Introduction

The healthcare sector is evolving rapidly, with communication playing a vital role in building trust, strengthening reputations, and connecting organisations with the people they serve. From shaping public perception and managing corporate narratives to driving impactful campaigns and navigating complex communication challenges, healthcare communications leaders are helping define how the industry is understood and experienced.

The Reputation Leaders 100: India’s Most Influential Healthcare Communications Leaders – 2026 recognises 100 distinguished professionals who are making a meaningful contribution to healthcare communications across pharmaceuticals, hospitals, diagnostics, biotechnology, medical technology, health technology, and consumer healthcare. Through their strategic vision, leadership, and commitment to effective communication, these professionals are strengthening organisational credibility and shaping the future of healthcare reputation in India.

Abhineet Kumar, Senior General Manager Corporate Communication, Ajanta Pharma: A corporate communications professional associated with Ajanta Pharma, contributing to the company’s communication and reputation-building efforts. His profile identifies his senior leadership role in corporate communication, a function central to strengthening stakeholder engagement and maintaining a consistent organisational identity. His inclusion reflects the importance of strategic communication in the pharmaceutical sector.

Akhiil Agarwal, Vice President – Commercial, Global Market Access & Corporate Communication, Immuneel Therapeutics: A commercial and market access leader with over 20 years of experience across pharmaceuticals, biologics, immunotherapy, and cell and gene therapy. At Immuneel Therapeutics, he oversees commercial strategy, global market access, and corporate communication, supporting the growth and positioning of advanced therapies. He has contributed to the market readiness and commercial launch of CAR-T and cell and gene therapies in India. His expertise spans stakeholder engagement, strategic partnerships, affordability frameworks, and healthcare commercialisation.

Amit Adilabadkar, Group Head – Strategic Initiatives and Chief Brand Officer, KIMS Hospitals: A healthcare and business leader with over 25 years of experience across strategy, brand building, digital transformation, public relations, and corporate communications. At KIMS Hospitals, he leads strategic initiatives supporting organisational growth, market expansion, and business transformation. As Chief Brand Officer, he oversees brand strategy, marketing, digital initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. His multidisciplinary experience combines business strategy and integrated communications to strengthen brand positioning and corporate reputation.

Amrutha Joseph, Lead Global PR | Associate Director, Qure.ai: A communications professional with experience spanning global public relations, corporate communications, and reputation management. At Qure.ai, she leads global PR initiatives, building on her experience in marketing communications and media relations within the healthcare technology sector. Her earlier roles at The Mavericks, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, and other communications organisations have strengthened her expertise in media monitoring, strategic messaging, and brand visibility. Her work supports the communication of healthcare innovation to diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Ankur Kulshreshtha, Corporate Communication & Project Manager, Intas Pharmaceuticals: A communications and digital growth professional with over nine years of experience across pharmaceuticals, FMCG, IT, media, and energy. At Intas Pharmaceuticals, he leads corporate communications and supports enterprise-wide transformation initiatives involving cross-functional teams and global consultants. He has grown the company’s flagship LinkedIn community from approximately 200,000 to over one million followers and manages communication across multiple global channels. His work also spans executive positioning, employee engagement, employer branding, and organisational change communication.

Aparajita Choudhury, Head – Digital Branding & CorpCom, Yashoda Hospitals: A communications and branding professional with experience across healthcare, technology, and business journalism. At Yashoda Hospitals, she leads digital branding and corporate communications, supporting the organisation’s brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. Her previous roles at Continental Hospitals and Medvarsity Online have added to her experience in healthcare marketing and communications. Her earlier journalism career with YourStory Media, Entrepreneur Media India, and SMEChannels IT Magazine brings a media-focused perspective to brand storytelling and reputation management.

Arjun Sathish KR, AGM – Communications, Branding & CSR, Kauvery Hospital: A communications and branding leader with close to two decades of experience across healthcare, media, entertainment, automotive, and advertising. At Kauvery Hospital, he oversees communications, branding, and CSR initiatives. His experience includes corporate brand strategy, public relations, sustainability communication, events, and stakeholder engagement. Previously, at Grundfos, The Hindu Group, and ZEE Network, he led integrated communication and branding initiatives, combining strategic planning with creative execution to strengthen organisational visibility and engagement.

Arun Prasath, Lead – Corporate Communications, AstraZeneca Pharma India: A corporate communications professional with experience across pharmaceuticals, fintech, banking, real estate, and media. At AstraZeneca Pharma India, he leads corporate communications, drawing on expertise in branding, public relations, internal communications, employer branding, and CSR. His previous roles include communications leadership positions at Karur Vysya Bank and M2P Fintech, where his responsibilities covered internal and external communications and events. His cross-sector experience supports strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, and corporate reputation management.

Avik Majumdar, General Manager – Branding, PR & Marketing Communications, Artemis Hospitals: A branding and marketing communications professional with extensive experience in hospital branding, public relations, and integrated marketing. At Artemis Hospitals, he leads branding, PR, and marketing communications initiatives, covering campaign planning, creative development, digital platforms, websites, and social media. His career at the organisation has involved developing awareness campaigns and communication materials to strengthen brand visibility. His earlier experience in editing and web writing also supports his work in content development and strategic brand communication.

Balaji Ramgiri, GM – Head of Corporate Communications, MSN Laboratories: A strategic communications and branding leader with extensive experience across pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and diversified industries. At MSN Laboratories, he leads corporate and employer communications, strengthening brand visibility, executive communication, and stakeholder engagement. His work spans social media strategy, media relations, industry events, sustainability reporting, CSR initiatives, and corporate storytelling. His experience at Cadila Pharmaceuticals and Essar Group further reflects his expertise in reputation management and integrated communications.

Calvin Printer, Head of Corporate Communications, Syngene International: An experienced corporate communications leader with a background spanning pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and industrial businesses. He has held senior communications roles at Biocon Limited and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, where he led corporate brand and communication strategies. His experience includes strategic brand building, media relations, and communications support for business and organisational priorities. At Syngene International, he brings this cross-sector experience to the company’s corporate communications function.

