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| caption      = Narasimhan in 2022 (or earlier)
| caption      = Narasimhan in 2022 (or earlier)
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1976|8|26}}
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1976|8|26}}
| birth_place  = [[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| birth_place  = [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| nationality  = American
| nationality  = American
| education    = [[Harvard Medical School]] (M.D.)<br />[[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] (M.P.P.)<br />[[University of Chicago]] (B.S.)
| occupation  = Physician, business executive
| occupation  = Pharmaceutical executive, physician
| title        = Chief Executive Officer of [[Novartis]]
| title        = Chief Executive Officer of [[Novartis]]
| education    = [[University of Chicago]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br />[[Harvard Medical School]] ([[Doctor of Medicine|MD]])<br />[[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] ([[Master of Public Policy|MPP]])
| children    = 2
| children    = 2
| awards      = ''Fortune'' 40 Under 40 (2015), ''TIME100 Health'' (2025)
| awards      = ''Fortune'' 40 Under 40 (2015)<br />TIME100 Health (2025)
| website      = {{URL|https://www.novartis.com/about/executive-committee/vasant-narasimhan}}
| website      = {{URL|https://www.novartis.com/about/executive-committee/vasant-narasimhan}}
}}
}}


'''Vasant Kalathur "Vas" Narasimhan''' (born August 26, 1976) is an American physician and business executive who serves as the [[chief executive officer]] (CEO) of [[Novartis]], the Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation. Born in [[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]], to parents of [[India]]n origin, Narasimhan trained as a medical doctor at [[Harvard Medical School]] and earned a master's degree in public policy from the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] before entering the pharmaceutical industry. He joined Novartis in 2005 after a brief stint at [[McKinsey & Company]] and rose through a series of leadership positions, including Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines and Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer.<ref name="novartis-cv">{{cite web |title=CV – Vasant Narasimhan |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905183907/https://www.novartis.com/sites/www.novartis.com/files/cv-vasant-narasimhan-en.pdf |publisher=Novartis |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In September 2017, Novartis announced that Narasimhan would succeed [[Joseph Jimenez]] as CEO, a transition that took effect on February 1, 2018.<ref name="bloomberg-ceo">{{cite news |title=Novartis Names Narasimhan CEO After Jimenez Retires Next Year |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-04/novartis-names-narasimhan-ceo-after-jimenez-retires-next-year |work=Bloomberg |date=2017-09-04 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> At the age of 41, he became one of the youngest CEOs in the history of the global pharmaceutical industry. Under his leadership, Novartis has refocused on prescription medicines and research-and-development-driven growth, divesting several business units and pursuing major acquisitions. In 2025, his name appeared on the ''TIME100 Health'' list for his contributions to global medicine and the pharmaceutical sector.<ref name="time100">{{cite web |title=Vas Narasimhan |url=https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279600/vas-narasimhan/ |publisher=Time |date=2025-05-08 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Vasant Kalathur "Vas" Narasimhan''' (born August 26, 1976) is an American physician and business executive who serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of [[Novartis]], the Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation. Born in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]], to parents of [[India]]n origin, Narasimhan trained as a physician at [[Harvard Medical School]] and worked briefly at [[McKinsey & Company]] before joining Novartis in 2005.<ref name="novartis-cv">{{cite web |title=CV – Vasant Narasimhan |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905183907/https://www.novartis.com/sites/www.novartis.com/files/cv-vasant-narasimhan-en.pdf |publisher=Novartis |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Over the following decade, he rose through a series of leadership positions encompassing vaccine development, drug development, and the role of chief medical officer, before being named CEO in September 2017 and formally assuming the position on February 1, 2018, succeeding [[Joseph Jimenez]].<ref name="bloomberg-ceo">{{cite news |title=Novartis Names Narasimhan CEO After Jimenez Retires Next Year |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-04/novartis-names-narasimhan-ceo-after-jimenez-retires-next-year |work=Bloomberg News |date=2017-09-04 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Narasimhan's tenure has been defined by a strategic refocusing of Novartis on its core pharmaceuticals business, significant investments in research and development, and large-scale acquisitions. As of 2025, his leadership oversaw record-breaking financial performance for the company, and in early 2026 he met with U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] at the White House regarding Novartis's expanding manufacturing footprint in the United States.<ref name="reuters-trump">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2026-02-20 |title=Trump meets Novartis CEO, says drugmaker building 11 US plants |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-meets-novartis-ceo-says-drugmaker-building-11-us-plants-2026-02-20/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Vasant Kalathur Narasimhan was born on August 26, 1976, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> His parents were immigrants from India, and Narasimhan is of [[Indian Americans|Indian American]] heritage.<ref name="business-standard">{{cite news |title=Indian-origin Vasant Narasimhan to head $48-billion pharma giant Novartis |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/indian-origin-vasant-narasimhan-to-head-48-billion-pharma-giant-novartis-117090401068_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=2017-09-04 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His upbringing in a family with roots in India shaped an early awareness of global health disparities, a theme that would recur throughout his career. As a young physician-scientist, Narasimhan worked on programs aimed at treating [[HIV/AIDS]] in Africa, an experience that exposed him to the impact pharmaceutical intervention could have in resource-limited settings.<ref name="time100" />
Vasant Kalathur Narasimhan was born on August 26, 1976, in [[Pittsburgh]], [[Pennsylvania]].<ref name="novartis-cv" /> His parents were of Indian origin, and his upbringing in the United States shaped his dual cultural identity.<ref name="business-standard">{{cite news |title=Indian-origin Vasant Narasimhan to head $48 billion pharma giant Novartis |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/indian-origin-vasant-narasimhan-to-head-48-billion-pharma-giant-novartis-117090401068_1.html |work=Business Standard |date=2017-09-04 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Narasimhan has spoken publicly about his early interest in science and medicine, and his career trajectory reflects a longstanding engagement with global public health. During the early stages of his career as a physician-scientist, he worked on programs for treating [[HIV/AIDS]] in Africa, an experience that exposed him to the real-world impact of pharmaceutical interventions in resource-limited settings.<ref name="time100">{{cite web |title=Vas Narasimhan |url=https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279600/vas-narasimhan/ |publisher=TIME |date=2025-05-08 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Narasimhan grew up in the United States and pursued his undergraduate education at the [[University of Chicago]], where he earned a [[Bachelor of Science]] degree in biological sciences.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> His early academic interests drew him toward both the sciences and public policy, foreshadowing a career that would bridge clinical medicine, global health, and corporate leadership.
In addition to his clinical training, Narasimhan developed an interest in health policy and the intersection of medicine with public administration. This combination of medical expertise and policy interest would become a defining characteristic of his professional career, distinguishing him from peers who followed more conventional corporate or purely clinical paths. His background in both medicine and public policy informed his later approach to pharmaceutical leadership, where he frequently emphasized the importance of data analytics, evidence-based decision-making, and equitable access to medicines.<ref name="timmerman">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan: Drawn to Analytics, Grounded Expectations for AI |url=https://timmermanreport.com/2025/09/novartis-ceo-vas-narasimhan-drawn-to-analytics-grounded-expectations-for-ai/ |work=Timmerman Report |date=2025-09-05 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
Narasimhan has also contributed to academic research, including published work in ''[[The Lancet]]'', one of the world's leading medical journals.<ref name="lancet">{{cite web |title=Published research article |url=https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS0140-6736(04)16108-4 |publisher=The Lancet / ScienceDirect |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="pubmed">{{cite web |title=PubMed record |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15121412 |publisher=National Library of Medicine |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==


