## [Novartis Group appoints Milan Paleja as Country President, Novartis in India ](/in-en/news/media-releases/novartis-group-appoints-milan-paleja-country-president-novartis-india "Novartis Group appoints Milan Paleja as Country President, Novartis in India ") Apr 11, 2017 **Novartis Group appoints Milan Paleja as Country President, Novartis in India** **Mumbai, April 11, 2018** Milan Paleja has been appointed Country President responsible for Novartis Group companies in India and Country Head Pharmaceuticals with immediate effect. Milan Paleja joined Sandoz India in 1982 in the Finance function. He has gained a wealth of experience over the years having held positions of increasing responsibility in Consumer Health, Sandoz and Pharmaceuticals, at country and regional level, in diverse geographies such as Singapore, South Africa and Switzerland. Since March 2016, he was Country President and Head Pharmaceuticals, Novartis Indonesia. While in Indonesia, he pioneered innovative access models, turned around the business and laid the foundation for future growth. Mr. Paleja is a graduate from Bombay University and holds a Cost Accountants degree from the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. Mr. Paleja succeeds Jawed Zia as Country President. Novartis India Media Relations Svetlana Pinto +91 22 2495 1074 (direct) +91 98210 54884 (mobile) Liana Albuquerque +91 22 2495 8805 (direct) +91 98214 36458 (mobile)