Carolyn Mathew, Director – Corporate Communications & Cipla Archives, Cipla: A corporate communications professional with 20 years of global experience across FMCG, automobiles, and pharmaceuticals. At Cipla, she leads corporate communications and digital initiatives, with a focus on strengthening the company’s reputation and digital presence. Her expertise includes online reputation management, digital marketing, community building, and data-led brand engagement. Her previous experience at Tata Motors, Marico, and PR firms adds breadth to her communications and brand-building capabilities.

Carson Dalton, Executive Vice President – Communications & Government Affairs, GSK Pharmaceuticals India: A global communications and government affairs leader with over 20 years of experience across India, Australia, Singapore, and the UK. At GSK India, he oversees corporate reputation, stakeholder engagement, public policy, investor engagement, and social initiatives. His previous leadership roles at Coca-Cola, Ola, Meta, and BT include crisis communications, sustainability, policy advocacy, and corporate communications. His experience combines strategic storytelling with government relations and reputation management across complex industries.

Geetika A. Bangia, Head-PR & Corporate Communications, Stryker India: A communications strategist with over 20 years of experience across healthcare, consumer electronics, automobiles, and consumer durables. At Stryker India, she leads PR and corporate communications, driving media engagement, crisis management, digital visibility, and stakeholder relationships. She helped increase positive media mentions by 200% within 18 months and secured nearly 200 media features for the launch of the Stryker Global Technology Centre. Her experience also includes leadership roles at Philips, General Motors India, and Canon India, with expertise in reputation building, influencer marketing, and employee engagement.

Gunjan Gupta, Lead Corporate Communication & Sustainability, AstraZeneca Pharma India: A corporate affairs and communications leader with experience in reputation management, patient advocacy, policy partnerships, and sustainability. At AstraZeneca Pharma India, she drives corporate communications aligned with business objectives, supporting stakeholder engagement, organisational transformation, and crisis management. Her work includes healthcare awareness campaigns, employer branding, and communication strategies that connect business priorities with patient and public interests. Previously, she led healthcare and wellness communications at Genesis BCW and worked across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and social-sector accounts.

Harshita Garapati, Assistant General Manager – Corporate Communications, Divi’s Laboratories: A pharmaceutical communications professional with nine years of experience in content strategy, visual storytelling, and event communication. At Divi’s Laboratories, she leads corporate communications initiatives spanning leadership messaging, newsletters, feature stories, website content, videos, and social media. She works closely with internal teams and external agencies to maintain consistent brand messaging and support employee engagement. Her experience also includes media relations, PR coordination, digital communication, and the development of communication materials for the pharmaceutical industry.

Jatin Aggarwal, President – Corporate Communications, Cadila Pharmaceuticals: A corporate communications and public affairs leader with nearly 26 years of experience in reputation management, media relations, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement. At Cadila Pharmaceuticals, he leads integrated internal and external communications, executive positioning, digital communication, and corporate storytelling. His previous leadership roles at Renault India, Essar Group, and Mahindra & Mahindra include corporate communications, public affairs, CSR, and support for product launches and business transformation. His work has earned industry recognition, including the Renault President Award and the Fulcrum Individual Award for Automotive Communications.

Jeyasingh Balakrishnan, Group Head – Corporate Communications and CSR, Metropolis Healthcare: A corporate communications and reputation leader with over 20 years of experience across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and consumer businesses. At Metropolis Healthcare, he leads corporate communications, CSR, ESG, sustainability, and investor communications, while advising senior leadership on corporate positioning and reputation risks. His experience includes crisis management and communications for major pharmaceutical milestones at Hetero, including the launch of generic COVID-19 therapies and the Sputnik V vaccine. He has also led healthcare awareness initiatives, executive communications, and corporate reputation programmes at Cipla and other organisations.

Juhie Gorwara, Head/ Director – Brand, Communications, Digital – Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Philips: A strategic marketing and communications leader with 20 years of experience in brand management, corporate reputation, public relations, and digital marketing. At Philips, she leads brand, communications, digital marketing, and CSR across multiple regions, supporting the company’s diverse healthcare technology and business operations. Her expertise includes internal and external communications, demand generation, executive communication, crisis management, and change communication. Previously, she held global marketing and communications leadership roles at Aricent/Altran, IBM, Avaya, and Yahoo, and serves as Chair of The Marketing Society’s India board.

Karan Tripathi, Head – Corporate Communications & Digi Labs, Alembic Pharmaceuticals: A corporate communications professional leading corporate communications and Digi Labs at Alembic Pharmaceuticals. In his current role, he contributes to the company’s communication initiatives and corporate positioning. His responsibilities span communications strategy and initiatives that support the organisation’s visibility and stakeholder engagement. His leadership combines corporate communications with a focus on digital innovation.

Karthik Chittoor, Assistant General Manager – Corporate Communications, Laurus Labs: A communications professional with experience across pharmaceutical, healthcare, and corporate sectors. At Laurus Labs, he develops and executes media strategies to strengthen brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. His expertise includes media strategy, marketing communications, content development, and cross-functional collaboration. His previous roles at Sekhmet Pharmaventures, Granules India, and MSN Laboratories further strengthen his experience in pharmaceutical communications.

Kishor Barua, Assistant Vice President Marketing (Lead, Integrated Communication), ManipalCigna Health Insurance: A strategic communications and reputation professional with experience across healthcare, BFSI, and other sectors. At ManipalCigna Health Insurance, he leads integrated communications spanning brand strategy, reputation, leadership messaging, and stakeholder engagement. His expertise includes public relations, crisis communication, executive positioning, and strategic storytelling. Recognised among BusinessWorld PR & Corporate Communication 40 Under 40 in 2023, he focuses on building credibility and long-term stakeholder trust.

Komal Mohan, Lead, Corporate Communications & Digital Marketing, India, Boston Scientific India: A corporate communications and digital marketing professional with experience in strategic communications, digital content, and brand visibility. At Boston Scientific India, she leads corporate communications and digital marketing initiatives for the Indian market. Her previous experience at Boston Consulting Group and Gadgets Now adds expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and corporate messaging. Her cross-sector background supports integrated communication strategies and stronger brand engagement.