Narasimhan completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> He then enrolled at [[Harvard Medical School]], where he earned his [[Doctor of Medicine]] (M.D.) degree. Concurrently, he pursued a [[Master of Public Policy]] (M.P.P.) at Harvard's [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]], reflecting his dual interest in medical science and health policy.<ref name="novartis-cv" /><ref name="business-standard" /> His combined medical and policy training at Harvard provided a foundation for his later work in drug development, global public health, and pharmaceutical strategy. During his time at Harvard, Narasimhan was involved in research relating to infectious diseases in developing countries; a 2004 study on which he was a co-author was published in ''[[The Lancet]]'', examining issues related to global health interventions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lancet Publication |url=https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS0140-6736(04)16108-4 |publisher=Elsevier / The Lancet |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=PubMed Record |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15121412 |publisher=National Library of Medicine |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Narasimhan earned his undergraduate degree from the [[University of Chicago]].<ref name="novartis-cv" /> He subsequently attended [[Harvard Medical School]], where he obtained his [[Doctor of Medicine]] (MD) degree. Concurrently or subsequently, he earned a [[Master of Public Policy]] (MPP) from the [[John F. Kennedy School of Government]] at [[Harvard University]].<ref name="novartis-cv" /><ref name="business-standard" /> This dual training in medicine and public policy provided Narasimhan with a distinctive skill set that combined clinical knowledge with an understanding of governance, regulation, and health systems. His Harvard education also connected him to a broad network of professionals in medicine, policy, and business. In September 2025, Narasimhan returned to Harvard Business School as a guest speaker for the school's MS/MBA program, where he discussed topics including the role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical development.<ref name="timmerman" />
 
In September 2025, Narasimhan returned to Harvard Business School as a guest speaker for the institution's MS/MBA program, where he discussed analytics, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceutical leadership.<ref name="timmerman">{{cite news |last=Timmerman |first=Luke |date=2025-09-05 |title=Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan: Drawn to Analytics, Grounded Expectations for AI |url=https://timmermanreport.com/2025/09/novartis-ceo-vas-narasimhan-drawn-to-analytics-grounded-expectations-for-ai/ |work=Timmerman Report |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== McKinsey & Company ===
=== Early Career and McKinsey ===


After completing his medical and public policy degrees at Harvard, Narasimhan worked briefly as a consultant at [[McKinsey & Company]], the global management consulting firm.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> His time at McKinsey provided experience in corporate strategy and organizational management. The stint was short-lived, however, as Narasimhan transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry when he joined Novartis in 2005.
After completing his medical and public policy training at Harvard, Narasimhan worked briefly as a consultant at [[McKinsey & Company]], the global management consulting firm.<ref name="novartis-cv" /><ref name="bloomberg-ceo" /> During this period, he gained experience advising organizations on strategy and operations, skills that would prove relevant in his later corporate leadership roles. His time at McKinsey was relatively short before he transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry.


=== Early Career at Novartis (2005–2014) ===
=== Novartis: Early Leadership Roles (2005–2017) ===


Narasimhan joined Novartis in 2005 and held a succession of leadership roles across the company's global operations.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> Among his early positions, he served as Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines, overseeing the development pipeline for the company's vaccine division.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> In this capacity, he was responsible for advancing vaccine candidates through clinical trials and regulatory processes. His background in both medicine and public policy made him a distinctive figure within the company's leadership, as he brought a clinical and policy perspective to business decision-making.
Narasimhan joined [[Novartis]] in 2005 and held a succession of leadership positions within the company over the following twelve years.<ref name="novartis-cv" /> Among his significant roles, he served as Global Head of Development for [[Novartis Vaccines]], overseeing the company's vaccine pipeline and development programs. He later became Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Novartis, a position that gave him oversight of the company's entire clinical development portfolio.<ref name="novartis-cv" /><ref name="bloomberg-ceo" />


During this period, Narasimhan gained exposure to multiple therapeutic areas and geographies within the Novartis organization, building the cross-functional experience that would later be cited as a factor in his selection as CEO.<ref name="bloomberg-ceo" />
In his capacity as CMO, Narasimhan was responsible for directing the development of new medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, managing large-scale clinical trials, and navigating the regulatory landscape. His medical training and public health background informed his approach to drug development, and he was recognized for his focus on using data and analytics to improve the efficiency of the development process.<ref name="pharmexec">{{cite web |title=Vas Narasimhan |url=https://www.pharmexec.com/view/vas-narasimhan |publisher=Pharmaceutical Executive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer ===
In 2015, ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine named Narasimhan to its annual "40 Under 40" list, ranking him seventh among young leaders in business.<ref name="fortune40">{{cite web |title=Vas Narasimhan – Fortune 40 Under 40 (2015) |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061659/http://fortune.com/40-under-40/2015/vas-narasimhan-7/ |publisher=Fortune |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The recognition reflected his growing profile within the pharmaceutical industry and the broader business world.


