well-grounded principles of governance & ethics.
Mr. Arun Rao Akinepally
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Mr. Arun RaoAkinepallyisB.Tech in Chemical Engineering from the University of Madras and MS from Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, USA. He is the Managing Director of Akin Laboratories Private Limited, a formulation manufacturing Company. Mr. Arun Rao has a deep understanding of Finished Dosage business and technical operations.
Mr. Arun Rao is also on the Boards of ESPI Industries and Chemicals Private Limited,a leading manufacturer of antacids in India and Sanzyme Private Limited a globally known manufacturer of Probiotics. Mr. Arun Rao was an office-bearer of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association both at the Central and State level.
Mr. Harsha Chigurupati
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mr. Harsha Chigurupati holds a bachelor’s degree of science in Business Administration from Boston University, USA. He has over 14 years of entrepreneurial experience in marketing, product development, customer relationship management & operations. He also has in-depth knowledge and experience in various fields of research and development, clinical trials, regulatory and legal framework navigation, patents, and peer review journal publications.
Mr. Chigurupati has been with Granules since 2005 in various capacities. He was instrumental in commercializing the Company’s Finished Dosage Division and transitioning the Company’s customer base towards brand loyalists. As an Executive Director, he is responsible for the standalone Operations and P&L of the Company.
Mrs. Uma Devi Chigurupati
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
An entrepreneur, a successful businesswoman, sportsperson, and two-time Guinness Book of World Record holder, Mrs. Uma Devi Chigurupati is also the Executive Director of Granules India Limited. She spearheads the Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Resources functions in the Company. A post-graduate in Soil Microbiology from Nagarjuna University, she holds more than three decades of experience in Pharmaceuticals across various corporate functions.
Mrs. Chigurupati has been the Chairperson of FICCI FLO Hyderabad. During her tenure, she has taken up many initiatives to empower women at both grass root & white-collar levels.
Mrs. Chigurupati is also Director of KRSMA Estates Private Limited, one of India’s premier boutique wineries. Under her tenure, she has established the vineyard in the Hampi Hills of Karnataka and has been vital to the ongoing operations at the site.
Mr. K. B. Sankar Rao
NON-EXECUTIVE, NON-INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Mr. K. B. Sankar Rao is anM.Pharm from Andhra University and has rich experience of more than three decades in various domains including manufacturing, projects, supply chain,quality, R&D and business strategy. Mr. K. B. Sankar Rao was associated with various reputed organizations like Warner Hindustan, Cipla and Dr. Reddy’s.
He led large teams in manufacturing while institutionalizing systems and processes to drive efficiencies. He was involved in the implementation of ‘Theory of Constraints’ principles to improve due date performance in R&D. He was instrumental in deploying a self-managed team conceptto empower the workforce in manufacturing while driving productivity. Mr. K.B. Sankar Rao was the Managing Director of Raje Retail Private Limited, a pharmacy retail chain under the brand name- “My Health Pharmacy”in Hyderabad.
Mr. Arun Sawhney
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Mr. Arun Sawhney holds bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Mumbai and Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IMI, New Delhi. Mr. Sawhney brings four decades of rich experience in Chemical & Pharmaceutical industry while working with Companies like Ranbaxy, Dr Reddys, Max-Gb Limited.
Mr Sawhney possess deep expertise in the areas of corporate strategy, business development, sales & marketing and new product planning to commercialization. In his last assignment asCEO and Managing Director of Ranbaxy, Mr. Sawhney successfully led one of the largest mergers in Indian Corporate history.
Mr. Sawhney was also a founder member of Indian Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) and was Chairman of Pharmaceutical Committee of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) during 2012-2014. Mr. Sawhney is currently engaged with leading Companies in advisory capacity and a visiting faculty at IIM-Lucknow for subjects of Leadership & Organisation Behaviour.
Mr. Robert George Cunard
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Mr. Robert George Cunard holds bachelor’s degree from University of Pittsburgh in Business Economics. Mr. Cunard brings more than 30 years of experience in the areas of Executive Management, Sales & Marketing, Business Developmentand Supply Chain in the US Market. Mr Cunard possess deep understanding of various business modelsto serve different customer segments including B2B & B2C.He is a strategic thinker with sharp business acumen.