Kunal Hota, Head of Marketing & Communications, CARE Hospitals: A healthcare marketing and communications leader with 17 years of experience across marketing, media relations, digital outreach, events, and brand development. At CARE Hospitals in Bhubaneswar, he leads end-to-end marketing and communications, including ATL, BTL, and digital campaigns across more than 30 clinical specialties. He has driven media coverage for initiatives such as AI and robotics in orthopaedics and strengthened the hospital’s brand visibility. His work also includes campaign analytics, vendor partnerships, and integrating AI tools into marketing workflows.

Kuntal Mehta, Deputy General Manager Corporate Communication, Meril Life Sciences: A corporate communications and public relations professional with extensive experience in media, advertising, business development, and brand engagement. At Meril Life Sciences, he has held the role of Deputy General Manager Corporate Communication. His earlier career includes over 15 years with Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd., where he worked across business development, advertising solutions, content-led activations, and on-ground brand engagement. This background brings a blend of media experience and corporate communication expertise to the healthcare sector.

Madhav Maharaj, Head- Corporate Communications, PR & CSR, Agilus Diagnostics: A strategic communications professional with experience across healthcare, consumer brands, automotive, and lifestyle sectors. At Agilus Diagnostics, he leads corporate communications, public relations, and CSR, strengthening brand reputation and visibility across a network of more than 450 laboratories. His responsibilities include media relations, executive communications, crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. He also drives community health initiatives focused on diagnostic accessibility and healthcare awareness.

Madiha Vahid, Lead – Branding & Communication, Piramal Pharma Ltd: A communications professional with over 15 years of experience in public relations and corporate communications. At Piramal Pharma, she leads branding and communication initiatives, including external communications, leadership profiling, employer branding, social media, and employee engagement. Her previous experience at Edelman, Ketchum Sampark, Perfect Relations, and Adfactors PR has strengthened her capabilities in media relations, strategic planning, content development, and crisis communication. Her work focuses on building brand visibility and consistent corporate messaging.

Mandira (Mathur) Viegas, Director – Public Affairs & Communications, Abbott India: A senior corporate communications professional with expertise in strategic communications, brand reputation, and stakeholder engagement. At Abbott India, she oversees public affairs and communications for the established pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and cardiovascular divisions, alongside corporate, internal, and citizenship communications. Her previous experience as General Manager – Corporate Communications at Bayer includes media relations, executive messaging, internal communications, corporate advertising, and CSR. Her cross-functional expertise supports integrated communication and reputation management in the healthcare sector.

Manjira Sharma, Head of Corporate Communications, Roche Diagnostics India: A communications professional with over 18 years of experience across journalism, corporate communications, and digital communications. Her expertise includes leadership communication, brand messaging, employee engagement, and designing effective internal and external communication channels. At Roche, she served as Head of Corporate Communications, with responsibilities spanning internal and external communications and CSR. Her previous leadership roles at Lupin, RPG Enterprises, and Axis Bank further strengthened her experience in strategic communications, digital engagement, and corporate reputation.

Masooma Sandeep, Director – Communications, TURMECA Region, Medtronic India: A strategic communications leader with over 25 years of experience across communications and marketing, spanning banking, chemicals, manufacturing, and medical technology. At Medtronic, she leads regional communications, with expertise in strategic branding, stakeholder engagement, media relations, leadership positioning, and crisis management. Her experience includes driving transformation communications and initiatives that strengthen organisational reputation and business alignment. She is also committed to community development, education, and mentoring emerging professionals.

Mehak Handa, Corporate Communication Lead, Merck Life Science India: A communications professional with experience in corporate communication, public relations, and media relations. At Merck Life Science, she has worked in community awareness programmes since 2018, contributing to initiatives that engage audiences and support organisational outreach. Previously, she served as Senior Manager – PR at VIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS, managing media relations and enhancing visibility for clients including PepsiCo, GSK, and Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. Her background combines healthcare communications with broader public relations experience.

Mukeshwari Yadav, Manager Corporate Communications & Events, Bharat Biotech International Limited: A communications and operations professional with over 15 years of experience across administration, client relations, sales, and organisational coordination. At Bharat Biotech International Limited, she manages corporate communications and events, supporting the company’s communication and engagement activities. Her previous roles at the Indian School of Business, GateForum, and FIITJEE have strengthened her experience in programme management, academic operations, and stakeholder coordination. Her broad professional background supports effective communication and event execution.

Namita Narula Gandhi, Head Of Corporate Communications, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals: A healthcare communications professional with extensive experience in corporate public relations and integrated marketing communications. At Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, she leads corporate communications, shaping the organisation’s communication initiatives and reputation. Her previous experience at Edelman India and Weber Shandwick includes healthcare and pharmaceutical communications, media relations, stakeholder management, and strategic counsel. She was recognised in Reputation Today’s 40 Under 40 list in 2019 and featured among e4m’s communication professionals to watch in 2025.

Natasha Raj, Head – Corporate Communication, Mankind Pharma: A communications leader with over 20 years of experience spanning corporate communications, journalism, and broadcast television. At Mankind Pharma, she leads corporate communication, bringing expertise in reputation management, leadership profiling, crisis communication, media relations, and employee engagement. Her previous roles at the Times Group, CK Birla Group, and JKCement have strengthened her experience in integrated campaigns and corporate storytelling. Her journalism background supports credible narratives that align organisational messaging with long-term stakeholder trust.

Naveen Soni, Sr. Director-Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Emcure Pharmaceuticals: A strategic communications leader with over two decades of experience across business journalism and corporate communications. At Emcure Pharmaceuticals, he leads external, internal, and digital communications for a pharmaceutical group with an international presence. His expertise spans brand storytelling, leadership positioning, crisis and litigation communications, stakeholder engagement, CSR, and media relations. His journalism background enables him to combine editorial judgement with corporate objectives to strengthen credibility and reputation.

Nidhi Acharya, Head of Communications – India & Subcon Countries, Medtronic India: A communications and digital transformation leader with over 15 years of experience across corporate communications, public relations, digital strategy, and brand building. At Medtronic, she leads communications for India and subcontinental countries, covering corporate reputation, media relations, employee engagement, government and public affairs, and crisis management. She has also led digital campaigns focused on public awareness, including initiatives addressing Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. Her expertise combines strategic communications with digital innovation and stakeholder engagement across the healthcare ecosystem.

