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Billionaire Profile
Dilip Shanghvi
Global Rank
#84

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Dilip Shanghvi

CEO, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
IN
Real-Time Net Worth
$27.3B
As of December 2025
Age
70
Source
Pharmaceuticals
Industry
healthcare
Citizenship
IN

Biography

Dilip Shanghvi, the founder of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, is an Indian billionaire businessman who has revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry. With a net worth of $27.3 billion, he has built India's largest pharmaceutical company and the fourth largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company globally. Shanghvi's career began in his father's pharmaceutical distribution business, which inspired him to create his own medicine manufacturing company. His strategic acquisitions and focus on innovation have led to Sun Pharma's significant growth, making life-saving medicines accessible to millions and earning him the Padma Shri award in 2016. Shanghvi's leadership is marked by humility and a long-term vision, prioritizing sustainability and patient care, rather than short-term gains.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Dilip Shanghvi was born on October 1, 1955, in Amreli, Gujarat, India, into a Jain family. He was raised in Kolkata, where his father managed a wholesale business trading generic medicines. Shanghvi earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calcutta. During his early years, he assisted his father in the family's pharmaceutical trading business, which sparked his interest in starting his own manufacturing company.

Rise to Success

In 1983, at the age of 27, Dilip Shanghvi founded Sun Pharmaceutical Industries with a small loan from his father. The company initially focused on psychiatric drugs. Through strategic acquisitions, particularly the $4 billion acquisition of Ranbaxy Laboratories in 2014, Sun Pharma grew to become India's largest pharmaceutical company and a global leader. Shanghvi's leadership propelled Sun Pharma to great heights, with the company generating a revenue of $6.2 Billion in 2024.

Key Business Strategies

Shanghvi's business strategies involve long-term vision, and strategic acquisitions. He has a knack for picking up distressed assets and turning them around. He emphasizes regulatory compliance, ethical conduct, and patient safety. Shanghvi prioritizes sustainable growth and quality compliance. Sun Pharma is known for its global reach, with a presence in over 100 countries.

Philanthropy

Dilip Shanghvi is involved in several philanthropic initiatives. His daughter-in-law, Karishma Shanghvi, is involved with the Shantilal Shanghvi Foundation, which focuses on education and healthcare.

Career Milestones

1983

Founded Sun Pharmaceutical Industries

Founded Sun Pharmaceutical Industries with a small loan, initially focusing on psychiatric drugs.

1994

Listed Sun Pharma on the Stock Exchange

Sun Pharma was listed on the stock exchange.

2014

Acquired Ranbaxy Laboratories

Acquired Ranbaxy Laboratories for $4 billion, making Sun Pharma the largest drug company in India.

2016

Awarded Padma Shri

Awarded the Padma Shri, a civilian honor from the Government of India.

2023

Acquired Concert Pharmaceuticals

Sun Pharma completed the $576 million acquisition of U.S.-based Concert Pharmaceuticals.

2025

Acquired Checkpoint Therapeutics

Sun Pharma acquired U.S. skin cancer drug maker Checkpoint Therapeutics for $355 million.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Healthcare & Education

Shantilal Shanghvi Foundation

Undisclosed

Supports initiatives in education and healthcare.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"Our story is all about incremental growth. We're not looking for big leaps; we prefer small jumps."

"I am not really very emotional."

"I always aim for the best case, but I prepare for the worst."

Leadership Principles

Empowering professionals

Shanghvi has consistently entrusted capable leaders with critical roles within the company, creating a decentralized structure that supports autonomy and accountability.

Long-term thinking

He avoids short-term market speculation and instead prioritizes sustainable growth and quality compliance, particularly important in an industry with tight regulatory oversight.

Loyalty

Loyalty of employees, customers, and shareholders.