S Sridhar elected as President of OPPI

The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) has elected S Sridhar as its next President. The term is for a period of two years and is effective from February 15, 2021. He takes over from Sharad Tyagi, former MD, Boehringer Ingelheim India.

Sridhar is the MD of Pfizer and is heading Pfizer’s commercial business in India. Sridhar has been a member of the Executive Committee of OPPI for the past six years and has also chaired its Finance and Taxation Work Group. He was the chair of FICCI’s Pharma Committee till recently.

Speaking on the new role, Sridhar said, “I am honoured to take over the responsibility of leading this prestigious organisation at this important juncture for healthcare in India. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a spotlight on the significance of innovation and partnerships to respond to the country’s healthcare needs. Healthcare today occupies as a priority agenda for the Government. OPPI stands for research, innovation, access and collaboration to help address the most pressing healthcare needs of the country. I look forward to making a difference to patients, the industry and the country as OPPI works with the Government on policies that are pro-patient, encourage innovation and provide for a positive environment for the industry to grow. I thank members of OPPI Executive Committee for selecting me for this role.”

Welcoming Sridhar as President, Tyagi said, “It is a pleasure to welcome Sridhar as the new President. I am confident that under his stellar leadership, OPPI will charter a new path in the emerging healthcare order of the country where research and innovation are taking deep roots as foundations of the economy. It has been an honour to lead OPPI in the year of pandemic when the significance of healthcare sector is reaffirmed, and that I could contribute to the industry and the country in some humble ways.

Sridhar is a Chartered Accountant and has led various finance roles before joining the Pfizer 13 years ago. At Pfizer, he expanded from his role as CFO to Business Unit head, took over the responsibility as the MD of India Commerical Business, a position he has been holding for the past five years.