Nikhil Joshi, Manager – Corporate Communications, Torrent Pharmaceuticals: A communications professional with over 30 years of experience in integrated marketing, communication planning, and strategy. At Torrent Pharmaceuticals, he manages internal and external communications for the Torrent Group, supporting corporate branding and organisational messaging. His previous experience as Media Director at Metieta Advertising strengthened his expertise in media planning, advertising, and brand development. His long-standing experience brings a broad perspective to corporate communication and reputation management.

Pallavii Panchmatia, Head Of Corporate Communications, Strides Pharma Science: A corporate communications leader with over 18 years of experience in reputation management, brand strategy, and stakeholder engagement. At Strides Pharma Science, she leads group communications and has played a key role in the creation and listing of OneSource Specialty Pharma, contributing to a significant corporate milestone. Her expertise spans IPO and M&A communications, executive positioning, digital media, ESG storytelling, and crisis management. Her experience across pharmaceuticals and the automotive sector supports strategic narratives that strengthen brand credibility and business reputation.

Parmanand Karan, Sr. Vice President – Business Development & Corporate Affairs, Panacea Biotec: A senior corporate affairs and business development leader with extensive experience across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and infrastructure. He leads corporate affairs, public policy, strategic communications, government relations, CSR, and international business development at Panacea Biotec. His expertise includes reputation management, crisis communication, regulatory engagement, and stakeholder relations with government bodies, policymakers, and industry associations. He has also driven international market expansion, strategic partnerships, and business diversification initiatives.

Pearl Dsouza, Lead Corporate Communications, Indoco Remedies: A corporate communications professional with over two decades of experience at Indoco Remedies. Her responsibilities include internal and external communications, public relations, content creation, and social media management. She also develops corporate presentations for employee training programmes and manages website content and updates. Her work supports consistent corporate messaging, employee communication, and the organisation’s public presence.

Hitesh Sardana, Senior General Manager – Marketing Communications & Govt. Affairs, Poly Medicure: A marketing leader with nearly 20 years of experience across the MedTech, healthcare, and technology sectors. His expertise spans marketing strategy, product commercialisation, go-to-market planning, brand management, digital marketing, and corporate communications. At Poly Medicure, he leads marketing communications and government affairs, building on previous leadership roles at medical technology companies. His experience includes product launches, customer engagement, clinical engagement, and strategic partnerships with healthcare providers and industry stakeholders.

Poonam Valvatkar, Head of Brand, Digital, and Communication, Milann Fertility & Birthing Hospital: A healthcare marketing and communications leader with experience in integrated campaigns across digital, print, radio, SEO, and social media. Her expertise includes brand strategy, public relations, customer lifecycle management, digital marketing, and patient engagement. She has led brand-building initiatives, product launches, and customer acquisition and retention programmes across healthcare and other sectors. Her work focuses on strengthening brand visibility, improving customer experience, and supporting sustainable business growth.

Pramuch Goel, Head – Corporate Affairs and Communications, Syngene International: A senior corporate affairs and strategic communications leader with experience across India, the United States, Europe, and South West Asia. He specialises in corporate reputation, ESG and sustainability, public policy, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management. Throughout his career, he has advised senior leadership on major business developments, including IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and regulatory engagement. His leadership has helped strengthen communications functions and align corporate purpose with business strategy.

Pranav Patil, Head of Communications, Siemens Healthineers India: An experienced communications leader who has headed communications at Siemens Healthineers since 2017. His career also includes leading communications for Siemens’ Infrastructure & Cities business and serving as Senior General Manager for Communications and Business Promotion at Reliance Industries. With experience spanning healthcare, infrastructure, and energy, he brings a strong background in corporate communications and business promotion. His long-standing leadership reflects a focus on strategic communication across large, complex organisations.

Priya Chandramohan, Director of Communications, Boehringer Ingelheim India: An experienced communications leader with a strong background in multinational and multicultural environments across the Asia-Pacific region. Her expertise includes corporate, leadership, internal, change, and crisis communications, alongside media relations, employee engagement, and CSR. Before joining Boehringer Ingelheim, she held communications leadership roles at Sanofi, Zoetis, Merial, and Pfizer India. Her experience spans pharmaceutical and animal health communications, stakeholder engagement, and organisational reputation management.

Priya Kumar, Head- Communications & PR, Healthium Medtech Limited: A communications and public relations professional with 17 years of experience in strategic storytelling, reputation management, and brand building. At Healthium Medtech, she leads communications and PR, drawing on previous experience at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and leading public relations agencies. Her expertise includes media relations, corporate communications, crisis management, content development, and media advocacy. She has worked across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, MedTech, technology, and other sectors, supporting brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Priyam Tyagi, Deputy General Manager – Brand & Communications, Narayana Health: A healthcare marketing and communications professional with extensive experience in hospital branding and customer engagement. At Narayana Health, he has progressed through senior management roles to become Deputy General Manager, Brand & Communications. His previous experience includes marketing communications positions at Aster DM Healthcare, Columbia Asia Hospitals, Artemis Hospitals, and LifeCell International. His expertise spans brand visibility, public relations, internal and external communications, media planning, and integrated marketing activities.

Priyanka Jain, Communication and Digital Brand Lead, Takeda India: A communications and brand professional with around 20 years of experience across journalism, public relations, corporate communications, and digital strategy. At Takeda, she helped strengthen the India capability centre’s brand presence through media engagement, employer branding, leadership communication, and ecosystem partnerships. Her work generated coverage in leading publications and supported outreach in India and Japan. Her wider experience spans pharmaceutical, financial services, energy, technology, and media organisations, with expertise in crisis communication, change management, and digital brand visibility.

Priyanka Sharma, Public Relations Manager, Neuberg Diagnostics: A public relations professional with experience in healthcare communications, brand communication, and media relations. At Neuberg Diagnostics, she manages internal and external communications, drawing on her previous experience at Madison Public Relations and other PR agencies. Her expertise includes press release development, media outreach, crisis management, client servicing, and securing thought leadership opportunities. Her work supports brand visibility and strengthens media engagement across the healthcare sector.

