Pankaj Aseri
Brand Protection Professional
Mumbai
Summary
Accomplished security and brand protection leader with 10+ years of experience in combating counterfeiting, diversion, and tampering in the pharmaceutical industry. Proficient in developing and standardizing counterfeit programs, implementing innovative digital solutions, and fostering global collaboration to protect people, assets, and business processes. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage crisis situations, lead cross-functional teams, and deliver measurable business impact. Currently enhancing global collaboration by developing proficiency in German.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
2
2
Languages
Work History
Associate Director, Anti-Falsified Medicine, South-East Asia & Indian Sub-continent
Novartis Healthcare
03.2019 - Current
- Designed and standardized counterfeit program processes across the South-East Asia and Indian subcontinent regions, ensuring alignment with global standards and regulatory compliance
- Developed end-to-end workflows to enhance program efficiency, accelerating detection and enforcement actions
- Pioneered the integration of advanced counterfeit detection technologies, including Raman Spectroscopy and Near-Infrared Sensors
- Spearheaded mobile authentication initiatives, enabling real-time verification and improving detection accuracy
- Mentored a team of forensic experts and security professionals, building a high-performing network aligned with organizational objectives
- Partnered with international organizations like the Pharmaceutical Security Institute (PSI) and local law enforcement to strengthen regional and global security measures
- Managed high-risk security incidents, coordinating cross-functional crisis responses and mitigating operational disruptions
- Led data loss prevention (DLP) investigations, minimizing organizational risk and improving information security protocols
- Standardized governance practices to ensure compliance with WHO reporting requirements, ensuring 100% compliance with WHO reporting timelines
- Delivered quarterly and ad-hoc reports to senior leadership, demonstrating program impact and cost optimization
- Engaged extensively with external stakeholders such as police and health authorities to drive enforcement actions
- Appeared in hearings with FDA and successfully helped reverse seven recall orders in the past two years by demonstrating extensive anti-counterfeit efforts, proving that recall was unnecessary
Regional Manager, Global Brand Protection – India & South Asia
Johnson & Johnson
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Facilitated alignment between global brand protection objectives and regional operational priorities, ensuring seamless implementation across India and South Asia
- Collaborated with Customs and law enforcement agencies, achieving successful enforcement actions
Brand Protection Specialist – APAC (Excluding China)
Johnson & Johnson
01.2016 - 03.2019
- Orchestrated regional enforcement actions, including market and internet monitoring, delivering quantifiable results
- Designed and implemented an awareness campaign targeting key stakeholders, leading to improved compliance adherence
Senior Associate
Singh & Singh Lall & Sethi Advocates
05.2011 - 01.2016
- Standardized enforcement workflows for IP litigation, customs registration, and domain name disputes, improving case throughput
- Trained Customs officials and law enforcement on IP enforcement measures, enhancing operational efficiency and increasing seizures
Education
B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) - Intellectual Property
National Law University
04.2006 - 05.2011
Skills
- Counterfeit Program Development & Standardization
- Crisis Management & Incident Response
- Innovation in Security Technology & Digitalization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Team collaboration and leadership
Operations management
Professional networking
Program development
Process improvement
Budget management
Stakeholder engagement
Risk analysis
Data analysis
Tangible Results
- Reduced counterfeit detection timelines through process optimization.
- Achieved enforcement actions preventing financial losses exceeding INR X million across key regions.
- Resolved multiple incidents, minimizing operational risks.
- Improved counterfeit detection accuracy through digital solutions.
Awards
- Four Encore Platinum Awards for outstanding leadership and results (2017–2018).
- Encore Gold Award for exceptional delivery in supply chain security (2017–2018).
- Novartis Galaxy Award for exemplary performance impacting entire India Operations (2023, 2024).
- Contributed key insights on enforcement strategies in Wolters Kluwer’s Manual of Industrial Property.
Certifications And Tools
- Proficient in Forensic Testing Equipment (e.g., Thermo-Fisher Truscan, Spectral Engines).
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite and mobile authentication technologies.
Affiliations
TAPA Authorised Auditor (AA) for 1. Trucking Security Requirements (TSR); and 2. Facility Security Requirements
Certification
TAPA Authorized Auditor (AA) for Facility Security Requirements and Trucking Security Requirements
Timeline
Associate Director, Anti-Falsified Medicine, South-East Asia & Indian Sub-continent
Novartis Healthcare
03.2019 - Current
Regional Manager, Global Brand Protection – India & South Asia
Johnson & Johnson
01.2018 - 03.2019
Brand Protection Specialist – APAC (Excluding China)
Johnson & Johnson
01.2016 - 03.2019
Senior Associate
Singh & Singh Lall & Sethi Advocates
05.2011 - 01.2016
B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) - Intellectual Property
National Law University
04.2006 - 05.2011
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