Rajesh Kunhandy
Mumbai
Summary
With nearly three decades of industry experience, I bring a strong track record of leading high-impact operations and program management initiatives. Over the past 25 years, I've consistently delivered results by building and empowering teams to drive excellence. As one of the earliest members of Quintiles in India, I played a foundational role in establishing a robust Data Management function, laying the groundwork for scalable success and long-term growth. At Novartis India, I led the creation and growth of a Centralized Data Management team, evolving from oversight of a single therapeutic area to managing the full pharmaceutical portfolio. I've driven vendor partnerships to align with strategic KPIs and cultivated internal talent to strengthen organizational capability. My career has been defined by implementing scalable strategies that expand business impact and accelerate growth.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Data Monitoring and Management – India & Philippines
Pfizer Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd.
03.2018 - Current
- Established the India-based Data Monitoring and Management unit and led the hiring of over 250 skilled professionals.
- Provides direct oversight of large cross-regional teams in India and the Philippines, spanning Data Management, Data Science, Programming, and Risk-Based Monitoring.
- Built a strong leadership pipeline, fostered strategic partnerships with Therapeutic Area leads and stakeholders, and maintained strong engagement with Pfizer India leadership.
- Plays an active role in driving innovation through new processes and technologies.
Global Head Pharma Data Management
Novartis Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd.
04.2006 - 11.2017
- As the first hire for Novartis Healthcare in India, I was responsible for establishing, developing, and leading the Clinical Data Management unit from the ground up.
- Early Development Portfolio Oversight Directed teams supporting early-phase clinical studies, ensuring high-quality data delivery and operational excellence.
- Scaled a High-Impact Team Built and led a team of over 300 Data Management professionals, including programmers, medical coders, and reporting specialists, to support diverse clinical programs.
- Strategic Expansion Planning Conducted evaluations and developed strategies for establishing a satellite office in Mumbai, expanding operational footprint and talent access.
- Vendor Governance Led the management and oversight of external vendors, ensuring alignment with quality standards and delivery timelines.
- Audit & Inspection Readiness Actively participated in Health Authority inspections and internal audits, contributing to compliance and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Process Innovation & Strategy Development Provided strategic leadership to optimize Data Management processes, collaborating with process and quality teams to identify and implement scalable solutions.
- Alcon Integration Leadership Temporarily assumed responsibility for managing the Alcon Data Management team post-acquisition, ensuring seamless transition and operational continuity.
- Operational efficiency, and data quality, aligning with organizational standards and strategic goals.
- Identified and addressed operational inefficiencies, closing critical gaps and ensuring the department was fully ready through proactive evaluation and remediation.
- Led the rollout of key organizational initiatives, applying change management and project management expertise to drive adoption, alignment, and sustainable execution.
Manager – Data Management
Reliance Life Science
08.2005 - 03.2006
Project Manager
Quintiles Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
06.2000 - 07.2005
- Established and Scaled Data Management Operations in Mumbai Successfully set up a dedicated team of Data Managers in Mumbai, strengthening regional capabilities and aligning with global clinical data standards.
- End-to-End Trial Management Across Therapeutic Areas Led multiple clinical trials from setup through database lock, spanning Phase I to Phase IV across therapeutic areas including Respiratory, Cardiovascular & Metabolic (CVM), Neuroscience (NSO), Investigator-Initiated Studies (IIS), and Translational Sciences (TS).
- Served as the primary point of contact for cross-functional teams from leading global pharmaceutical companies such as Sanofi Aventis, Johnson & Johnson, GSK, Roche, Janssen Cilag, AstraZeneca, Merck, Eli Lilly, and Bayer.
- Team Leadership Across Management Levels Directed highly engaged, performance-driven teams as both a first-line and second-line manager, with portfolio oversight in Oncology, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Neuroscience.
- Strategic Resource Planning Developed accurate budget forecasts and staffing projections to support multidisciplinary team goals and ensure resource alignment with portfolio demands.
Executive Assistant
Mazda Industries Ltd
02.1994 - 04.2000
- Assisting the Chief Executive in CEO's duties.
- Coordinating with different departments and had experience to deal with finance in the accounts department.
Education
Masters - Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy
Engineering - Fabrication Technology
Skills
- Operations Management
- Staff Development
- Change Management
- Policy Development
- Cross functional team Management
- Staff Training
- Problem Solving
- Decision Making
- Project Management
- Cultural awareness and Sensitivity
Affiliations
SCDM Steering Committee, for 2 Years
Timeline
Head Data Monitoring and Management – India & Philippines
Pfizer Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd.
03.2018 - Current
Global Head Pharma Data Management
Novartis Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd.
04.2006 - 11.2017
Manager – Data Management
Reliance Life Science
08.2005 - 03.2006
Project Manager
Quintiles Technologies India Pvt. Ltd.
06.2000 - 07.2005
Executive Assistant
Mazda Industries Ltd
02.1994 - 04.2000
Engineering - Fabrication Technology
Masters - Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy
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