Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, June 2025 — Praveen Rao Akkinepally has been appointed as the Managing Director of AstraZeneca India, effective 1 July, for a term of three years. With over two decades of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, both in India and globally, Akkinepally brings a rich legacy of leadership and innovation to his new role.
In his most recent position, Akkinepally served as the Head of the Oncology Business Unit for AstraZeneca India. Under his leadership, the unit achieved major milestones, including successful product launches and robust commercial growth across key therapeutic segments. His strategic vision and execution have been instrumental in expanding AstraZeneca’s footprint in the Indian oncology market.
Before returning to India, Akkinepally held a range of senior global roles at AstraZeneca in the United States. He served as the Global Head of Lung Cancer Commercialization, as well as the US Head of Marketing for various oncology brands, including Tagrisso, Iressa, and Immuno-Oncology Lung therapies. His marketing leadership in the U.S. helped shape clinical practices and positively impact patient outcomes.
Akkinepally began his career at AstraZeneca as a Microbiologist before advancing into strategic commercial roles. Over the years, he led major brand strategies across cardiovascular, respiratory, and oncology portfolios, earning a reputation for operational excellence and market-shaping initiatives.
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. He will succeed Sanjeev Kumar Panchal, who will transition to a global role within AstraZeneca Group in Maryland, United States.
AstraZeneca India
AstraZeneca India is a part of the global, science-led biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. With a 45-year legacy in India, the organization is committed to pushing the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines. Focused on three key therapy areas — Oncology, BioPharmaceuticals, and Rare Disease — AstraZeneca India combines cutting-edge research with a purpose-led strategy to transform healthcare. Through sustainability, ethical practices, and inclusive growth, the company continues to make meaningful contributions to patients, healthcare systems, and society at large.
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