Hemant Anand : Scaling Indian Medical Technology to Global Standards
Hemant Anand
Managing Director
Over the past 27 years, his professional journey has closely mirrored the rapid evolution of medical technology, moving from pharmaceuticals to high-precision medical devices and, eventually, to advanced surgical equipment.
Anand began his career as an individual contributor in the pharmaceutical space, playing a role in the launch of various path-breaking therapies. A pivotal transition to Johnson & Johnson introduced him to the world of medical devices, setting the stage for leadership roles across diverse and complex segments such as cardiology neurovascular, orthopaedics, and spinecare.
His move to Karl Storz marked a Significant milestone, placing him at the helm of advanced endoscopy and surgical equipment solutions in India. Under his leadership, India has grown into one of the top 10 markets globally for Karl Storz, under scoring both organisational strength and the country’s expanding healthcare landscape.
How do you define leadership in today’s evolving landscape, and what motivates you to lead with purpose?
Motivation, for me, is not a single fixed idea; it evolves every day. The medical technology industry today is navigating a trilemma, not just a dilemma.
We must remain cost-competitive, ensure an uninterrupted and resilient supply chain, and operate within an increasingly complex regulatory and compliance environment. Each day presents a new challenge across these dimensions, demanding constant adaptation and learning.
What truly motivates me is that we are not merely selling products; we are delivering solutions that enable healthcare providers to make better, quality driven decisions. This purpose-driven impact keeps me motivated every day.
How has your experience in the medical field contributed to building trust and credibility as a leader?
Trust, for me, is the true currency of healthcare. We don’t merely sell products; we deliver solutions and standards of care. Externally, trust is built through credibility and responsible advocacy by actively engaging with industry bodies such as FICCI and CII, and by aligning our corporate objectives with national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat and the broader India's growth story.
Internally trust is earned through consistency. It’s never built overnight. It comes from fostering a culture where people see long-term professional growth and feel valued as contributors to the company’s success. Being recognised as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years reflects that commitment.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing medical technology companies today?
At a broad level, the medical device industry today is operating under multiple, inter secting pressures. Procurement models are evolving, with a strong push toward Make in India and localisation. At the same time, the industry is often viewed through a lens of scrutiny around pricing, intent, and profit ability, while the real objective remains delivering high-quality products and building strong R&D capabilities within global compliance frameworks.
India has also transitioned into a fully regulated market for medical devices, bringing extensive oversight due to the critical nature of these products. Alongside regulatory and pricing controls from bodies like the NPPA, companies must manage currency volatility and rising euro and dollar costs. Balancing quality, compliance, affordability, and sustain ability has truly become a tightrope walk.
What's your guiding leadership philosophy?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment. I encourage my teams to see the office as their business centre and to think and act like entrepreneurs, not employees bound by a nine-to-five mindset. An entrepreneurial Approach brings hunger, agility, and ownership qualities essential for sustainable growth.
As a leader, I provide the strength of the brand, robust products, and a clear framework of compliance. Within these boundaries, my teams have the freedom to operate, make decisions, and build their businesses as if they were their own. This balance of autonomy and accountability helps develop a strong ownership mindset.
How do you keep yourself updated with ongoing industry trends?
Staying relevant requires constant alertness and the ability to adapt. I actively participate in medical congresses across specialties and travel extensively to engage
Internally trust is earned through consistency. It’s never built overnight. It comes from fostering a culture where people see long-term professional growth and feel valued as contributors to the company’s success. Being recognised as a Great Place to Work for five consecutive years reflects that commitment.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing medical technology companies today?
At a broad level, the medical device industry today is operating under multiple, inter secting pressures. Procurement models are evolving, with a strong push toward Make in India and localisation. At the same time, the industry is often viewed through a lens of scrutiny around pricing, intent, and profit ability, while the real objective remains delivering high-quality products and building strong R&D capabilities within global compliance frameworks.
India has also transitioned into a fully regulated market for medical devices, bringing extensive oversight due to the critical nature of these products. Alongside regulatory and pricing controls from bodies like the NPPA, companies must manage currency volatility and rising euro and dollar costs. Balancing quality, compliance, affordability, and sustain ability has truly become a tightrope walk.
