Contract research, development and manufacturing organisation Aragen has appointed Aniel Khubchandani as CEO of its Development and Manufacturing Solutions business.

Khubchandani, who joins the company’s management council, will be based in Hyderabad.

According to Aragen Life Sciences CEO Manni Kantipudi, the development and manufacturing solutions vertical is ‘critical’ to the organisation’s growth strategy.

“Aniel brings over 30 years of leadership experience in pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals, with deep expertise in life sciences, commercial operations, and strategic initiatives,” said Kantipudi. “I am happy to welcome him to Aragen.”

Khubchandani previously served as CEO of Sekhmet Pharmaventures and Co-CEO of Jubilant Ingrevia. His background includes work across M&A, digital marketing, risk management, licensing, and business transformation. He is a certified Independent Director, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and an alumnus of IIT, IIM, and the Kellogg School of Management.

Commenting on the move, Khubchandani said: “Globally, there is an increasing focus on outsourcing, especially in the late-phase and commercial manufacturing space. Aragen has made strategic investments in recent years to strengthen its capabilities and expand its capacity – and is on the cusp of scaling to the next level of growth.”