Ranjit Shahani, the former Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Novartis India and Chairman of JB Pharmaceuticals, has passed away, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Shahani’s impact on India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors was profound, characterized by his leadership across various organizations. Armed with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and an MBA from Mumbai’s Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Shahani embarked on a distinguished career path.
His journey spanned several companies, starting with Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) in India, where he contributed to fibres and specialty chemicals. Shahani then progressed to the position of General Manager at ICI, Zeneca in the UK, where he oversaw operations across Asia Pacific and Latin America in petrochemicals and plastics, as documented by Harvard’s official website.
However, it was in the pharmaceutical sector that Shahani made a lasting impact. Serving as CEO of Roche Products Limited and later joining Novartis India Limited in 1997, he notably held the roles of Managing Director and Vice Chairman from 2001 to 2018, guiding the company to significant growth and success.
Shahani’s expertise extended beyond the pharmaceutical industry, reflecting his diverse interests and substantial contributions. Alongside his corporate roles, he held prestigious positions such as President Emeritus of the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) and President of the Swiss Indian Chamber of Commerce India. These titles underscored Shahani’s significant influence and leadership not only within his respective companies but also in shaping broader industry landscapes and fostering international business relations.
Furthermore, Ranjit Shahani chaired advisory boards at JB Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, played key roles on the boards of Hikal Ltd and Ambuja Cements Ltd, and chaired the Advisory Board at Voll Sante Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals Pvt Ltd. These responsibilities exemplify his multifaceted engagement across different sectors, showcasing his commitment to driving growth and innovation in various industries beyond pharmaceuticals.
In addition, Ranjit Shahani served as the Managing Director and Vice Chairman at Novartis India Ltd. from 2001 to 2018. Throughout his extensive career, Shahani’s trajectory highlighted his strategic acumen, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence, as detailed on Harvard’s website. His tenure at Novartis India further solidified his reputation as a visionary leader, driving the company towards sustained growth and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.