Rachana Panda, VP & Cluster Comms Head, ASEAN, ANZ & South Asia, Bayer Pharmaceuticals India: A strategic communications and public affairs leader with nearly 30 years of experience across healthcare, technology, and industrial sectors. At Bayer, she leads communications across South Asia, ASEAN, and ANZ, focusing on corporate reputation, strategic storytelling, and external engagement. Her experience includes public affairs, sustainability, CSR, brand building, and leadership communications. She also advocates for professional standards in communications and initiatives promoting women’s empowerment and sustainable development.

Rajan Agrawal, Brand Communications and Digital Marketing Specialist, Sterling Hospitals: A digital marketing and brand communications professional with experience across healthcare marketing, digital strategy, and media engagement. At Sterling Hospitals, he focuses on brand communications and digital marketing, building on previous roles at KD Hospital and Zydus Hospitals. His expertise includes SEO, content marketing, social media management, and campaign execution. He combines healthcare sector experience with entrepreneurial exposure through his co-founded ventures in digital marketing and wellness.

Rajan S, Chief Communications, Corporate Affairs and CSR Officer, Roche Diagnostics India: A senior corporate communications and public affairs leader with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. At Roche, he leads communications, external affairs, reputation management, media relations, and CSR, while advising leadership on strategic priorities. His previous roles at GE Healthcare, Abbott, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories involved corporate positioning, crisis communication, policy engagement, and product launches. His work has received industry recognition for healthcare campaigns, advocacy, media engagement, and communications excellence.

Rajani Mishra Iyer, Manager – PR and Communications, Sahyadri Hospitals: A communications professional with extensive experience in public relations, healthcare branding, and media engagement. At Sahyadri Hospitals, she leads PR and communications initiatives, drawing on previous experience in agency-side client servicing and brand management. Her expertise includes media strategy, press releases, crisis communication, internal communications, and event management. Her earlier career in journalism further strengthens her understanding of news coverage, storytelling, and media relations.

Rajeshwaran R B, Head of Brand and Public Relations, MGM Healthcare: A brand and communications leader with experience across healthcare, automotive, media, and consumer-facing industries. At MGM Healthcare, he leads brand strategy, public relations, reputation management, and crisis communication, with a focus on clinical credibility and patient trust. His previous role at Neuberg Diagnostics involved digital marketing, SEO, campaign optimisation, and brand positioning. His expertise also includes integrated marketing campaigns, performance analytics, patient engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Richa Kedar Sinari, General Manager & Head Corporate Communications, Alkem Laboratories: A communications and marketing leader with over 25 years of experience across pharmaceuticals and healthcare. At Alkem Laboratories, she leads corporate communications, building on previous roles in marketing and corporate communication within the organisation. Her career also includes healthcare marketing experience at Fortis Hospitals and pharmaceutical product management roles at several companies. Her expertise spans strategic communications, brand development, marketing strategy, and corporate reputation. 

Rishikesh Raval, President – Group Human Resources & Corporate Communications, Zydus Lifesciences: A senior leader with more than two decades of experience in human resources, organisational development, and cultural transformation. At Zydus Lifesciences, he oversees group human resources and corporate communications, drawing on extensive experience in organisational building and change management. His expertise includes leadership development, workforce planning, organisational restructuring, and building accountable workplace cultures. His career across major pharmaceutical organisations has focused on aligning people strategies with business objectives and strengthening organisational effectiveness.

Ritika Jauhari, Lead – Corporate Communications, Novartis India: An award-winning public affairs and corporate communications professional with close to 20 years of experience across India and the Asia-Pacific region. At Novartis India, she focuses on corporate communications, building on previous leadership roles at SPAG and H+K Strategies. Her expertise spans strategic policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, media relations, and reputation management across healthcare, life sciences, MedTech, and sustainability. Her work has received industry recognition for communications excellence and advocacy initiatives.

Robin Chatterjee, Head – Digital, Branding & Communications, AIG Hospitals: A healthcare marketing and communications professional with experience in digital media, journalism, and editorial leadership. At AIG Hospitals, he leads digital, branding, and communications initiatives, drawing on his background in news writing, editing, media relations, and creative content. He also co-founded e-Doctor India, a digital healthcare platform focused on connecting medical professionals and supporting medical knowledge sharing. His career across healthcare media and journalism combines editorial expertise with digital communication and brand development.

Royston Pinto, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Enzene Biosciences: A marketing and communications professional with experience in brand strategy, digital marketing, media planning, and multichannel campaigns. At Enzene Biosciences, he leads marketing and public relations initiatives to strengthen brand visibility and communication. During his tenure at Syngene International, he managed social media, collaborated with more than 16 biopharma publications, and organized 11 fireside chat webinars that attracted over 1,300 attendees. His experience combines creative content, digital engagement, and strategic marketing to support brand growth and industry outreach.

Ruchika Vermani, Communications Leader, BD India: A communications and marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in external and internal communications, media relations, and content strategy. At BD India, she leads communications, drawing on expertise in leadership communication, employee engagement, employer branding, and crisis management. Her previous roles at EY, Burson-Marsteller, Genesis Burson Marsteller, and IPAN Hill & Knowlton involved integrated campaigns, stakeholder engagement, client leadership, and business development. Her cross-market experience spans India, Africa, and global client assignments across the US and Europe.

Runjun Dutta, Head of Communications, Molbio Diagnostics: A strategic communications professional with over 17 years of experience across healthcare, media production, and public advocacy. At Molbio Diagnostics, she leads communications across India and emerging markets, covering corporate reputation, executive communications, media relations, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Her previous work with Médecins Sans Frontières focused on policy advocacy, access campaigns, and engagement with stakeholders on public health issues. She brings experience in healthcare communications, advocacy, and purpose-driven storytelling to strengthen organizational credibility and trust.

