Dr. Vivek Jha has joined Eli Lilly and Company as Leader (Senior Director) – Commercial Strategy, AI & Transformation within the Global Commercialization Capabilities and Innovation organization. In this global leadership role, he will be shaping business strategy and driving commercial excellence while harnessing the power of digital, AI, and transformation initiatives to strengthen Lilly’s global commercialization capabilities. His mandate is centred on building future-ready strategies that connect innovation with meaningful impact for patients.
With close to two decades of experience across Pharma R&D, Dr. Jha’s career spans diverse roles in clinical practice (Physio and Rehab), clinical research, drug development, and strategic leadership. At Novartis, where he spent nearly 13 years, he established and led the Strategy and Operations group for Global Drug Development in India. In this capacity, he not only introduced cutting-edge transformative and digital solutions but also drove organizational strategy, governance, and capability building for a ~2,800-member GCC hub. Earlier, he held leadership positions at IQVIA, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Max Neeman International. His experience reflects a strong blend of scientific acumen, operational depth, and enterprise-level strategy.
A recognized business strategist, Dr. Jha has consistently focused on aligning innovation with long-term growth. Whether designing global clinical trial programs, leading business transformation projects, or driving operational excellence, he has ensured that science and strategy go hand in hand. His ability to balance commercial priorities with R&D and tech insights makes him uniquely positioned to guide Lilly’s commercial strategy at a global scale.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Dr. Jha actively contributes to the broader innovation ecosystem. He mentors startups through T-Hub, IIHMR Foundation, and collaborates with academia and entrepreneurial networks, and serves on the Board of Industry Advisors at the Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya. Widely recognized as a top pharma leader, Dr. Jha has earned numerous accolades, including Strategy Leader of the Year 2021, the Top 50 Pharma Leaders Award 2019, and several other honours celebrating his strategic vision and innovative leadership, underscoring his impact at the intersection of strategy, digital innovation, and healthcare transformation.
With his new role at Lilly, Dr. Jha embarks on a journey to combine business strategy, commercial excellence, and digital innovation to help advance Lilly’s bold mission of making life better for people around the world.