Prior to his appointment as CEO, Narasimhan served as Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Novartis.<ref name="novartis-cv" /><ref name="novartis-exec">{{cite web |title=Vasant Narasimhan – Executive Committee |url=https://www.novartis.com/about/executive-committee/vasant-narasimhan |publisher=Novartis |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this role, he oversaw the company's entire drug development portfolio and was responsible for clinical trial operations, regulatory strategy, and medical affairs across all Novartis divisions. The position placed him at the center of the company's research-and-development apparatus, providing him with deep knowledge of the pipeline that would become central to his strategic vision as CEO.
=== Appointment as CEO (2017–2018) ===


In 2015, while serving in this role, Narasimhan was named to ''[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]]'' magazine's annual "40 Under 40" list, which recognized him as one of the most influential young leaders in business. He was ranked number seven on the list.<ref name="fortune40">{{cite web |title=Vas Narasimhan – Fortune 40 Under 40 (2015) |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061659/http://fortune.com/40-under-40/2015/vas-narasimhan-7/ |publisher=Fortune |date=2015 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On September 4, 2017, Novartis announced that Narasimhan had been selected as the company's next CEO, succeeding [[Joseph Jimenez]], who announced his retirement.<ref name="bloomberg-ceo" /> At age 41 at the time of the announcement, Narasimhan was among the younger CEOs in the global pharmaceutical industry. The appointment was reported internationally and drew particular attention in India, given Narasimhan's Indian heritage.<ref name="business-standard" />


=== Appointment as CEO ===
Narasimhan formally assumed the role of CEO on February 1, 2018.<ref name="cnbc-interview">{{cite news |title=CNBC Transcript: Vasant Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/26/cnbc-transcript-vasant-narasimhan-ceo-novartis.html |work=CNBC |date=2018-03-26 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In early interviews following his appointment, he outlined his vision for the company, emphasizing a return to a focus on research and development, the use of advanced data analytics and digital technologies in drug development, and a commitment to addressing major unmet medical needs.


On September 4, 2017, Novartis announced that Narasimhan would succeed Joseph Jimenez as chief executive officer, effective February 1, 2018.<ref name="bloomberg-ceo" /> The announcement was covered extensively in international business media, with outlets noting that Narasimhan, at 41, would be among the youngest chief executives in the history of the major pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="business-standard" /> The selection of a physician-scientist with a public policy background, rather than a finance or commercial executive, was interpreted by industry observers as a signal of Novartis's intent to prioritize research and development under its new leadership.<ref name="wsj-rd">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO Steers Drug Maker Back to R&D |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/novartis-ceo-steers-drug-maker-back-to-r-d-1518962400 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=2018-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Strategic Direction and R&D Focus ===


Narasimhan formally assumed the CEO role on February 1, 2018.<ref name="cnbc-transcript">{{cite news |title=CNBC Transcript: Vasant Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/26/cnbc-transcript-vasant-narasimhan-ceo-novartis.html |work=CNBC |date=2018-03-26 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In early interviews after taking office, he articulated a vision of transforming Novartis into a more focused, data-driven medicines company. Speaking to ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' in February 2018, Narasimhan described his intention to steer the company back toward R&D-led growth, investing in breakthrough therapies and using data science and advanced analytics to improve drug development productivity.<ref name="wsj-rd" />
Under Narasimhan's leadership, Novartis underwent a significant strategic transformation. He steered the company back toward a stronger emphasis on its core pharmaceuticals and research-driven business model. In February 2018, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' reported on Narasimhan's efforts to refocus Novartis on R&D, noting his ambition to leverage the company's scientific capabilities more aggressively.<ref name="wsj-rd">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO Steers Drug Maker Back to R&D |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/novartis-ceo-steers-drug-maker-back-to-r-d-1518962400 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=2018-02-18 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Strategic Direction as CEO ===
This strategic shift included several major corporate actions. Novartis divested its consumer healthcare joint venture with [[GlaxoSmithKline]] and spun off its eye care division, [[Alcon]], as an independent company. These moves were designed to simplify the Novartis portfolio and concentrate resources on its innovative medicines division. Narasimhan also oversaw significant acquisitions to strengthen the company's pipeline and therapeutic capabilities.


Under Narasimhan's leadership, Novartis undertook a series of major strategic moves designed to refocus the company on its core pharmaceuticals business. The company divested or spun off several non-core assets, including its consumer healthcare joint venture with [[GlaxoSmithKline]] and its eye care division, [[Alcon]], which was spun off as an independent company. These moves were consistent with Narasimhan's stated strategy of concentrating resources on innovative medicines.
In November 2025, Novartis completed the acquisition of [[Avidity Biosciences]], which was reported as the second-largest pharmaceutical acquisition of 2025. Narasimhan stated that the acquisition was intended to position Novartis as a "leader in neuromuscular diseases," reflecting the company's strategy of investing in emerging therapeutic platforms.<ref name="avidity">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO paid top dollar for Avidity to become a 'leader in neuromuscular diseases' |url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novartis-ceo-paid-top-dollar-avidity-become-leader-neuromuscular-diseases |work=Fierce Biotech |date=2025-11-20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Narasimhan also emphasized the integration of technology and data analytics into Novartis operations. In a 2018 interview with the ''[[Economic Times]]'' of India, he discussed the potential of digital health and data-driven approaches in the Indian healthcare context, noting what he described as an "explosion of data digital opportunities in Indian healthcare."<ref name="et-india">{{cite news |title='There's an explosion of data, digital opportunities in Indian healthcare': Vasant Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/theres-an-explosion-of-data-digital-opportunities-in-indian-healthcare-vasant-narasimhan-ceo-novartis/articleshow/65481279.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=2018 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In 2019, he sat for an interview with ''[[The New York Times]]'' as part of its "Corner Office" series, in which he discussed his management philosophy and approach to leading a multinational corporation.<ref name="nyt-corner">{{cite news |title=Vas Narasimhan, Novartis – Corner Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/01/business/vas-narasimhan-novartis-corner-office.html |work=The New York Times |date=2019-08-01 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Narasimhan has also been vocal about the role of data science and artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical development. Speaking at Harvard Business School in September 2025, he discussed his longstanding interest in analytics while expressing measured expectations about the near-term impact of AI on drug discovery and development.<ref name="timmerman" />


In September 2025, speaking at Harvard Business School, Narasimhan discussed his approach to artificial intelligence in the pharmaceutical context. He described himself as drawn to analytics but expressed what was characterized as "grounded expectations" for AI's near-term impact on drug development, suggesting a measured rather than hyperbolic view of the technology's applications.<ref name="timmerman" />
=== Financial Performance and Compensation ===


