Cohance Lifesciences appoints Umang Vohra as Executive Chairman and Group CEO

Hyderabad: Cohance Lifesciences Limited,a technology-driven, integrated CDMO platform specializing in complex chemistry, ADCs, oligonucleotides, advanced API development and performance materials, today announced the appointment of Umang Vohra as Executive Chairman, effective May 1, 2026 and Group CEO, effective May 20, 2026.

Mr. Vohra succeeds Mr. Vivek Sharma, who steps down as Executive Chairman for personal reasons. Mr Sharma will continue to be with Cohance as an Advisor for the next 9 months and will support a smooth transition. The appointment of Mr. Vohra reflects a deliberate, strategic decision taken by the Board, to bring in a leader whose profile is specifically suited to the demands of the company’s transformation and its next phase of growth.

Cohance Lifesciences has built a differentiated position in the global CDMO landscape through its depth in proprietary chemistry, complex multi-step synthesis, and advanced process R&D. The company’s capabilities span complex APIs, ADCs and Oligonucleotides, complex intermediates, performance materials and specialty ingredients. With integrated R&D centres, over 400 R&D scientists, and established partnerships with global pharmaceutical innovators, Cohance’s platform is anchored in science.

Mr. Vohra is one of the most accomplished leaders in the pharmaceutical industry. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has led large, complex, global businesses through periods of strategic transformation while maintaining an unwavering focus on customers, quality and operational excellence. Most recently, as CEO and Managing Director of Cipla Limited, Mr. Vohra led the company’s transformation over the last decade to build a diversified global pharmaceutical enterprise. Having worked in and transformed two very large and respected Pharma companies in India, Mr. Vohra brings an owner-mindset and vast experience in business to the Cohance platform.

Umang Vohra said, “I am very excited to be joining Cohance. I believe deeply in the long-term value creation potential of this platform. Cohance’s technology offerings, depth of its R&D talent, and the quality of the leadership team already in place provide a strong foundation. I am looking forward to this entrepreneurial stint and will work closely with the current management leaders to create value for customers, employees and shareholders alike.

Vivek Sharma said, “Over the past few years, we have built a strong foundation for Cohance — integrating businesses, strengthening the leadership team, and establishing the platform’s identity as a science-led CDMO. I am proud of what the team has achieved and confident that the platform is well positioned for its next chapter. I wish Umang and the entire Cohance team every success as they take the company forward.”

Pankaj Patwari, Managing Director at Advent, said, “I am excited to welcome Umang to the Cohance family. The platform will greatly benefit from a leader like Umang, who brings an owner- manager mindset, and who can build on the business’s scientific foundation, drive commercial scale, deepen customer partnerships, and develop a leading operating culture. Umang is one of the most respected leaders in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. He brings global stature, operational depth, and a track record of building and leading large-scale transformations. We are delighted to partner with him as we continue to grow the business together.”