Suresh Kumar Rai Joins Sun Pharma As SVP & CHRO Following Sapna Purohit's Exit
Suresh Kumar Rai has been appointed as Sun Pharmaceutical's new senior vice president and chief human resources officer, effective immediately.
Rai will take over for Sapna Purohit, who will retire in February 2024. She has been the SVP and Head of HR for the Indian pharmaceutical MNC since 2018. Purohit, the retiring SVP and Head of HR, previously worked for Reliance Power as Vice President of Human Resources, Reliance Infrastructure as Head of HR for Transmission Business and AVP of Organisational Development, and Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company as Executive Director of Human Resources.
“In view of the retirement of Dr Sapna Purohit, Mr Suresh Kumar Rai is appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer effective from December 7, 2023. Suresh would work closely with Dr. Sapna Purohit until her retirement.” Adding, “Suresh is known for leading with global experience in the consumer goods business. He brings multi-country experience, proven HR next practice & tech innovator to his new role,” the company said in a filing.
Rai brings over 30 years of HR experience to his new role, including HR strategy, M&A and disposals, fostering high-performing and agile workplaces, leadership development, and the development of digital, data and global capability centres.
He worked for Unilever for 25 years, holding key leadership positions such as CHRO, Global VP for Foods and Refreshments, Vice President of Human Resources for SEA & Australasia, VP of HR & Board member for Unilever Philippines, and Leadership Development Director. Prior to this, he was employed by Procter & Gamble as the Operations Manager of Product Supply Organisation since 1991.