=== Acquisitions and Pipeline Expansion ===
Novartis reported record-breaking financial performance in 2025 under Narasimhan's leadership. His realized compensation for 2025 reached 24.9 million Swiss francs (approximately $32.4 million), representing a 30% increase over the prior year, according to reporting by ''Fierce Pharma''.<ref name="pay">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO pay soars 30% to $32M following record-breaking 2025 performance |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novartis-ceo-pay-soars-30-32m-following-record-breaking-2025-performance |work=Fierce Pharma |date=2026-02-10 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


A significant element of Narasimhan's tenure has been a series of acquisitions aimed at expanding the Novartis pipeline and strengthening its position in key therapeutic areas. In November 2025, Novartis completed the acquisition of [[Avidity Biosciences]], a deal that represented the second-largest pharmaceutical acquisition of 2025. Narasimhan stated that the acquisition was aimed at making Novartis "a leader in neuromuscular diseases," a therapeutic area of growing importance. Commenting on the transaction, Narasimhan indicated that the strategic rationale was more important than the price paid.<ref name="avidity">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO paid top dollar for Avidity to become a 'leader in neuromuscular diseases' |url=https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novartis-ceo-paid-top-dollar-avidity-become-leader-neuromuscular-diseases |work=Fierce Biotech |date=2025-11-20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Despite the strong results, Narasimhan faced the challenge of navigating the company through what he described as the "largest patent expiry" in Novartis's history. In early 2026, he projected continued growth for the company despite the anticipated revenue impact of key drugs losing patent protection, signaling confidence in the strength of the company's newer product portfolio and pipeline.<ref name="growth">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO projects 2026 growth despite 'largest patent expiry' in company history |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novartis-ceo-projects-2026-growth-despite-largest-patent-expiry-company-history |work=Fierce Pharma |date=2026-02-03 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Financial Performance and Compensation ===
=== Drug Pricing and U.S. Government Relations ===


Under Narasimhan's leadership, Novartis reported what was described as record-breaking performance in 2025. His realized compensation for 2025 reached 24.9 million Swiss francs (approximately $32.4 million), representing a 30% increase over the prior year, according to company disclosures covered by ''[[Fierce Pharma]]''.<ref name="pay">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO pay soars 30% to $32M following record-breaking 2025 performance |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novartis-ceo-pay-soars-30-32m-following-record-breaking-2025-performance |work=Fierce Pharma |date=2026-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Drug pricing has been a recurring theme during Narasimhan's tenure as CEO. In October 2025, he confirmed that Novartis was engaged in weekly discussions with the [[Trump administration]] regarding drug pricing, though he noted that no deal had been reached. Narasimhan stated publicly that the administration's approach to drug pricing deals did not address what he considered the root problem in the U.S. pharmaceutical pricing system.<ref name="pricing">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO Says Trump's Drug Pricing Deals Don't Address Root Problem |url=https://www.biospace.com/business/novartis-ceo-says-trumps-drug-pricing-deals-dont-address-root-problem |work=BioSpace |date=2025-10-28 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Looking ahead to 2026, Narasimhan projected continued growth despite what he described as "the largest patent expiry" in the company's history. In fourth-quarter 2025 earnings discussions, he outlined strategies intended to offset patent losses through new product launches and pipeline advancement.<ref name="growth-2026">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO projects 2026 growth despite 'largest patent expiry' in company history |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novartis-ceo-projects-2026-growth-despite-largest-patent-expiry-company-history |work=Fierce Pharma |date=2026-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In January 2026, speaking at the [[World Economic Forum]] in [[Davos]], Narasimhan discussed Novartis's approach to trade tensions and stated that the company had "future-proofed" against potential disruptions through a $23 billion investment in the United States.<ref name="davos">{{cite news |title=Watch Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan on Drug Pricing, Trade, Jobs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-20/novartis-ceo-vas-narasimhan-speaks-to-btv-at-davos-video |work=Bloomberg |date=2026-01-20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== U.S. Investment and Government Relations ===
On February 20, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had met with Narasimhan at the [[White House]] and announced that Novartis was building 11 plants in the United States, reflecting the company's significant expansion of its domestic manufacturing operations.<ref name="reuters-trump" />


In January 2026, Narasimhan spoke at the [[World Economic Forum]] in [[Davos]], [[Switzerland]], where he discussed drug pricing, trade, and employment. He stated that Novartis had "future-proofed" against trade tensions through a $23 billion investment in the United States.<ref name="bloomberg-davos">{{cite news |title=Watch Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan on Drug Pricing, Trade, Jobs |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-20/novartis-ceo-vas-narasimhan-speaks-to-btv-at-davos-video |work=Bloomberg |date=2026-01-20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== COVID-19 Pandemic Response ===


In October 2025, Narasimhan confirmed that Novartis was in weekly discussions with the Trump administration regarding drug pricing, though he noted that a deal had not yet been reached. He expressed the view that the administration's existing drug pricing proposals did not address what he characterized as the root problem in pharmaceutical pricing in the United States.<ref name="biospace-pricing">{{cite news |title=Novartis CEO Says Trump's Drug Pricing Deals Don't Address Root Problem |url=https://www.biospace.com/business/novartis-ceo-says-trumps-drug-pricing-deals-dont-address-root-problem |work=BioSpace |date=2025-10-28 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Narasimhan led Novartis's response to the global health crisis. In March 2020, the [[BBC]] reported on the company's actions under his leadership as the pandemic disrupted the pharmaceutical industry and global healthcare systems.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |title=BBC News coverage of Novartis during COVID-19 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51925465 |work=BBC News |date=2020-03-20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


On February 20, 2026, [[President of the United States|U.S. President]] [[Donald Trump]] stated that he had met with Narasimhan at the [[White House]], announcing that Novartis was building 11 plants in the United States.<ref name="reuters-trump">{{cite news |title=Trump meets Novartis CEO, says drugmaker building 11 US plants |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-meets-novartis-ceo-says-drugmaker-building-11-us-plants-2026-02-20/ |work=Reuters |date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The meeting reflected the broader engagement between major pharmaceutical companies and the U.S. government on issues of domestic manufacturing and drug pricing.
=== Digital Health and India ===


