Abbott India Limited has appointed healthcare industry veteran Dr Sudarshan Jain as Chairman of the Board, effective August 13, 2026. Jain succeeds Munir Shaikh, who retired from the company’s Board following the conclusion of his term.

Jain brings more than four decades of experience across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors to the role. His professional experience spans strategic management, corporate affairs, brand building and business operations across pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, hospital, diagnostics and nutrition businesses. 

Abbott India describes him as a veteran healthcare professional with extensive expertise in building market-leading brands and shaping healthcare policy and access in India.

Jain has a long association with Abbott. He previously held senior leadership responsibilities within the company, including as General Manager of the Healthcare Solutions business at Abbott Healthcare, and also served as Director-Marketing at Abbott India. 

He subsequently joined Abbott India’s Board as an Independent Director in 2019 and was reappointed for a second five-year term effective April 1, 2022.

In his new role as Chairman, Jain is expected to bring his extensive industry experience and understanding of India's healthcare ecosystem to Abbott India's Board as the company continues to strengthen its presence across key therapeutic and healthcare segments.

Beyond Abbott, Jain is the Secretary-General of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) and has held several senior advisory and board positions across the healthcare and education sectors. He is also associated with IIHMR University, Jaipur, where he serves as Chairman.

Jain holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. His career has included leadership positions at organisations including Lupin, Johnson & Johnson, Piramal and Abbott, giving him more than 40 years of experience across the healthcare industry.

The leadership change comes as Abbott India continues to expand its portfolio across areas including women's health, gastroenterology, cardiology, metabolic disorders and primary care.