With over three decades of unparalleled experience in the pharmaceutical sector, Mr. Rajakumar G has emerged as a dynamic and visionary leader. Starting his journey as a Medical Representative inspired by the professionalism of the early 1990s, he rapidly ascended the ranks to become the youngest Frontline Manager at Merck Limited at 29. His career trajectory spans leadership roles at esteemed organizations like Merck, Strides, and MMC Pharmaceuticals, where he spearheaded growth initiatives, mergers, and transformative business strategies. Currently serving as the Managing Director & Group CEO at Medlogix Pharma Pvt Ltd, Mr. Rajakumar G is at the forefront of driving innovation, scaling ethical doctor-promotion businesses, and expanding into international markets. Passionate about nurturing talent, he has mentored over 300 professionals into leadership roles. His relentless pursuit of excellence, focus on delivering affordable healthcare solutions, and commitment to innovation continue to shape the future of the industry.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry?
As early as 1995, while pursuing my post-graduation in Chemistry, I was inspired by the smart and bright Medical Representatives (MRs) who visited my uncle’s clinic. In the early 1990s, MRs took great pride in working for multinational pharmaceutical companies and consistently demonstrated exemplary professional behaviour. This left a lasting impression on me and motivated me to choose a career as a Medical Representative.
How did your progression through roles from Medical Representative to Executive Director impact your approach to leadership?
In the early stages of my career, individual performance played a pivotal role. My achievements not only influenced my peers but also inspired me to take on responsibilities beyond the call of duty. This approach significantly impacted doctors, colleagues, and the industry, enabling me to become the youngest Frontline Manager at Merck Limited at the age of 29. Managing senior colleagues at such a young age instilled discipline and taught me the importance of assertiveness in business. As I advanced in my career, I embraced Emotional Intelligence (EI), focusing on self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship management. Building strong customer relationships earned respect from colleagues and helped foster a cohesive team. The challenge was balancing relationships while ensuring team accountability. Initially, I adopted a collaborative leadership style, aligning the team with my vision. As I transitioned to senior roles, I shifted to a transformational leadership style, inspiring the team to achieve shared goals.
What does being a leader mean to you beyond achieving business goals?
Touching lives has become a key objective in my leadership journey—helping individuals realize their potential and achieve success. So far, I have had the privilege of supporting approximately 300 individuals in advancing their careers to roles such as first-line managers, mid-level managers, and senior-level leaders. This achievement brings me immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose. As a leader, the ability to anticipate future trends and align the organization accordingly is critical. This forward-thinking approach has yielded significant dividends, enabling me to attract stakeholders to our strategic vision and drive long-term success.
Reflecting on your career at Merck, Strides, and MMC Pharmaceuticals, what key milestones stand out, and how have they prepared you for your role at Medlogix Group?
At Merck Limited, I had an 18-year journey, progressing from Medical Representative to National Sales Manager, across General (Multi-Specialty), Cardiovascular, and Consumer Health divisions. Transitioning from an ethical business background to Consumer Health pushed me out of my comfort zone and provided invaluable learning opportunities. At Strides, I focused on building the domestic business, Brands India, which involved significant mergers and acquisitions. Key milestones included acquiring rights to Raricap from Bafna Pharmaceuticals, integrating Medispan Limited, and incorporating select Johnson & Johnson brands such as Stugil, Otogesic, and Clistin. Over four years, we grew the workforce from 300 to 1,000 employees, eventually monetizing the business to Eris Life Sciences. This experience taught me to manage diverse teams, integrate employees across organizations, and define a unified vision to align activities with strategic objectives. At MMC Pharmaceuticals, I transformed a relatively small enterprise by launching new business units, expanding geographies, and scaling smaller brands into significant revenue generators despite limited resources. Currently, as Managing Director & Group CEO at Medlogix Pharma Pvt Ltd, my focus is scaling ethical Doctor Promotion businesses through innovative strategies, new products, and geographic expansion, including international markets. Additionally, our subsidiary, Genremedy Pharmaceuticals, aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision by delivering high-quality, affordable generics, ensuring accessible treatment for chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
What qualities do you look for when building a high-performing sales team?
When building a high-performing sales team, I focus on several key qualities that are essential for success. Passion & Perseverance, Learning agility, Emotional Quotient, Digital Savy, Global behaviour & Willing to work as team (Team player).
What keeps you motivated after more than 30 years in the industry?
The passion for healthcare, perseverance in building brands, and the excitement of creating organizations continue to be my greatest motivators. Each opportunity brings new people, experiences, and learning, often challenging me to “unlearn the learnt,” making every experience worthwhile. India, as the most populous country in the world, offers immense potential in the healthcare sector. The journey ahead is vast, with limitless opportunities for growth and innovation, providing a promising landscape for individuals and organizations alike. Even after 30 years, I approach every new brand or strategy with the same enthusiasm and dedication as I did in the early stages of my career. This unwavering commitment fuels my drive to achieve impactful results.