=== COVID-19 Pandemic ===
Narasimhan has expressed views on the potential for digital technologies to transform healthcare in emerging markets. In an interview with the ''[[Economic Times]]'', he discussed the growth of data and digital opportunities in Indian healthcare, reflecting both his professional interest in digitalization and his personal connection to India.<ref name="et-india">{{cite news |title=There's an explosion of data, digital opportunities in Indian healthcare: Vasant Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/theres-an-explosion-of-data-digital-opportunities-in-indian-healthcare-vasant-narasimhan-ceo-novartis/articleshow/65481279.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=2018-08-23 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Narasimhan navigated Novartis through the global health crisis. In March 2020, the [[BBC]] reported on Narasimhan's leadership of the company during the early stages of the pandemic, as Novartis explored potential treatments and managed the operational challenges posed by the crisis.<ref name="bbc-covid">{{cite news |title=Novartis and the pandemic |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51925465 |work=BBC News |date=2020-03 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
== Personal Life ==


=== Public Health Advocacy ===
Narasimhan married Srishti Gupta, and their wedding was reported in ''[[The New York Times]]'' in March 2003.<ref name="nyt-wedding">{{cite news |title=Weddings/Celebrations; Srishti Gupta, Vasant Narasimhan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/16/style/weddings-celebrations-srishti-gupta-vasant-narasimhan.html |work=The New York Times |date=2003-03-16 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The couple has two children.<ref name="novartis-bio">{{cite web |title=Vasant Narasimhan – Executive Committee |url=https://www.novartis.com/about/executive-committee/vasant-narasimhan |publisher=Novartis |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


Narasimhan has been involved in public health discussions beyond his corporate role. He has contributed to the [[World Economic Forum]]'s agenda on healthcare and has been listed among the Forum's agenda contributors.<ref name="wef">{{cite web |title=Vasant Narasimhan |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/vasant-narasimhan/ |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He was also involved in a 2019 initiative associated with [[Harvard Law School]]'s Center on the Legal Profession that examined issues related to pharmaceutical innovation and global health access, as documented in a report titled "Bending the Curve of Life."<ref name="harvard-clp">{{cite web |title=Bending the Curve of Life |url=https://clp.law.harvard.edu/assets/Bending-the-Curve-of-Life-8-19-19-FINAL-PHASE-ONE.pdf |publisher=Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession |date=2019-08 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In a 2019 interview with ''The New York Times'' for its "Corner Office" series, Narasimhan discussed his management philosophy and personal approach to leadership at Novartis.<ref name="nyt-corner">{{cite news |title=Vas Narasimhan, Novartis – Corner Office |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/01/business/vas-narasimhan-novartis-corner-office.html |work=The New York Times |date=2019-08-01 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also been involved with the [[World Economic Forum]], contributing to its agenda on health and healthcare topics.<ref name="wef">{{cite web |title=Vasant Narasimhan – Agenda Contributor |url=https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/vasant-narasimhan/ |publisher=World Economic Forum |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His early career experience working on HIV/AIDS programs in Africa has been cited as formative in shaping his perspective on the pharmaceutical industry's role in addressing global health needs.<ref name="time100" />
Narasimhan has spoken about his early experiences working on HIV/AIDS treatment programs in Africa as formative in shaping his understanding of the importance of access to medicine in underserved communities.<ref name="time100" />


== Personal Life ==
== Recognition ==


Narasimhan married Srishti Gupta, and the couple's wedding was documented in ''[[The New York Times]]'' Weddings section in March 2003.<ref name="nyt-wedding">{{cite news |title=Weddings/Celebrations; Srishti Gupta, Vasant Narasimhan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/16/style/weddings-celebrations-srishti-gupta-vasant-narasimhan.html |work=The New York Times |date=2003-03-16 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> They have two children.<ref name="novartis-cv" />
Narasimhan has received multiple forms of recognition over the course of his career. In 2015, ''Fortune'' magazine named him number seven on its annual "40 Under 40" list, identifying him as one of the most influential young leaders in business at a time when he was serving as Novartis's Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer.<ref name="fortune40" />


Narasimhan is of Indian American heritage, born to Indian immigrant parents who settled in Pittsburgh.<ref name="business-standard" /> He has spoken publicly about his background and its influence on his worldview, particularly regarding global health equity. He resides in [[Basel]], [[Switzerland]], where Novartis is headquartered.
In May 2025, ''TIME'' magazine included Narasimhan on its TIME100 Health list, recognizing his influence in the health and healthcare sector. The selection cited his work as a physician-scientist, including his earlier involvement in HIV/AIDS treatment programs in Africa, as well as his leadership of Novartis.<ref name="time100" />


== Recognition ==
Narasimhan has been featured in numerous business and pharmaceutical industry publications, including ''[[Pharmaceutical Executive]]'',<ref name="pharmexec" /> and has appeared on major financial news outlets such as [[CNBC]],<ref name="cnbc-interview" /> [[Bloomberg Television]],<ref name="davos" /> and the [[BBC]].<ref name="bbc" /> He has been a regular participant at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he has spoken on topics including drug pricing, trade policy, and the future of the pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="wef" /><ref name="davos" />


Narasimhan has received several notable recognitions over the course of his career:
His leadership of Novartis during a period of significant strategic transformation and strong financial performance has drawn attention from investors, policymakers, and industry observers alike.


* In 2015, ''Fortune'' magazine named him to its "40 Under 40" list at number seven, recognizing his role as Global Head of Drug Development and CMO at Novartis.<ref name="fortune40" />
== Legacy ==
* In 2025, he was named to the ''TIME100 Health'' list by ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine, which recognized his contributions to global health and the pharmaceutical industry. The ''Time'' profile noted his early career work on HIV/AIDS treatment programs in Africa.<ref name="time100" />
* He has been profiled by ''Pharmaceutical Executive'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vas Narasimhan |url=https://www.pharmexec.com/view/vas-narasimhan |publisher=Pharmaceutical Executive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
* He has been featured in the ''New York Times'' "Corner Office" series, which profiles prominent business leaders.<ref name="nyt-corner" />
* He has served as a contributor to the World Economic Forum's agenda on healthcare topics.<ref name="wef" />


== Legacy ==
As CEO of one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, Narasimhan's impact on the industry has been shaped by several key strategic decisions. His refocusing of Novartis on its core pharmaceuticals business, including the divestiture of non-core assets and the spinoff of Alcon, represented a significant reshaping of the company's portfolio.<ref name="wsj-rd" /> His emphasis on data analytics and digital technologies as tools for improving drug development has been a consistent theme throughout his tenure and has influenced broader industry conversations about the application of technology in pharmaceutical research.<ref name="timmerman" />


