AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited, the Indian arm of the global biopharmaceutical company, has announced the appointment of Praveen Rao Akkinepally as its new Managing Director. He will assume the role for a term of three years, effective July 1, 2025.
Akkinepally will succeed Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Panchal, who is stepping down from his position as MD, effective from the close of business on June 30, 2025, to transition into a global role within the AstraZeneca Group, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States.
Praveen Rao Akkinepally is a seasoned commercial leader with over two decades of extensive experience across the US, global markets, and India, with a particular focus on oncology and biopharmaceuticals. Prior to this elevation, he served as the Oncology Business Unit Head for AstraZeneca India, a role in which he demonstrated remarkable leadership. Under his guidance, the oncology unit achieved significant milestones, including driving robust commercial growth and successfully launching multiple key products, solidifying AstraZeneca’s market position in the therapeutic area.
His journey at AstraZeneca began as a microbiologist, from where he seamlessly transitioned into various strategic commercial leadership roles. He has held impactful positions such as the Global Head of Lung Cancer Commercialization and the US Head of Marketing for several prominent oncology brands, including Tagrisso, Iressa, and Immuno-Oncology Lung therapies. His marketing leadership in the U.S. has been instrumental in shaping clinical practices and positively impacting patient outcomes.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Akkinepally has actively contributed to healthcare policy discussions, notably through his involvement in the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry’s (FICCI) cancer roundtables, where he championed key policy priorities to improve cancer care in India. He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan – Stephen M. Ross School of Business and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from The Johns Hopkins University, credentials that underscore his comprehensive understanding of both business strategy and public health.
The board of AstraZeneca Pharma India acknowledged Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Panchal’s contributions during his tenure and expressed appreciation for his leadership. The appointment of Praveen Rao Akkinepally is expected to further strengthen AstraZeneca India’s leadership, drive its strategic growth initiatives, particularly in oncology and other key therapeutic areas, and reinforce its commitment to delivering innovative medicines to patients across the country.
Key Highlights:
- Praveen Rao Akkinepally has been appointed as the new Managing Director of AstraZeneca Pharma India, effective July 1, 2025, for a three-year term.
- He succeeds Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Panchal, who will transition to a global role within the AstraZeneca Group, effective June 30, 2025.
- Akkinepally brings over 20 years of experience in oncology and biopharmaceuticals across global markets and India, having previously led AstraZeneca India’s Oncology Business Unit to significant growth.
- His appointment is expected to bolster AstraZeneca India’s strategic initiatives and commitment to delivering innovative medicines.