Sarita K., DGM – Marketing & Communications, Transasia Bio-Medicals: A communications leader with over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, marketing, digital strategy, public relations, and brand positioning. At Transasia Bio-Medicals, she works across content marketing and strategic communications to strengthen brand equity and stakeholder trust. Her previous roles at Tata Interactive Systems and Sterlite Technologies involved marketing communications and corporate content leadership. With an earlier background in journalism and editorial management at The Indian Express and Infomedia18, she combines storytelling expertise with strategic communication.

Saumya Kejriwal, Senior Manager, External Comms. – Global Corporate Communications, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries: A communications professional with experience in external communications, media relations, digital content, and brand management. At Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, she handles media relations, branding, global social media, and website management. Previously, at DP World, she coordinated internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and corporate social media strategy. Her experience at Marico and other organizations further spans employer branding, digital marketing, content strategy, and audience engagement.

Saurabh Bose, Deputy General Manager, Country Head Communications and Brand, Gleneagles Hospitals India: A healthcare communications and business operations leader with over 10 years of experience in integrated communications, brand strategy, and hospital operations. At Gleneagles Hospitals India, he leads brand, corporate communications, and public relations initiatives to strengthen brand recognition and stakeholder engagement. Previously, at Apollo Hospitals, he led integrated marketing communications and corporate PR, increasing brand share of voice from 29 to 37 and managing more than 36 national press events. His experience also includes hospital commissioning, transformation initiatives, crisis response, and award-winning communications campaigns.

Shalmali Sardesai, Senior Manager, Investor Communications and Public Relations, MedGenome: A communications and strategy professional with over 13 years of experience in corporate reputation, investor communications, media relations, and brand positioning. At MedGenome, she leads corporate communications and external media engagement, developing PR plans, thought leadership content, and consistent brand messaging across multiple channels. She also oversees crisis preparedness, reputation management, executive media training, and communication performance tracking. Her earlier experience in healthcare research and investment banking at CRISIL and Goldman Sachs strengthens her understanding of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical devices sectors.

Shikha Arora, Senior Associate Director (India Lead), Corporate Communications, Eli Lilly India: An award-winning communications professional with over 18 years of experience in corporate reputation, strategic communications, advocacy, and crisis management. At Eli Lilly India, she leads the corporate communications agenda, executive engagement, internal communications, and initiatives to strengthen the company’s position as a healthcare innovation leader. She spearheaded the communications campaign for Mounjaro’s launch in India, which received the 2025 IPRCCA Award for Best Use of PR. Her previous leadership roles at Baxter and Shire involved global communications, patient advocacy, public affairs, and reputation management.

Shikha Girgla, Head – Brand Strategy & Communication, RJ Corp Healthcare, Cryoviva Lifesciences, Cocoon: A marketing and brand communications professional with over two decades of experience across healthcare and other industries. In her current role, she leads brand strategy and communications for RJ Corp’s healthcare businesses, supporting brand presence across geographies. Her previous roles at Shalby Hospitals and Max Healthcare involved marketing, digital communications, and corporate development. She also brings experience in public relations, brand promotion, social media, events, and crisis management from earlier roles across multiple sectors.

Shipra Singh, Head of Communications, South Asia, GE HealthCare: A communications leader with extensive experience in corporate reputation, stakeholder advocacy, crisis management, internal communications, and media engagement. At GE HealthCare, she leads communications across South Asia, drawing on her experience in healthcare technology and corporate reputation programmes. Previously, as Senior Vice President at Ruder Finn, she worked across communications initiatives for major technology, financial services, and healthcare brands. Her wider experience spans B2B and consumer communications, digital advocacy, and strategic storytelling grounded in context, purpose, and audience insights.

Shivani Saraf, Head of Corporate Communications & CSR, Sanofi India: A communications and corporate affairs leader with over two decades of experience in reputation management, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. At Sanofi, she leads corporate communications and CSR, building on her previous experience at Roche, where she managed corporate affairs, media relations, executive thought leadership, and reputation-building initiatives. Her work includes award-winning campaigns such as Every Day is a Milestone, Walk In My Shoes, and HERConnection. She also brings expertise in public health advocacy, crisis communications, employee engagement, and translating complex scientific and policy issues into impactful narratives.

Shradha Jani, Sr. Manager Corporate Communications, Thermo Fisher Scientific India: A corporate and marketing communications professional with over 15 years of experience in brand reputation management and strategic communications. At Thermo Fisher Scientific India, she leads corporate communications, building on her earlier role as Manager of Corporate Communications within the organisation. During her nearly decade-long tenure at Transasia Bio-Medicals, she managed communication campaigns spanning public relations, social media, internal and external communications, and events. Her earlier experience at Asian Heart Institute strengthened her foundation in healthcare marketing.

Shruti Upadhyay, Associate Director, Communications, Teva Pharmaceuticals: A communications professional with experience across pharmaceuticals, technology, consulting, and sustainability. At Teva Pharmaceuticals, she leads communications, drawing on expertise in media strategy, corporate communications, change management, and crisis communications. Her previous roles at PwC, Genpact, and Envestnet | Yodlee involved leadership communications, content development, business visibility, and marketing strategy. She also brings experience in employee engagement, sustainability communications, media relations, and integrated PR campaigns.

Shruti Verma, General Manager – PR, Corporate Communications & CSR, Max Healthcare: A communications professional with extensive experience in public relations, corporate communications, and journalism. At Max Healthcare, she leads PR, corporate communications, and CSR, having progressed through several communications leadership roles within the organization. Previously, she spent over eight years at Press Trust of India covering retail, consumer durables, and FMCG. Her earlier journalism experience at Financial Chronicle and Mail Today included reporting on financial services and healthcare, giving her a strong foundation in media relations and news communication.

Shweta Munjal, Chief Communications and CSR Officer, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals: A corporate affairs and communications leader with 24 years of experience across healthcare, technology, financial services, energy, and consumer sectors. At Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, she leads enterprise brand, corporate affairs, and executive positioning to support the company’s transformation into an innovation-driven global healthcare organization. Her expertise includes corporate reputation, leadership advisory, stakeholder engagement, crisis management, and strategic communications across more than 40 countries. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Lupin, Nayara Energy, and Thomson Reuters, driving corporate positioning, sustainability initiatives, and integrated communications.

