StartupLanes

Rayapudi Kiran Kumar is a distinguished executive leader with over two decades of proven success in driving business growth through strategic, operational, technical and cultural transformation. His career reflects a commitment to excellence in leadership and innovation, underscoring his role in shaping the future of the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Kiran’s career trajectory highlights his significant contributions to various high-impact roles. As the Chief of Staff at Kawman Pharma, he was pivotal in steering the Kawman Pharma’s strategic direction and overseeing its operational execution. His prior role as a Mentor at Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, involved mentoring start-ups and fostering entrepreneurial talent. Prior to this, Kiran served as Senior Vice President at SS Pharma, where he was instrumental in orchestrating operations, technical strategies and commercial growth. His tenure at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited as a Program Manager underscored his expertise in strategy and business analytics, leading successful project management initiatives.

At Therapiva Private Limited, where he worked, Kiran held the position of Deputy General Manager and Head of Portfolio and Project Management. His leadership in API, CDMO, electronic chemicals and formulation business was crucial in driving the company's new product portfolio . Kiran contributed to Biocon Limited as part of the Small Molecules API Projects, focusing on greenfield and brownfield projects and program management of new product development. His role at Sai Life Sciences Limited as Technology Transfer Lead involved leading a team of chemical engineers in technology transfer projects.

Earlier in his career, Kiran was a member of the Director’s Secretariat team at Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited and his role at Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Limited encompassed business development and analytics across Europe and Asia Pacific markets. His foundational experience in process engineering began at Shasun Chemicals & Drug Limited and Srini Pharmaceuticals Limited, where he honed his technical skills.

Throughout his career, Kiran has received several notable awards and recognitions, including being honoured by Tradeflock as one of India’s Best Commercial Leaders in 2023 and recognised by the Indian Achievers Forum for his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. His leadership excellence was acknowledged with the Outstanding Leadership Award by Health 2.0 in Dubai and he received multiple accolades at Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, including awards for excellence in collaboration, project execution, customer service and team excellence.

With a solid foundation in both engineering and business, Kiran holds a Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Warangal and an MBA in Operations from Sikkim Manipal University. He furthered his education with the General Management programme from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, in 2023. His commitment to continuous learning is reflected in his certifications, including Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP) and specialised courses in Financial Modelling and valuation from Ernst & Young.

Rayapudi Kiran Kumar’s distinguished career embodies a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence and technical acumen. His leadership has consistently driven business growth and operational success across multiple sectors, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals. With a robust track record of managing complex projects and leading high-performing teams, Kiran is poised to continue delivering exceptional results and fostering innovation in his future endeavours.