Veteran Umang Vohra to Lead Cohance Lifesciences as Executive Chairman, Group CEO
New Delhi: Cohance Lifesciences Limited has appointed industry veteran Umang Vohra as Executive Chairman effective May 1, 2026, and Group CEO effective May 20, 2026, marking a strategic leadership transition aimed at driving the company's next phase of transformation and growth as a technology-driven CDMO platform.
The appointment follows the decision of current Executive Chairman Vivek Sharma to step down for personal reasons. He will continue to support the company as an advisor for the next nine months to ensure a smooth transition.
Cohance has established itself as a differentiated global CDMO platform with strengths in complex chemistry, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), oligonucleotides, advanced API development, performance materials, and specialty ingredients. The company operates with integrated R&D centres, a team of over 400 scientists, and partnerships with global pharmaceutical innovators.
Umang Vohra brings over three decades of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical sector. He previously served as Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla Limited, where he led a decade-long transformation, expanding the company into a diversified global pharmaceutical enterprise. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, including CFO and head of North America generics, and began his career with PepsiCo India.
Vohra expressed confidence in Cohance’s long-term potential, highlighting its strong technology capabilities, robust R&D base, and experienced leadership team as key drivers for future value creation.
Vivek Sharma noted that the company has built a strong foundation in recent years by integrating businesses, strengthening leadership, and establishing its identity as a science-led CDMO platform, adding that it is well positioned for its next growth phase.
Pankaj Patwari of Advent highlighted that Vohra’s global experience, operational expertise, and proven track record in driving large-scale transformations would help scale the business, deepen customer partnerships, and strengthen the company’s operating culture.
Cohance Lifesciences, formerly Suven Pharmaceuticals Limited, is a publicly listed company on BSE and NSE and is majority owned by Advent. The company provides development and manufacturing solutions across complex APIs, ADCs, oligonucleotides, performance materials, agrochemicals, and advanced chemistries to global pharmaceutical and life sciences clients.
The development was disclosed to stock exchanges on April 27, 2026, with the company also sharing a detailed profile of Umang Vohra outlining his academic background and extensive leadership experience across leading global pharmaceutical organizations.
The appointment signals Cohance’s focus on scaling its platform and strengthening its position as a leading technology-driven CDMO player globally.
