Aventis Pharma (belonging to Sanofi Group) has appointed  Susheel Umesh as head of commercial operations for its pharmaceutical operations in India. He will be taking over the overall commercial responsibility for the India pharmaceutical operations including Tier II operations, mass therapies as well as business excellence and strategy for the consolidated commercial organization. These responsibilities are in addition to that of diabetes and Tier I which he had been previously managing as senior director – commercial operations since August 2010.

Susheel will continue to report to Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, managing director - India and vice president South – Asia; and in his new capacity, will become a member of Sanofi’s South Asia Leadership Team (SALT) representing the India pharmaceutical business.

Commenting on this appointment, Dr Shailesh Ayyangar, said, "In India, Sanofi is diversifying to fulfil our commitment of bringing quality medicines and vaccines to many more patients and physicians. Under Susheel’s leadership, our Diabetes Franchise has transformed diabetes management in India. He has also further strengthened our presence in Tier I geographies. Susheel will now have the opportunity to take our portfolio of products and services and in turn, the entire pharmaceutical operations in India to the next level.“

Speaking on his new role, Susheel Umesh said, “It is an honour for me to lead the India pharmaceutical operations for Sanofi. I am excited about this new responsibility and intend to work towards further accelerating our growth in India.”

Susheel Umesh started his career as assistant product manager in Rallis India in 1991. He then moved to Aventis Pharma in 1994 and has grown within the organization. He started as a product manager for the dermatology portfolio. Soon after he went on to head the business development cell in 1997. He was then appointed general manager - marketing for the primary care division. Later, Susheel headed the Lantus Business Unit in 2003 and then the operations effectiveness team in 2005.

In India, Sanofi operates through five entities - Aventis Pharma Limited, Sanofi-Synthelabo (India) Limited, Sanofi Pasteur India Private Limited, Shantha Biotechnics and Genzyme India Private Limited.