In an industry traditionally dominated by men, women are stepping up to redefine leadership, and one such powerhouse is Priyanka Chigurupati. As the Executive Director of Granules India Limited, she has played a pivotal role in steering the company’s global sales, marketing, and portfolio. With over 13 years of experience across multiple divisions—including strategy, investor relations, and portfolio management—Priyanka has emerged as an influential force in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector.
Despite coming from a family deeply rooted in the pharmaceutical business, her journey was anything but conventional. Priyanka Chigurupati initially aspired to be a professional badminton player, later considering acting and fashion before ultimately making her mark in the pharmaceutical industry. This transition wasn’t easy, but it was a challenge she embraced with unwavering determination.
Priyanka Chigurupati: Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
According to a 2023 report by Dasra, women hold only 18% of leadership roles in India’s healthcare sector. This statistic highlights the gender disparity that exists within the industry. However, Priyanka Chigurupati is among the bold women changing the narrative, proving that resilience, vision, and adaptability can break even the strongest barriers.
Priyanka’s journey with Granules India began in 2012 as a Divisional Manager in Hyderabad. Unlike many second-generation entrepreneurs who seamlessly inherit leadership positions, her path was filled with learning curves, strategic shifts, and the need to prove herself beyond her lineage. “Entering this industry was a bold move,” she admits. “I had minimal knowledge of chemistry, but I overcame this by asking questions, reading extensively, and pushing myself beyond my limits.”
A Leadership Style That Fosters Change
Priyanka’s leadership approach is both traditional and transformative. While Priyanka Chigurupati shares her father’s meticulous decision-making style, she also strives to bring a cultural shift to Granules India. Her goal? To create a more professional, dynamic, and innovation-driven environment while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit that built the company.
“Introducing changes in a family business is nearly impossible without a well-defined strategy,” she shares. “There’s a constant internal struggle between ‘why won’t my father listen to me?’ and ‘why won’t my boss listen to me?’”
However, she views these challenges as opportunities. Instead of resisting change, Priyanka Chigurupati actively seeks innovative solutions, including leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments that align with the company’s long-term vision. Her forward-thinking approach is paving the way for the company’s evolution in a rapidly advancing industry.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Like any accomplished leader, Priyanka Chigurupati has faced her share of obstacles. Climbing to the position of Executive Director required patience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “The journey has been filled with unexpected transitions, but each step has shaped me into the leader I am today,” she reflects.
One of the key milestones in her career has been driving the company’s expansion into the US pharmaceutical market. As Executive Director of Granules USA & Granules Pharmaceuticals Inc. (2017–2024), she spearheaded the company’s growth in a highly competitive landscape, further strengthening its global footprint.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
Granules India is renowned for its diverse product offerings, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), pharmaceutical formulation intermediates (PFIs), finished dosages, and highly potent drugs. Under Priyanka’s leadership, the company has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation, quality, and accessibility, ensuring that life-saving medicines reach patients worldwide.
Despite being a second-generation entrepreneur, Priyanka does not rely solely on her family legacy. Instead, she is building her own—one that is marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to progress. “Every decision we make as leaders must be audacious. If we want to create meaningful change, we must have the courage to step out of our comfort zones.”
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