Richard Ascroft Takes Charge as CEO of Sun Pharma North America
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has officially announced the appointment of Richard Ascroft as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for its North American operations. Effective June 16, 2025, Ascroft brings an impressive track record of over three decades in the pharmaceutical industry, making him well-suited for this significant role.
Richard Ascroft's diverse experience encompasses various facets of the industry including commercial strategy, market access, clinical development, and corporate affairs across both U.S. and global markets. This multifaceted expertise positions him to steer Sun Pharma’s ambitious objectives for growth and innovation in North America, particularly as the company looks to expand its portfolio of innovative medicines, generics, and over-the-counter products in the U.S. and Canada.
As CEO, Ascroft will play a crucial role in navigating Sun Pharma's North American market strategy while driving commercial launches of new treatments, including those targeted at alopecia areata and squamous cell carcinoma. This focus aligns with Sun Pharma's vision to improve patient outcomes while delivering high-quality healthcare solutions.
"I am honored to join Sun Pharma as the North America CEO," Ascroft remarked. "This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic team committed to advancing Sun’s impressive portfolio of generics and innovative medicines. The North America region plays a pivotal role in our growth trajectory, and I look forward to bringing new treatments to market."
Ascroft succeeds Abhay Gandhi, who contributed significantly to the North American business's growth. He will report directly to Aalok Shanghvi, Sun Pharma's whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer. Shanghvi expressed confidence in Ascroft's ability to lead the company, stating, "Richard has a substantial history of driving advancements in healthcare and implementing innovative solutions to ensure medicines reach those in need."
Before joining Sun Pharma, Richard Ascroft held the position of Senior Vice President and Business Unit Head of U.S. Plasma-Derived Therapies at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. His experience there, along with previous roles in the industry, has equipped him with valuable insights into the ever-evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited stands as a leading global specialty generics company, with a strong presence across various markets including specialty, generics, and consumer healthcare products. It is the largest pharmaceutical company in India and ranks among the top generic companies in the U.S. and emerging global markets. With a diverse and high-growth global specialty portfolio, particularly focusing on dermatology, ophthalmology, and oncological therapies, Sun Pharma continues to be a trusted provider for physicians and consumers in over 100 countries.
As the company moves forward, Richard Ascroft's leadership is expected to further solidify Sun Pharma's commitment to healthcare excellence, ensuring that new, effective treatments are accessible to patients who need them. This strategic transition heralds a promising future not only for Sun Pharma but also for the broader healthcare industry.
For more information on Sun Pharma and its initiatives, visit
www.sunpharma.com or follow them on LinkedIn.