Hikal Ltd shareholders have approved the appointment of Sameer Hiremath as the company’s Chairman and Managing Director for a five-year term beginning 1 October 2026.
The appointment was approved at the company’s 38th Annual General Meeting, where shareholders also approved Hikal’s audited financial statements for 2025-26, a final dividend of ₹0.40 per share and the reappointment of Sarangan Suresh as Executive Director.
Mr Hiremath has been associated with Hikal’s board since May 1999 and was last reappointed as Managing Director in 2021. His tenure has coincided with the company’s expansion across pharmaceuticals, crop protection and other life sciences businesses.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Hiremath said Hikal had focused on resilience, disciplined execution and building new capabilities during 2025-26.
He said the company would focus on strengthening its core businesses, expanding into new geographies and growing emerging segments, including Animal Health and Speciality Chemicals.
Hikal has also started commercial production of Personal Care products at its new multipurpose facility in Panoli, Gujarat. The cGMP-compliant facility represents the company’s move into commercial-scale manufacturing for the global beauty and personal care market.
The company said it would continue to invest in technology, quality and manufacturing capabilities while deepening relationships with customers.
Hikal has recently expanded its capabilities in areas including complex chemistries, highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPI), contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO), and advanced research and development infrastructure.
The company also said it had received an EcoVadis Gold Medal rating for its sustainability performance. According to Hikal, the rating places it among the top 5% of companies assessed globally by EcoVadis.
The developments come as Hikal seeks to diversify its business while strengthening its established pharmaceutical and crop protection operations.