As of early 2026, Narasimhan has led Novartis for more than eight years, a period during which the company has undergone significant strategic transformation. His tenure has been defined by a refocusing of Novartis on its core pharmaceuticals business, the divestiture of non-core assets, an emphasis on data science and advanced analytics, and a series of acquisitions intended to expand the company's pipeline in areas such as neuromuscular diseases and other therapeutic areas.
Narasimhan's approach to drug pricing and his engagement with U.S. policymakers has placed him at the center of ongoing debates about the cost of prescription medicines. His public statements on the limitations of proposed pricing deals reflected a willingness to engage critically with government policy while advocating for structural reforms to the pharmaceutical pricing system.<ref name="pricing" />


His appointment in 2017 was notable in the pharmaceutical industry for several reasons: his relatively young age, his background as a physician and public policy specialist rather than a finance executive, and his Indian American heritage in an industry whose top corporate positions have historically been held predominantly by individuals of European descent.<ref name="business-standard" /><ref name="bloomberg-ceo" />
His acquisition strategy, including the purchase of Avidity Biosciences in 2025, signaled Novartis's commitment to building capabilities in emerging therapeutic modalities such as treatments for neuromuscular diseases.<ref name="avidity" /> The $23 billion investment in U.S. operations that Narasimhan announced represented one of the largest commitments by a foreign pharmaceutical company to American manufacturing infrastructure.<ref name="davos" /><ref name="reuters-trump" />


Under Narasimhan, Novartis made substantial investments in U.S.-based manufacturing, totaling $23 billion as of early 2026, a strategy he described as "future-proofing" the company against geopolitical trade tensions.<ref name="bloomberg-davos" /> His approach to drug pricing—including his public statements that existing U.S. policy proposals did not address root causes of high pharmaceutical prices—has positioned him as a participant in ongoing debates over the cost of medicines in the United States.<ref name="biospace-pricing" />
As one of the few CEOs of Indian descent leading a major global pharmaceutical company, Narasimhan's career has also been noted for its significance in terms of representation in corporate leadership.<ref name="business-standard" /> His background as a trained physician distinguishes him from many pharmaceutical industry CEOs who come from business or finance backgrounds, and his dual training in medicine and public policy has been cited as an asset in navigating the complex intersection of science, commerce, and regulation that defines the modern pharmaceutical industry.<ref name="novartis-cv" /><ref name="time100" />


Narasimhan's emphasis on combining clinical science with data analytics and technology has reflected broader trends in the pharmaceutical industry toward digitization and artificial intelligence-assisted drug development, though he has maintained what observers have characterized as a measured perspective on the near-term capabilities of these technologies.<ref name="timmerman" />
Narasimhan has contributed to academic discourse on health policy, including participation in a Harvard project on life sciences and public health.<ref name="harvard-clp">{{cite web |title=Bending the Curve of Life |url=https://clp.law.harvard.edu/assets/Bending-the-Curve-of-Life-8-19-19-FINAL-PHASE-ONE.pdf |publisher=Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession |date=2019-08-19 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />


[[Category:Business executives]]
[[Category:American people]]
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American business executives]]
[[Category:People from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:American people of Indian descent]]
[[Category:American chief executives of pharmaceutical companies]]
[[Category:University of Chicago alumni]]
[[Category:University of Chicago alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard Medical School alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard Medical School alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni]]
[[Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni]]
[[Category:Novartis people]]
[[Category:Novartis people]]
[[Category:People from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:American chief executives]]
[[Category:American physicians]]
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[[Category:McKinsey & Company people]]
[[Category:McKinsey & Company people]]
[[Category:Business executives]]
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[[Category:American people]]
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Latest revision as of 05:18, 24 February 2026


Vas Narasimhan
Narasimhan in 2022 (or earlier)
Vas Narasimhan
BornVasant Kalathur Narasimhan
26 8, 1976
BirthplacePittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPhysician, business executive
TitleChief Executive Officer of Novartis
EducationUniversity of Chicago (BA)
Harvard Medical School (MD)
John F. Kennedy School of Government (MPP)
Children2
AwardsFortune 40 Under 40 (2015)
TIME100 Health (2025)
Website[https://www.novartis.com/about/executive-committee/vasant-narasimhan Official site]

Vasant Kalathur "Vas" Narasimhan (born August 26, 1976) is an American physician and business executive who serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Novartis, the Swiss multinational pharmaceutical corporation. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to parents of Indian origin, Narasimhan trained as a physician at Harvard Medical School and worked briefly at McKinsey & Company before joining Novartis in 2005.[1] Over the following decade, he rose through a series of leadership positions encompassing vaccine development, drug development, and the role of chief medical officer, before being named CEO in September 2017 and formally assuming the position on February 1, 2018, succeeding Joseph Jimenez.[2] Narasimhan's tenure has been defined by a strategic refocusing of Novartis on its core pharmaceuticals business, significant investments in research and development, and large-scale acquisitions. As of 2025, his leadership oversaw record-breaking financial performance for the company, and in early 2026 he met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House regarding Novartis's expanding manufacturing footprint in the United States.[3]

Early Life

Vasant Kalathur Narasimhan was born on August 26, 1976, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[1] His parents were of Indian origin, and his upbringing in the United States shaped his dual cultural identity.[4] Narasimhan has spoken publicly about his early interest in science and medicine, and his career trajectory reflects a longstanding engagement with global public health. During the early stages of his career as a physician-scientist, he worked on programs for treating HIV/AIDS in Africa, an experience that exposed him to the real-world impact of pharmaceutical interventions in resource-limited settings.[5]

In addition to his clinical training, Narasimhan developed an interest in health policy and the intersection of medicine with public administration. This combination of medical expertise and policy interest would become a defining characteristic of his professional career, distinguishing him from peers who followed more conventional corporate or purely clinical paths. His background in both medicine and public policy informed his later approach to pharmaceutical leadership, where he frequently emphasized the importance of data analytics, evidence-based decision-making, and equitable access to medicines.[6]

Narasimhan has also contributed to academic research, including published work in The Lancet, one of the world's leading medical journals.[7][8]

Education

Narasimhan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago.[1] He subsequently attended Harvard Medical School, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Concurrently or subsequently, he earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.[1][4] This dual training in medicine and public policy provided Narasimhan with a distinctive skill set that combined clinical knowledge with an understanding of governance, regulation, and health systems. His Harvard education also connected him to a broad network of professionals in medicine, policy, and business. In September 2025, Narasimhan returned to Harvard Business School as a guest speaker for the school's MS/MBA program, where he discussed topics including the role of data analytics and artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical development.[6]

Career

Early Career and McKinsey

After completing his medical and public policy training at Harvard, Narasimhan worked briefly as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, the global management consulting firm.[1][2] During this period, he gained experience advising organizations on strategy and operations, skills that would prove relevant in his later corporate leadership roles. His time at McKinsey was relatively short before he transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry.