Smrity Arora, Director Corporate Communications, Biocon Biologics: A corporate communications and public affairs leader with over 15 years of experience across the biopharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, including Biocon, Novartis, Roche, and Cipla. At Biocon Biologics, she leads corporate communications, drawing on experience in executive communications, policy engagement, investor communications, ESG, and change management. She previously worked in the Global CEO’s Office, shaping leadership messaging and communications around business strategy, sustainability, and regulatory priorities. Her expertise includes crisis management and translating complex scientific and technical information into clear narratives for media, investors, regulators, and policymakers.

Sonali Singh, Leading Public Relations and Corporate Communications, HealthCare Global: A public relations and communications professional with experience in media relations, client servicing, communications strategy, and crisis management. At HealthCare Global, she leads public relations and corporate communications, supporting the organization’s media engagement and strategic communication efforts. She previously spent over a decade at Weber Shandwick, progressing to the role of Account Director. Her earlier experience at Perfect Relations and EMPRI further strengthened her capabilities in media relations, research, client management, and communications planning.

Soumya P, Lead Corporate Communications, Rainbow Children’s Medicare: A communications professional with experience in public relations, media relations, and strategic communications. At Rainbow Children’s Hospitals, she leads corporate communications, drawing on her previous role as Manager of PR and External Communications at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. Her experience also includes account management roles at Genesis BCW, Ruder Finn India, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, and AvianWe. Across these roles, she has developed expertise in client servicing, project management, social media, and communications strategy.

Sreehari Nair, Communications Lead, Aster DM Healthcare: A communications leader with close to two decades of experience in strategic communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement. At Aster DM Healthcare, he has led communications for major corporate milestones, including restructuring and a significant merger, coordinating closely with leadership, legal advisors, and bankers. His previous tenure at P. D. Hinduja Hospital involved healthcare marketing communications, crisis management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and communicating complex medical developments through patient-centric narratives. His background in journalism and editorial roles further supports his expertise in storytelling, media relations, and corporate reputation.

Sridharan Periasamy, Head – Corporate Affairs & PR, Trivitron Healthcare: A business and corporate affairs professional with approximately 25 years of experience spanning marketing, strategic planning, business development, and operations. At Trivitron Healthcare, he has held responsibility for corporate affairs and public relations, bringing experience from leadership positions across industry and business organizations. Previously, he served as Director and Head of the Tamil Nadu State Office at the Confederation of Indian Industry and as Head of the FICCI Tamil Nadu State Council. His broader career includes senior business development and management roles, providing experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic growth, and organizational leadership.

Srihari Munirathnam, Head of Marketing, Sukino Continuum Care: A marketing and communications professional with experience across healthcare, corporate communications, and public relations. At Sukino Continuum Care, he served as Head of Marketing, following leadership roles in brand and communications at SPARSH Hospital and Narayana Health. His healthcare experience includes brand strategy, PR, digital communications, content development, and crisis management. Earlier roles at organizations including Technicolor, Nike, and Air Deccan further broadened his experience in corporate communications and brand engagement.

Srinivasa Sastry, Head-Corp.comm, CRM & CSR, Indian Immunologicals Limited: A corporate communications, customer relationship management, and CSR professional with extensive experience at Indian Immunologicals Limited. In his current role, he oversees corporate communications, CRM, and CSR alongside responsibilities related to marketing initiatives and resource utilization. His work includes developing short- and long-term strategic plans and budgets to support sales and marketing operations. He also brings experience in customer relationship management and marketing strategy, supported by academic qualifications in Botany and an MBA in Marketing.

Sriram Gopalakrishnan, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Sai Life Sciences Ltd: A marketing and communications strategist with extensive experience in brand positioning, integrated marketing communications, digital publishing, and business development. At Sai Life Sciences, he leads marketing and communications, building on his previous tenure as Vice President of Corporate Communications. His earlier leadership role at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories involved corporate branding, digital presence, internal communications, and brand transformation across India and emerging markets. He also brings experience in institutional marketing, media relations, reputation management, and content strategy from his tenure at the Indian School of Business.

Sumantika Choudhury, Head of Corporate Communications, Medanta – The Medicity: A corporate communications professional with nearly two decades of experience across healthcare, media relations, crisis communications, and public relations. At Medanta, she leads corporate communications, drawing on previous experience supporting healthcare brands including Fortis Hospitals, Narayana Health, and Apollo Hospitals. During her 15-year tenure at Adfactors PR, she progressed through multiple roles, managing media relationships, strategic communication plans, content development, and client servicing. Her expertise also spans communications across telecom, automotive, education, technology, and sports.

Sunder Ramachandran, Chief People & Transformation Officer and Head of Corporate Communications, Biological E. Limited: A business leader with over 20 years of cross-functional experience spanning commercial leadership, transformation, people strategy, and communications. At Biological E., he leads human resources, business transformation, corporate communications, and administration as part of the executive leadership team. His previous roles at Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and GSK involved commercial excellence, digital adoption, capability building, and business transformation across emerging markets. He also brings experience in organisational development and leadership, alongside his work as an author and contributor to leading business publications.

Sushree Mishra, General Manager, Global Corporate Strategy, Corporate Communications & In-licensing, JB Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals: A pharmaceutical marketing and strategy professional with experience in corporate communications, brand management, and business development. At JB Pharmaceuticals, she has contributed to the company’s transformation journey, leading initiatives in corporate identity, external communications, and organisational culture. She conceptualised the “JB: Good People for Good Health” brand campaign and has led public relations, media engagement, and digital communications. Her broader responsibilities include global corporate strategy, in-licensing, go-to-market planning, leadership development, and ESG and DE&I initiatives.

Suvarchala Ganti, Director, Communications, Public Affairs, and DEI, Novo Nordisk India: A communications leader with experience spanning corporate communications, public affairs, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Novo Nordisk, she leads communications, public affairs, and DEI, following her previous role as Associate Director of Communications and Public Affairs. Her earlier experience at Eli Lilly included progressively senior corporate communications positions, while her work at Siemens Healthineers and Keysight Technologies broadened her expertise across healthcare and technology. Her background includes strategic communications, media engagement, and corporate reputation.

