Mr Hunt will take charge as CEO post the retirement of current CEO Mr Peter Bains in March 2016.

Mr Bains, who has worked closely with Syngene as a Director since 2010 and was appointed as the CEO in February, 2015 will continue as a member of the Syngene Board post his retirement.

Commenting on the new appointment, Dr Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Managing Director, Syngene International said, "We are extremely delighted to have Jonathan Hunt join the Syngene executive leadership team. After the resounding success of its IPO earlier during the year, Syngene is now at an exciting phase of its journey of transforming from a CRO to a full-fledged CRAMs player. Jonathan has a rich experience in the global biopharmaceutical industry and a proven track record of leading transformational change and delivering growth. We are sure, under his leadership, Syngene will continue to strengthen its position in the global CRAMs market."

In his new role, Mr Hunt will be responsible for strengthening Syngene's relations with its existing global customers as well as forging new relationships.

He will also steer the company's investments in developing and strengthening its capabilities and capacities to augment Syngene's service offerings.

Added Mr Peter Bains, CEO, Syngene International, "Syngene, with its differentiated strategy of multi model integrated Discovery, Development and Manufacturing capabilities, its expanding customer base and seasoned management team, is on a strong growth trajectory and very well positioned to continue this momentum. Jonathan's experience in building customer-focused organisations, coupled with his leadership and operational track record, make him the ideal selection for this position and we are delighted to welcome him aboard."

Prior to Syngene, Mr Hunt had a long standing association with Astrazeneca where he held various leadership positions including President & Director of Astrazeneca, Austria and President & COO, Astrazeneca India.

Earlier in his career he worked with Bayer Schering Pharma in various capacities.

He holds a BA (Business Studies & Economics) from the University of Sheffield, UK and an MBA from Durham University, UK.

Mr Jonathan said, "I am delighted to be joining Syngene at this exciting point in its journey. Syngene has a compelling business model, a track record of delivering operational excellence to its customers and ambitious plans for continued growth. I look forward to working closely with the Board, senior management team and leading the company to a new phase of growth."