AstraZeneca has announced major promotions in strategic leadership positions at the top management level. Effective June 1, 2007, Bhasker Iyer, currently managing director of AstraZeneca Pharma India (AZPIL) has been promoted to area vice president south east Asia and India, AstraZeneca Singapore Pte Ltd. Bhasker will be based in Singapore. Iyer is the first person from India to take over this prestigious position.

Anandh Balasundaram who was vice president - sales and marketing in AZPIL, will lead AZPIL as managing director, AZPIL effective June 1st, 2007. Anandh will be based in Bangalore and will report to Bhasker Iyer.

Bhasker and Anandh will be part of the Asia Pacific Executive Team.

Bhasker joined AstraZeneca on May 1, 2004. He has had a very successful career in the pharma industry in India for over 25 years in various capacities in sales, marketing and as business head of several functions.

Anandh has several years of experience in the FMCG industry. Prior to joining AstraZeneca in 2005, he was with Cadbury India as General manager - sales. Anandh began his career with Hindustan Lever where he worked across various functions.