Subhanu Saxena

Subhanu Saxena spearheads key cross-functional initiatives for the foundation and is building capabilities to enhance the foundation’s ability to support introduction of new innovations at scale. He is a highly accomplished global executive whose experience has spanned markets in Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. He has worked in various industries including in pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), consulting and banking.

Prior to his current role, Subhanu was with Cipla, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company with a presence in over 170 countries as MD and global CEO. He has also served as a member of Novartis' Pharmaceutical Executive Committee where he was head of Global Product Strategy and Commercialization responsible for marketing, sales, global medical affairs, and health economics. He assumed this role after a four-year stint as Novartis' UK Pharma CEO and country president. Subhanu has also worked with Citigroup, Boston Consulting Group, and Pepsi Co Inc. His early industry experience includes developing entry and growth strategies for Pepsi.

Subhanu graduated with an MBA from INSEAD France, Fontainebleau, and a M.A. (Hons) in Engineering Science from Oxford University, both with distinction. A citizen of the United Kingdom, and an India OCI cardholder, he is fluent in English, Hindi, and Sanskrit, and has a good working knowledge of French, German, and Russian. On the non-professional side, Subhanu loves loud music and Sanskrit and Vedanta teaching. He is a lecture /teacher of Sanskrit and ancient Indian literature and has a love for Urdu poetry. He also plays classical guitar and is an executive committee member of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, UK.