Mr. Cunard was CEO of Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc., the subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma Limited. In the past, Mr. Cunard also ledcritical roles in Mylan Laboratories and Teva Pharmaceuticals.Mr. Cunard is currently an Operating Partner, with HealthEdge Investment Partners, a US healthcare focused private equity fund in addition to his charitable activities.
Dr.Saumen Chakraborty
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Dr. Saumen Chakraborty is a Graduate in Physics from Visvabharati University- Santiniketan, a Postgraduate in Management from Indian Institute of Management (IIM)- Ahmedabad and is an Executive Fellow in Management from Indian School of Business (ISB)- Hyderabad. He possesses over 37 years of rich experience in Corporate Finance, Human Resources, IT& BPE, Manufacturing Operations and Quality functions while working with Dr. Reddy’s, Tecumseh, Eicher, C-DoT and CMC.
He had played a significant role in evolution of Dr. Reddy´s as a Global Pharmaceutical Company, while handling various CXOs role over 20 years. As a Global CFO at Dr.Reddy’s, he built robust financial systems and strong corporate governance thereby enhancing shareholders value. Dr. Saumen as Global Chief of HR, built contemporary HR processes and systems to make Dr. Reddy’s a Great Place to Work. He established Business Process Excellence function and led TOC implementation in Dr.Reddy’s.
Saumen has sharp business acumen, strong process orientation and leadership capabilities to build high performing teams. He is recipient of Best CFO awardfrom various bodies including CNBC, IMA and BW-Yes Bank. He has been a speaker in multiple global and national conferences, and academic institutes. He serves as an Independent Director, for Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences Limited. He is the founder and Managing Director of Samarjita Management Consultancy Private Limited
Mrs. Sucharita Rao Palepu
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Sucharita Rao Palepu is a Chartered Accountant and possess over 30 years of professional experience in Information Technology and Financial Services Industries. She is currently an Independent Advisor, specializing in Organization & HR Transformation.
She was earlier in HR Leadership positions at Tech Mahindra, Infosys and Mahindra Satyam and was also associated with SMIFS Capital Markets & Pennar Paterson Securities.
She has worked extensively on HR Strategy, Talent Management, Learning & Development, Global Reward programs and Diversity initiatives. Over her career in HR, she has led several transformation programs and large-scale initiatives that have been recognised across various platforms. She is actively involved in a few NGOs and is also a certified coach. She was awarded the Exemplary Woman in Leadership Award (APAC) in HR Branding Awards 2015-16.
Ms. Jyothi Prasad
INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR
Ms. Jyothi Prasad is an independent consultant in the area of financial advisory services including Mergers & Acquisitions and fund raising. Her primary experience is in the areas of fund raising such as IPOs and Rights Issues, private equity, M&A and advisory transactions for both Indian & foreign corporates.
She holds a Law degree from the University of Mumbai, Master of Commerce degree from the University of Madras & Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM-Ahmedabad. She was a Chevening Gurukul Scholar at the London School of Economics in 2000. She has more than 30 years of experience in investment banking/corporate finance in companies like SBI Capital Markets, Peregrine Capital, NM Rothschild (India) and American Orient Capital Markets.
Ms. Priyanka Chigurupati
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GRANULES PHARMACEUTICALS INC. & GRANULES USA
Ms. Priyanka Chigurupati is the Executive Director of Granules Pharmaceuticals, Inc. &Granules USA, Inc.and responsible for the US Generics business and Investor Relations. Ms. Chigurupati has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University(US). Within Granules, she has had a variety of roles across several divisions in the US and in India within R&D, Commercial Operations and Investor Relations.
Manikandan Ramalingam
Senior Vice President & Head Formulation R&D
Mr. ManiKandan Ramalingam is pharmaceutical technologist with 22 years of experience and holds M. Pharma Tech from NIPER (Mohali) and Master black belt in six sigma. In his experience, worked in providing technical, strategic, and functional leadership in uniquely challenging positions in Pharmaceutical Research. Worked at Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s prior to joining Granules; and served as functional head of Product development Research and subject matter expert for formulation at Dr.Reddys. Has expertise in, API Assessment for FD design & API – FD integration, Pre-formulation, Formulation design. (Different type of dosage forms), Biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics, New Technology adoption and Product Scale up and manufacturing. Also served in leading cross functional research team, change management, Training and team building, Regulatory risk management, product selection assessment, Contract research management, thereby ensuring successful translation of products from Ideation to the Market.