Tina Choudhury, Vice President, Marketing, Rainbow Children’s Medicare: A marketing and communications leader with over 17 years of experience across healthcare, retail, BFSI, technology, and FMCG. At Rainbow Children’s Hospitals, she led marketing, building on previous healthcare leadership roles at the American Oncology Institute, CARE Hospitals, and Gleneagles Global Hospitals. Her expertise includes brand strategy, digital marketing, public relations, corporate communications, employer branding, and crisis management. She has also developed award-winning campaigns and brings experience in integrated marketing, media relations, and cross-functional team leadership.

Trina R., Group Communications Manager, Nipro Corporation: A communications professional with a background in content creation, digital marketing, and corporate communications. At Nipro, she manages group communications, drawing on experience in content strategy, branding, digital communications, and collaboration across international teams. Her previous roles at Riya Travel and Tours, Games24x7, and MUrgency involved marketing content, SEO, media outreach, website development, and digital campaigns. Earlier in her career, she worked as Chief Copy Editor at HealthMeUp.com, covering health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness topics.

Uma Balakrishnan, Head of Corporate Communications, Pfizer India: A communications and marketing professional with over 16 years of experience in corporate communications, reputation management, media relations, and integrated marketing. At Pfizer India, she leads corporate communications and provides strategic counsel to support stakeholder engagement and the company’s corporate identity. Previously, at Visa, she led communications for India and South Asia, managing PR campaigns, leadership communications, reputation, and social impact initiatives. Her earlier roles at Worldline and TimesofMoney strengthened her experience in brand strategy, corporate rebranding, media engagement, and integrated campaigns.

Umesh Kolambkar, PR and Corporate Communications, Wockhardt Hospitals Ltd: A public relations and corporate communications professional with a background in journalism and experience across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, finance, education, and FMCG. At Wockhardt Hospitals, he leads external communications, strategic PR, digital publicity, and reputation-building initiatives across hospital locations. His responsibilities include media relations, crisis management, clinical communications, leadership profiling, and integrated online and offline campaigns. Previously, he held communications roles at Lavasa Corp, Adfactors PR, and Perfect Relations, building experience in media engagement, corporate storytelling, and event management.

Varun Mali, Head of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Aurobindo Pharma Ltd: A pharmaceutical scientist and registered pharmacist with a multidisciplinary background spanning corporate communications, investor relations, research and development, international business, and government affairs. At Aurobindo Pharma, he leads investor relations and strategic corporate communications, shaping the company’s external narrative and stakeholder engagement. Previously, he served as Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission in Hyderabad, supporting international business development and trade. His earlier experience at Novartis and Piramal includes project management and pharmaceutical R&D programme management.

Varun Monga, Group Brand Manager, Dr. Lal PathLabs: A brand and marketing professional with over 14 years of experience in brand development, consumer marketing, corporate communications, and consumer activations. At Dr. Lal PathLabs, he leads national brand communication, media strategy, public relations campaigns, and product launches to strengthen brand visibility and patient engagement. Previously, he led brand marketing, corporate communications, and PR at Paras Health, including initiatives supporting brand reputation and investor confidence. His experience at Max Healthcare further spans integrated campaigns, digital marketing, customer acquisition, and consumer engagement.

Conclusion

Reputation is built through consistent communication, credibility, and trust. The leaders featured in The Reputation Leaders 100: India’s Most Influential Healthcare Communications Leaders – 2026 exemplify the growing importance of strategic communication in an industry where public confidence and clear, responsible messaging matter deeply.

Their work extends beyond brand visibility to shaping narratives, fostering stakeholder relationships, and strengthening the connection between healthcare organisations and the communities they serve. This recognition celebrates their contributions, honours their leadership, and highlights the pivotal role of healthcare communicators in building stronger, more trusted healthcare brands across India.

– Researched and Edited By Shivani Solanki

Disclaimer

This editorial, “The Reputation Leaders 100: India’s Most Influential Healthcare Communications Leaders – 2026,” has been curated through independent research, industry analysis, and publicly available information sourced from company websites, professional profiles, media publications, interviews, and other credible public resources available at the time of compilation. The individuals featured represent a cross-section of professionals contributing to public relations, corporate communications, brand reputation, strategic communications, media relations, and related functions across India’s healthcare ecosystem. The editorial is not intended to serve as an exhaustive or definitive list of all professionals working in healthcare communications.

The selection process follows a structured editorial approach, with emphasis on the relevance of each individual’s professional responsibilities and contribution to communication, reputation management, branding, public relations, and stakeholder engagement within the healthcare sector. The profiles considered span organisations across pharmaceuticals, hospitals, diagnostics, biotechnology, medical technology, health technology, and consumer healthcare. Featured professionals may hold designations such as Heads of Corporate Communications, Public Relations Leaders, Communications Directors, Brand and Marketing Communications Heads, General Managers, Vice Presidents, Associate Directors, and other relevant managerial or leadership positions. Designations and levels of seniority may vary across organisations, reflecting differences in organisational structures, responsibilities, and reporting hierarchies. Inclusion is based on the relevance of an individual’s role and professional contribution to healthcare communications rather than designation alone.

The profiles are arranged in alphabetical order of the individuals’ names and do not constitute a ranking. The sequence of appearance should not be interpreted as an indication of influence, professional achievement, experience, seniority, organisational standing, or any comparative assessment among the featured individuals.

All information presented has been compiled from publicly available sources believed to be reliable. However, professional designations, organisational affiliations, responsibilities, and achievements may change over time. While every reasonable effort has been made to verify the information, inadvertent errors, omissions, or changes occurring after publication may remain.

The inclusion of any individual or organisation in this editorial is intended solely for recognition and informational purposes. It should not be construed as an endorsement, recommendation, formal affiliation, or independent validation of any individual’s professional performance or an organisation’s services, products, or reputation.

We remain committed to fairness, transparency, and editorial integrity in our recognition initiatives. If any corrections, updates, or clarifications are required, we welcome constructive feedback and may consider appropriate revisions in future editions.