Achin Gupta to Succeed Umang Vohra as Cipla MD & GCEO Effective April 1, 2026

Gupta will take charge as MD & GCEO effective April 1, 2026, for a five-year term, succeeding Umang Vohra, who has helmed Cipla since 2016.

Global pharma giant, Cipla Limited, has named Achin Gupta, its Global Chief Operating Officer, as the next Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), marking a key leadership transition at one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies.

Gupta will take charge as MD & GCEO effective April 1, 2026, for a five-year term, succeeding Umang Vohra, who has helmed Cipla since 2016.

He will assume the role of MD & GCEO Designate from January 1, 2026. The company said the move is part of its structured succession plan aimed at ensuring business continuity, organizational stability, and a focused vision for Cipla’s next phase of global growth.

Gupta, has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s commercial markets, API operations, and supply chain since becoming GCOO in February 2025.

Under his leadership, Cipla achieved market-leading profitability, expanded its chronic therapy portfolio, and advanced patient-focused innovations. He holds an M.Tech in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology from IIT Delhi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad.

Sharing thoughts, Cipla Chairman Dr. Y.K. Hamied said, “I thank Umang for his stewardship over the last ten years, his outstanding contributions and dedication to Cipla’s purpose of Caring for Life and combining business with a humanitarian approach. We wish Umang continued success in his future career. We are pleased to welcome Achin Gupta as he steps into this role, and I am confident he will lead Cipla to its next phase of progress and growth.”

Outgoing MD & GCEO Umang Vohra reflected on his decade at Cipla, saying, “My ten years at Cipla have been filled with immense pride in what we’ve built together. Guided by our purpose of Caring for Life, I have had the privilege of working with passionate teams who consistently put patients first and drive innovation across the business. As I prepare to hand over the reins, I’m confident that Achin Gupta will lead Cipla forward with vision and purpose.”

Gupta, who will officially take charge in April 2026, expressed his commitment to continuing Cipla’s legacy, stating, “It is an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Cipla as its next MD & GCEO. Cipla’s legacy of purpose-driven innovation and patient-centric care is deeply inspiring, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by Umang and the leadership team.”

Under Vohra’s tenure, Cipla strengthened its leadership in respiratory care, antimicrobial resistance stewardship, and digital manufacturing, while expanding its global presence and next-generation therapy capabilities.

Gupta’s elevation comes just months after his appointment as Global Chief Operating Officer in January this year,  a rapid rise reflecting his strong leadership record.

Since joining Cipla in 2021 as CEO of the One India Business, Gupta has driven double-digit revenue growth, strengthened profitability, and reinforced Cipla’s position as India’s top-ranked pharmaceutical company by volume.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News