G. N. Prashanth
Senior Vice President & Head Corporate Quality
Mr.G.N.Prashanth is a postgraduate in pharmacy from Bangalore University and holds a graduate certification from IIMB. He has more than 29 years of experience and has worked in companies like Cipla, Astra Zeneca, Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, Neopharma, Kemwell, Microlabs, and Strides. He has experience in various functions like Quality Control, Analytical Development, Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Project Management. He has joined us in Oct 2019 as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Quality.
Mr Sanjay Kumar
Senior Vice President – Corporate Strategy & Planning
Sanjay is a B.Tech from IIT Kanpur and holds an MBA from IIM Bangalore. He is qualified CFA and done courses in Business Analytics and Corporate Business Strategy.
Sanjay has over 20 years of experience in Corporate Strategy, Budgeting & Planning process, Performance management, Capital Projects Evaluations, Business case and Financial Modelling. He has worked closely with senior leadership teams in various Organizations to enable decision making and execution of key programs.
In Granules, Sanjay will focus on Corporate Strategy Planning, Growth Levers identification, Due Diligence of New Business and Ventures opportunities, and Annual Business Planning & Review. He was earlier associated with organizations such as Viatris (formerly Mylan), Granules India, Wanbury, Indian Engineering Services (Civil Services).
Dr. TVSK Vittal
Senior Vice President & Head – API R&D
Dr. Vittal has an MSc from University of Hyderabad and a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the Osmania University, Hyderabad. He has also done his four years Post-Doctoral at IICT, Hyderabad.
He has over 30 years of experience in Academics and Pharmaceutical Industry in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Process Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. He has expertise in Generics API Development as well as NCE/Chemical Development for CRAMS/ CDMO business. He has filed more than 40 US DMFs and has various Publications and patents to his credit. Dr. Vittal has earlier worked with organizations such as Solara, Strides Shasun, Aurobindo, Sai Life &Dr. Reddy’s.
Mr. Atul Dhavle
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER AND HEAD OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Mr. Atul Dhavle Production Engineer from Nagpur University and holds PGCBM from XLRI.He has more than 25 years of versatile experience in Human Resources and Operational Excellence while working in companies like Dr.Reddy’s, Welspun, DuPont and Mahindra. He handled various strategic assignments in Talent Management, Organisation Design & Change Management, Lean Transformation, Theory of Constraints, Technical Academy and Wholesome Employee Engagement (SMT way) while working in Manufacturing, Product Development, Sales & Marketing and Corporate Centre.
Mr. GSR Prasad
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Mr. GSR Prasad is M.S in Pharmaceutical Sciences from BITS Pilani and has more than 30 years of rich experience in Pharmaceutical Operations including Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Services, Process Validations, Supply Chain Management, Greenfield and Brownfield Projects. During his operational roles he has established manufacturing facilities with focus on process automation, operational excellence, built in quality, productivity and safety. He has successfully led many regulatory audits such as USFDA, TGA, EU, Health Canada etc. Mr. GSR Prasad has earlier worked with reputed Pharmaceutical organizations across the globe such as AstraZeneca, Themis, Sangfroid, Pharmeng (based at Novartis), Biovail Corporation (now Bausch Health), and Novast Laboratories in India, Canada, USA and China.
Mr. Sandip Neogi
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Mr. Sandip Neogi is a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant. He comes with a rich experience of over 28 years in Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis, Business valuations, Risk Management, SEC Expertise, Mergers and Acquisitions, Treasury, USGAAP,IFRS, Indian GAAP and Internal controls. He had earlier worked with reputed organizations such as Nissan Automobiles, Hospira Healthcare, Dr Reddy’s, CA-TCG Software, Tata Korf and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Ms. Uma Rao G
CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Ms. Uma is a Postgraduate in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations from Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She comes with a rich experience of over 30 years across a wide gamut of HR functions like Strategic HR, contemporary HR policies, Business HR partnering, Talent Management, Compensation and Benefits, merger & acquisition-related HR work, Industrial Relations and dealings with labor unions and long term settlements among others. Uma has worked in leading organizations in IT, Manufacturing, Telecom and FMCG space in companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Idea Cellular, Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd, HIL, IBM and Mars International India and most recently with Ashok Leyland in key leadership roles. She has been awarded for outstanding contributions by Women Economic Forum and HRD Congress. Uma is an academic Council Member at Pondicherry University, Reva University and a Member of the Board of Apprenticeship Training.
