Cipla announces the creation of a six member management council that will be the apex executive leadership team for the company. This is part of its ongoing transformation journey to simplify decision making and improve operational excellence. It also announced the appointment of Mr Umang Vohra, currently the global chief financial and strategy officer, as its global chief operating officer with immediate effect. He replaces Mr Sudhanshu Priyadarshi who has decided to pursue interests beyond Cipla.

The role of the global chief operating officer has now been expanded to fully integrate end-to-end operations from making, supplying and selling our products, thereby simplifying the organisation. In his new role, Umang Vohra will lead the generics and API businesses across all markets globally. Additionally, he will now integrate technical services, global supply chain, global portfolio, business development & licensing and business planning functions. He will continue with his assignment as the Global Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

Ms Samina Vaziralli, executive director, will now be the company's global head for strategy, M&A, Cipla New Ventures and key partner relationships.

Headed by Subhanu Saxena, MD and global chief executive officer, the management council will include, in addition to Mr Umang Vohra and Ms Samina Vaziralli, Ms Geena Malhotra (global head- integrated product development), Dr Ranjana Pathak (global head- Quality) and Mr Prabir Jha (global chief people officer).

Commenting on these developments, Mr Subhanu Saxena, MD and global chief executive officer said "We are simplifying our leadership structure to prepare Cipla for the next phase of our growth. This is a natural evolution at this stage of our plans."