Novartis: Early Leadership Roles (2005–2017)

Narasimhan joined Novartis in 2005 and held a succession of leadership positions within the company over the following twelve years.[1] Among his significant roles, he served as Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines, overseeing the company's vaccine pipeline and development programs. He later became Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Novartis, a position that gave him oversight of the company's entire clinical development portfolio.[1][2]

In his capacity as CMO, Narasimhan was responsible for directing the development of new medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, managing large-scale clinical trials, and navigating the regulatory landscape. His medical training and public health background informed his approach to drug development, and he was recognized for his focus on using data and analytics to improve the efficiency of the development process.[9]

In 2015, Fortune magazine named Narasimhan to its annual "40 Under 40" list, ranking him seventh among young leaders in business.[10] The recognition reflected his growing profile within the pharmaceutical industry and the broader business world.

Appointment as CEO (2017–2018)

On September 4, 2017, Novartis announced that Narasimhan had been selected as the company's next CEO, succeeding Joseph Jimenez, who announced his retirement.[2] At age 41 at the time of the announcement, Narasimhan was among the younger CEOs in the global pharmaceutical industry. The appointment was reported internationally and drew particular attention in India, given Narasimhan's Indian heritage.[4]

Narasimhan formally assumed the role of CEO on February 1, 2018.[11] In early interviews following his appointment, he outlined his vision for the company, emphasizing a return to a focus on research and development, the use of advanced data analytics and digital technologies in drug development, and a commitment to addressing major unmet medical needs.

Strategic Direction and R&D Focus

Under Narasimhan's leadership, Novartis underwent a significant strategic transformation. He steered the company back toward a stronger emphasis on its core pharmaceuticals and research-driven business model. In February 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported on Narasimhan's efforts to refocus Novartis on R&D, noting his ambition to leverage the company's scientific capabilities more aggressively.[12]

This strategic shift included several major corporate actions. Novartis divested its consumer healthcare joint venture with GlaxoSmithKline and spun off its eye care division, Alcon, as an independent company. These moves were designed to simplify the Novartis portfolio and concentrate resources on its innovative medicines division. Narasimhan also oversaw significant acquisitions to strengthen the company's pipeline and therapeutic capabilities.

In November 2025, Novartis completed the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, which was reported as the second-largest pharmaceutical acquisition of 2025. Narasimhan stated that the acquisition was intended to position Novartis as a "leader in neuromuscular diseases," reflecting the company's strategy of investing in emerging therapeutic platforms.[13]

Narasimhan has also been vocal about the role of data science and artificial intelligence in pharmaceutical development. Speaking at Harvard Business School in September 2025, he discussed his longstanding interest in analytics while expressing measured expectations about the near-term impact of AI on drug discovery and development.[6]

Financial Performance and Compensation

Novartis reported record-breaking financial performance in 2025 under Narasimhan's leadership. His realized compensation for 2025 reached 24.9 million Swiss francs (approximately $32.4 million), representing a 30% increase over the prior year, according to reporting by Fierce Pharma.[14]

Despite the strong results, Narasimhan faced the challenge of navigating the company through what he described as the "largest patent expiry" in Novartis's history. In early 2026, he projected continued growth for the company despite the anticipated revenue impact of key drugs losing patent protection, signaling confidence in the strength of the company's newer product portfolio and pipeline.[15]

Drug Pricing and U.S. Government Relations

Drug pricing has been a recurring theme during Narasimhan's tenure as CEO. In October 2025, he confirmed that Novartis was engaged in weekly discussions with the Trump administration regarding drug pricing, though he noted that no deal had been reached. Narasimhan stated publicly that the administration's approach to drug pricing deals did not address what he considered the root problem in the U.S. pharmaceutical pricing system.[16]

In January 2026, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Narasimhan discussed Novartis's approach to trade tensions and stated that the company had "future-proofed" against potential disruptions through a $23 billion investment in the United States.[17]

On February 20, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had met with Narasimhan at the White House and announced that Novartis was building 11 plants in the United States, reflecting the company's significant expansion of its domestic manufacturing operations.[3]

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Narasimhan led Novartis's response to the global health crisis. In March 2020, the BBC reported on the company's actions under his leadership as the pandemic disrupted the pharmaceutical industry and global healthcare systems.[18]

Digital Health and India

Narasimhan has expressed views on the potential for digital technologies to transform healthcare in emerging markets. In an interview with the Economic Times, he discussed the growth of data and digital opportunities in Indian healthcare, reflecting both his professional interest in digitalization and his personal connection to India.[19]

Personal Life

Narasimhan married Srishti Gupta, and their wedding was reported in The New York Times in March 2003.[20] The couple has two children.[21]

In a 2019 interview with The New York Times for its "Corner Office" series, Narasimhan discussed his management philosophy and personal approach to leadership at Novartis.[22] He has also been involved with the World Economic Forum, contributing to its agenda on health and healthcare topics.[23]

Narasimhan has spoken about his early experiences working on HIV/AIDS treatment programs in Africa as formative in shaping his understanding of the importance of access to medicine in underserved communities.[5]

Recognition

Narasimhan has received multiple forms of recognition over the course of his career. In 2015, Fortune magazine named him number seven on its annual "40 Under 40" list, identifying him as one of the most influential young leaders in business at a time when he was serving as Novartis's Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer.[10]

In May 2025, TIME magazine included Narasimhan on its TIME100 Health list, recognizing his influence in the health and healthcare sector. The selection cited his work as a physician-scientist, including his earlier involvement in HIV/AIDS treatment programs in Africa, as well as his leadership of Novartis.[5]

Narasimhan has been featured in numerous business and pharmaceutical industry publications, including Pharmaceutical Executive,[9] and has appeared on major financial news outlets such as CNBC,[11] Bloomberg Television,[17] and the BBC.[18] He has been a regular participant at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he has spoken on topics including drug pricing, trade policy, and the future of the pharmaceutical industry.[23][17]

His leadership of Novartis during a period of significant strategic transformation and strong financial performance has drawn attention from investors, policymakers, and industry observers alike.

