Drug firm Boehringer Ingelheim has appointed Gagandeep Singh as Managing Director and head of the pharma business vertical for the Indian market. His appointment will come into effect on July 10.

Singh joins Boehringer Ingelheim from AstraZeneca, where he was the Managing Director for India and Africa Cluster Head. Besides being appointed as MD, Singh will also join the Board of Boehringer Ingelheim India, the company said in a statement.

Gagandeep comes with an experience of 20 years in leading corporate strategy at multinational pharmaceutical companies in India and other emerging markets. He has expertise in the healthcare industry.

In his new role, Gagandeep has succeeded Vani Manja, who moved to Boehringer Ingelheim UK in February 2023. During Vani’s transition, Sandip Agrawal, Director of Finance and Administration, took over the added responsibility of Interim Managing Director.

“Gagandeep's passion for fostering a customer-focused culture and his experience across complex health ecosystems, will be invaluable to the organisation as we continue to strengthen our strategic and sustainability commitment to India,’ said Mohammed Tawil, Regional Managing Director and Head of Human Pharma for India, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Boehringer Ingelheim

He also thanked Sandip Agarwal for his leadership during the transition where he ensured sustained growth and business continuity.

“Changing patients’ lives starts with a commitment to identifying health challenges of the future and enabling access to medicines. I look forward to driving value through innovation as we address the healthcare needs of the Indian population,” said Gagandeep.

Boehringer Ingelheim which has three business areas -- Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing, has been operating in India since 2003.