What's your guiding leadership philosophy?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in empowerment. I encourage my teams to see the office as their business centre and to think and act like entrepreneurs, not employees bound by a nine-to-five mindset. An entrepreneurial Approach brings hunger, agility, and ownership qualities essential for sustainable growth.
As a leader, I provide the strength of the brand, robust products, and a clear framework of compliance. Within these boundaries, my teams have the freedom to operate, make decisions, and build their businesses as if they were their own. This balance of autonomy and accountability helps develop a strong ownership mindset.
How do you keep yourself updated with ongoing industry trends?
Staying relevant requires constant alertness and the ability to adapt. I actively participate in medical congresses across specialties and travel extensively to engage
with end customers, which helps me under stand what truly works on the ground.
I also take part in high level discussions with industry leaders to track where the sector is headed. While there is widespread concern that AI may lead to job losses, I see it as a powerful enabler that accelerates decision-making and improves outcomes.
Keeping pace with change means staying informed, reading consistently, and participating in meaningful industry conversations.
What future roadmap have you envisioned for yourself for the next five years?
Over the next five years, my focus will be on scaling the company to the next level of growth. While we have achieved strong success so far, there is significant potential to expand our reach into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
We are fully aligned with the Make in India initiative. Our commitment is to deliver products that meet the same rigorous German standards while being made in India. I am confident that within the next four to five years, we will emerge as a strong, globally competitive organisation.
Hemant Anand, Managing Director, Karl Storz
Hemant Anand is the Managing Director of KARL STORZ Endoscopy India, with nearly three decades of experience across pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Known for his purpose driven and empowering leadership, he has played a pivotal role in scaling India into one of Karl Storz’s top global markets. Anand champions innovation, localisation, and global standards of care, while building a strong people first culture recognised through consistent workplace and industry accolades.
Hobbies: travelling, reading, following
sports like tennis and cricket, watching movies
Favorite Cuisine: Chinese, Indian
Favorite Book: Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity, C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata
Favorite Travel Destination: Londonm(my grand daughter lives there!)
Awards & Recognition:
.Recognised consistently as a highly regarded tax practitioner in India by International tax
Review including in the World Tax and Transfer 2026 Directory
.City of London Advisory Council for India - member
.ITSG International Network - steering committee member
.Central Direct Taxes Advisory Committee (chaired by the Finance Minister) - former member
.YPO Gold – member, former YPO Regional Networks Chair, Finance Chair
I also take part in high level discussions with industry leaders to track where the sector is headed. While there is widespread concern that AI may lead to job losses, I see it as a powerful enabler that accelerates decision-making and improves outcomes.
Keeping pace with change means staying informed, reading consistently, and participating in meaningful industry conversations.
What future roadmap have you envisioned for yourself for the next five years?
Over the next five years, my focus will be on scaling the company to the next level of growth. While we have achieved strong success so far, there is significant potential to expand our reach into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
We are fully aligned with the Make in India initiative. Our commitment is to deliver products that meet the same rigorous German standards while being made in India. I am confident that within the next four to five years, we will emerge as a strong, globally competitive organisation.
Hemant Anand, Managing Director, Karl Storz
Hemant Anand is the Managing Director of KARL STORZ Endoscopy India, with nearly three decades of experience across pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Known for his purpose driven and empowering leadership, he has played a pivotal role in scaling India into one of Karl Storz’s top global markets. Anand champions innovation, localisation, and global standards of care, while building a strong people first culture recognised through consistent workplace and industry accolades.
Hobbies: travelling, reading, following
sports like tennis and cricket, watching movies
Favorite Cuisine: Chinese, Indian
Favorite Book: Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity, C. Rajagopalachari’s Mahabharata
Favorite Travel Destination: Londonm(my grand daughter lives there!)
Awards & Recognition:
.Recognised consistently as a highly regarded tax practitioner in India by International tax
Review including in the World Tax and Transfer 2026 Directory
.City of London Advisory Council for India - member
.ITSG International Network - steering committee member
.Central Direct Taxes Advisory Committee (chaired by the Finance Minister) - former member
.YPO Gold – member, former YPO Regional Networks Chair, Finance Chair