By Farhat Nasim

Copyright medicaldialogues

New Delhi: Pharma major, Cipla’s Managing Director and Global Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Umang Vohra, is set to step down by the end of March 2026, when his current five-year term concludes. According to a Live Mint report, Achin Gupta, currently serving as the Global Chief Operating Officer (COO), is being considered as his successor.Vohra, 54, began his career with Eicher Motors and PepsiCo before moving to Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, where he worked for over 13 years. He joined Cipla in October 2015 as Global Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. The following year, he was elevated to Global Chief Operating Officer (COO) and later appointed as Managing Director and Global CEO.His appointment to Cipla’s board was renewed in March 2021 for another five-year term, which is due to expire in March 2026.Also Read: Cipla reappoints Umang Vohra as MD, Global CEOWho is Achin Gupta?Gupta joined Cipla in 2021 as CEO – One India Business (SMP), the company’s segment focused on the domestic market, and became a member of the Management Council. Under his leadership, the division reported double-digit revenue growth, undertook digital transformation initiatives, and strengthened market leadership.On February 1, 2025, he was appointed as Global COO. By the time he assumes the top job, Gupta will have completed a year in that role.“Achin Gupta was brought in to head the India business and has been groomed for the last few years. Gupta is expected to take over Vohra’s role within a year’s time, likely by March 2026,” an industry executive told Live Mint. Two other industry executives also confirmed the development.Before Cipla, Gupta worked with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals as Executive Vice President and Business Head, managing operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. He also served as a board member at Medicines for Europe.Earlier in his career, Gupta worked with Abbott Established Pharmaceuticals and began his professional journey at the global management consulting firm AT Kearney, The Week reported.