Legacy

As CEO of one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, Narasimhan's impact on the industry has been shaped by several key strategic decisions. His refocusing of Novartis on its core pharmaceuticals business, including the divestiture of non-core assets and the spinoff of Alcon, represented a significant reshaping of the company's portfolio.[12] His emphasis on data analytics and digital technologies as tools for improving drug development has been a consistent theme throughout his tenure and has influenced broader industry conversations about the application of technology in pharmaceutical research.[6]

Narasimhan's approach to drug pricing and his engagement with U.S. policymakers has placed him at the center of ongoing debates about the cost of prescription medicines. His public statements on the limitations of proposed pricing deals reflected a willingness to engage critically with government policy while advocating for structural reforms to the pharmaceutical pricing system.[16]

His acquisition strategy, including the purchase of Avidity Biosciences in 2025, signaled Novartis's commitment to building capabilities in emerging therapeutic modalities such as treatments for neuromuscular diseases.[13] The $23 billion investment in U.S. operations that Narasimhan announced represented one of the largest commitments by a foreign pharmaceutical company to American manufacturing infrastructure.[17][3]

As one of the few CEOs of Indian descent leading a major global pharmaceutical company, Narasimhan's career has also been noted for its significance in terms of representation in corporate leadership.[4] His background as a trained physician distinguishes him from many pharmaceutical industry CEOs who come from business or finance backgrounds, and his dual training in medicine and public policy has been cited as an asset in navigating the complex intersection of science, commerce, and regulation that defines the modern pharmaceutical industry.[1][5]

Narasimhan has contributed to academic discourse on health policy, including participation in a Harvard project on life sciences and public health.[24]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "CV – Vasant Narasimhan".Novartis.https://web.archive.org/web/20170905183907/https://www.novartis.com/sites/www.novartis.com/files/cv-vasant-narasimhan-en.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Novartis Names Narasimhan CEO After Jimenez Retires Next Year".Bloomberg News.2017-09-04.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-09-04/novartis-names-narasimhan-ceo-after-jimenez-retires-next-year.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Trump meets Novartis CEO, says drugmaker building 11 US plants".Reuters.2026-02-20.https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-meets-novartis-ceo-says-drugmaker-building-11-us-plants-2026-02-20/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Indian-origin Vasant Narasimhan to head $48 billion pharma giant Novartis".Business Standard.2017-09-04.https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/indian-origin-vasant-narasimhan-to-head-48-billion-pharma-giant-novartis-117090401068_1.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Vas Narasimhan".TIME.2025-05-08.https://time.com/collections/time100-health-2025/7279600/vas-narasimhan/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan: Drawn to Analytics, Grounded Expectations for AI".Timmerman Report.2025-09-05.https://timmermanreport.com/2025/09/novartis-ceo-vas-narasimhan-drawn-to-analytics-grounded-expectations-for-ai/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Published research article".The Lancet / ScienceDirect.https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS0140-6736(04)16108-4.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "PubMed record".National Library of Medicine.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15121412.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Vas Narasimhan".Pharmaceutical Executive.https://www.pharmexec.com/view/vas-narasimhan.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Vas Narasimhan – Fortune 40 Under 40 (2015)".Fortune.https://web.archive.org/web/20180816061659/http://fortune.com/40-under-40/2015/vas-narasimhan-7/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "CNBC Transcript: Vasant Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis".CNBC.2018-03-26.https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/26/cnbc-transcript-vasant-narasimhan-ceo-novartis.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Novartis CEO Steers Drug Maker Back to R&D".The Wall Street Journal.2018-02-18.https://www.wsj.com/articles/novartis-ceo-steers-drug-maker-back-to-r-d-1518962400.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Novartis CEO paid top dollar for Avidity to become a 'leader in neuromuscular diseases'".Fierce Biotech.2025-11-20.https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novartis-ceo-paid-top-dollar-avidity-become-leader-neuromuscular-diseases.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ "Novartis CEO pay soars 30% to $32M following record-breaking 2025 performance".Fierce Pharma.2026-02-10.https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novartis-ceo-pay-soars-30-32m-following-record-breaking-2025-performance.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Novartis CEO projects 2026 growth despite 'largest patent expiry' in company history".Fierce Pharma.2026-02-03.https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/novartis-ceo-projects-2026-growth-despite-largest-patent-expiry-company-history.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Novartis CEO Says Trump's Drug Pricing Deals Don't Address Root Problem".BioSpace.2025-10-28.https://www.biospace.com/business/novartis-ceo-says-trumps-drug-pricing-deals-dont-address-root-problem.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 "Watch Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan on Drug Pricing, Trade, Jobs".Bloomberg.2026-01-20.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-20/novartis-ceo-vas-narasimhan-speaks-to-btv-at-davos-video.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "BBC News coverage of Novartis during COVID-19".BBC News.2020-03-20.https://www.bbc.com/news/business-51925465.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "There's an explosion of data, digital opportunities in Indian healthcare: Vasant Narasimhan, CEO, Novartis".The Economic Times.2018-08-23.https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/theres-an-explosion-of-data-digital-opportunities-in-indian-healthcare-vasant-narasimhan-ceo-novartis/articleshow/65481279.cms?from=mdr.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "Weddings/Celebrations; Srishti Gupta, Vasant Narasimhan".The New York Times.2003-03-16.https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/16/style/weddings-celebrations-srishti-gupta-vasant-narasimhan.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "Vasant Narasimhan – Executive Committee".Novartis.https://www.novartis.com/about/executive-committee/vasant-narasimhan.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "Vas Narasimhan, Novartis – Corner Office".The New York Times.2019-08-01.https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/01/business/vas-narasimhan-novartis-corner-office.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 "Vasant Narasimhan – Agenda Contributor".World Economic Forum.https://www.weforum.org/agenda/authors/vasant-narasimhan/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Bending the Curve of Life".Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession.2019-08-19.https://clp.law.harvard.edu/assets/Bending-the-Curve-of-Life-8-19-19-FINAL-PHASE-ONE.pdf.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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