Dr.Maninder Singh Sawhney (Hon)
Mumbai
Summary
A seasoned pharmaceutical leader with deep expertise in the Central Nervous System (CNS) segment, bringing a proven track record of building and transforming high-performance businesses in India. Successfully led Lundbeck India as Country Manager, driving a significant turnaround and earning recognition as the Best Country Manager in Southeast Asia.
Instrumental in launching and establishing first-in-class patented therapies, including Vortioxetine, and positioning the organisation among the fastest-growing CNS companies in India.
Demonstrated strong capability in market development, brand building, and therapy leadership in highly specialized segments.
At Cadila Pharmaceuticals, successfully rebuilt and scaled the CNS business, delivering sustained growth and strengthening field force effectiveness.
Known for strong engagement with key opinion leaders (KOLs) across India, driving scientific advocacy, and shaping prescription behaviour. Combines strategic vision with execution excellence to consistently deliver above-market growth in competitive and evolving CNS landscapes.
Former Chief Strategy Officer at Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd, operating at ₹1,500+ Cr scale and leading enterprise-wide transformation across multiple businesses
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Consultant
Self employed
Mumbai
04.2025 - Current
- Operating as a hands-on business leader, supporting India market entry .
- Leading end-to-end India business setup, including portfolio strategy &scale-up roadmap etc.
Senior Vice President – Partnerships & Cluster Head
GoApptiv Pvt. Ltd.
Mumbai
10.2023 - 03.2025
- Led and scaled India-based commercial capability platforms supporting global pharmaceutical and healthcare principals (Sanofi, Abbott, Pfizer, Roche, Brinton).
- Oversaw turnover of 400 crores while managing a team of over 400 members.
- Led three integrated business units, managing 400+ field and commercial professionals across chronic, specialty, wellness, and medical device portfolios.
- Launched the Pediatric Nutrition Team of Goapptiv and scaled up business with a unique KOL development strategy established the brand i.e. Abdec Drops, Abdec Syrup & Pepticaine etc.
- Implemented capability playbooks for launch excellence, KOL engagement, hybrid selling, and virtual detailing.
- OCAT (Stanford Seed Consultancy): Aspira team rated Best-in-Organization for leadership, management maturity, and operational excellence.
Chief Strategy Officer & Cluster Head – Oncology, Dermatology & CNS
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Ahmedabad
09.2022 - 10.2023
- Headed enterprise-wide commercial strategy and capability transformation across Oncology, Dermatology, and CNS portfolios.
- Established and directed cross-functional commercial COEs, integrating marketing, analytics, SFE, and supply chain while overseeing turnover of 1500 crores.
- Led launch excellence and lifecycle management for multiple specialty brands aligned to global best practices.
- Designed analytics-led performance frameworks and standardized GTM execution models.
- Achieved ₹100 Cr milestone for Calcirol, leveraging innovative omnichannel strategy and lifecycle optimization.
- Strengthened commercial governance, compliance, and execution discipline across business units.
Country Manager / Director – India
Lundbeck India
Bengaluru
01.2018 - 03.2022
- Led end-to-end India affiliate operations, reporting directly to global headquarters and regional leadership.
- Transformed business from -1% to 21% EBITDA, achieving double market growth in CNS.
- Relaunched India operations with patented global CNS brands using structured launch excellence frameworks.
- Managed full P&L responsibilities and governance across sales, marketing, medical, HR, finance, regulatory, and supply chain.
- Coordinated Phase IV clinical trials involving over 450 patients, securing approval for two patented therapies.
- Introduced scalable commercial operating models: CCE Model and 3P Framework to enhance operational efficiency.
- Received ACE Best Country Manager award in 2019 for outstanding performance.
- Contributed to national-level commercial and talent capability initiatives as a member of OPPI Executive Board.
Regional Business Manager – Nutrition
Abbott Nutrition India
Hyderabad
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Developed and expanded pediatric nutrition business from 171 crores to 200 crores across South India..
- Strengthened physician engagement models, distributor capability, and GTM execution.
- Established as number one team following GST implementation
Regional Business Manager
Pfizer Ltd.
India
10.1993 - 09.2016
- Led large, multi-therapy commercial teams across Dental Cardiology, CNS, Critical Care, Pain, Women’s Health.
- Key contributor to global and India launches: Minipress XL, Norvasc, Fragmin, Medrol, Dolonex.
- Managed 160+ team members, consistently achieving #1 national rankings.
- Developed high-performing leadership pipelines and strong execution culture.
Education
MBA - Personnel & Marketing
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
PG Diploma - Marketing & Sales Management
Board of Technical Education
B.Sc. - Zoology, Botany & Chemistry
Rohilkhand University
Certification
- Sales Force Effectiveness – IIM Ahmedabad
- Total Quality Management
- Efficiency & Effectiveness in Pharmaceutical Business
Affiliations
- OCAT – Stanford Seed Consultancy -Best Leadership Team(2025)
- Calcirol 100 Crore brand in India (2024.)
- AWACS Award – Launch Excellence "Brintellix " (2020)
- ACE Best Country Manager – Lundbeck SEA (2019)
- Golden Award – Mental Health Brand Excellence (2018)
Timeline
Consultant
Self employed
04.2025 - Current
Senior Vice President – Partnerships & Cluster Head
GoApptiv Pvt. Ltd.
10.2023 - 03.2025
Chief Strategy Officer & Cluster Head – Oncology, Dermatology & CNS
Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
09.2022 - 10.2023
Country Manager / Director – India
Lundbeck India
01.2018 - 03.2022
Regional Business Manager – Nutrition
Abbott Nutrition India
09.2016 - 01.2018
Regional Business Manager
Pfizer Ltd.
10.1993 - 09.2016
MBA - Personnel & Marketing
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning
PG Diploma - Marketing & Sales Management
Board of Technical Education
B.Sc. - Zoology, Botany & Chemistry
Rohilkhand University