Sameer Hiremath appointed Hikal chairman and managing director
Shareholders approve Sameer Hiremath as Hikal chairman and managing director for a five-year term from October 2026
Life sciences company Hikal Limited has taken a major decision on its leadership. At the company's 38th annual general meeting (AGM), shareholders approved the appointment of Sameer Hiremath as chairman and managing director. The appointment is for five years, effective from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2031.
Sameer Hiremath has been associated with Hikal's board of directors since May 1999. He was reappointed as managing director at the 2021 AGM. During his long tenure with the company, Hikal has focused on expanding capabilities in pharmaceuticals, crop protection and other life sciences businesses.
Besides the leadership appointment, the meeting saw some other important decisions. Shareholders approved the audited financial statements for financial year 2025-26 and also approved a final dividend of 40 paise per share. In addition, the reappointment of Sarangan Suresh as executive director was approved.
Sameer Hiremath said that in financial year 2025-26, the company strengthened its core business while focusing investment on Complex Chemistries, HPAPI, CDMO and advanced R&D infrastructure. Going forward, the company plans to expand into new geographical markets and grow in emerging areas such as Animal Health, Specialty Chemicals and Personal Care.
Hikal has taken another step towards business expansion. Commercial production of Personal Care products has begun at a new cGMP-compliant multi-purpose manufacturing facility in Panoli, Gujarat. This facility marks Hikal's entry into commercial production for the global Beauty and Personal Care industry, adding to its presence alongside its traditional pharmaceutical and chemicals businesses.
The company's future strategy includes strengthening its core business, expanding into new markets, building long-term partnerships with customers, and consistently investing in technology, quality and production capacity.
Hikal also recorded an important achievement in sustainable business practices. The company received an EcoVadis Gold Medal rating, which, according to the company, places Hikal among the top 5 percent of companies assessed globally by EcoVadis.
With shareholders approving the leadership appointment on one hand and the start of commercial production in the Personal Care segment on the other, Hikal has signalled its focus on business expansion and high-value life sciences over the next five years.
