Dr Nagarkatti spent his entire career with Sigma-Aldrich, joining the firm in 1976. Over the next 34 years, he took a number of positions spanning r&d, manufacturing, operations, sales and marketing.
Dr Nagarkatti became president and chief operating officer in 2004, and took the additional roles of chief executive in 2006 and chairman in 2009. He had been a member of the board since 2005.
Under Dr Nagarkatti's leadership, Sigma-Aldrich's continued focus on service, quality, and innovation led it to become a leading global life sciences and hi-tech company. The firm also renewed its focus on sustainability and corporate responsibility.
Speaking on behalf of the board and staff of the company, Barrett Toan, Sigma-Aldrich's presiding director, said: ‘The entire Sigma-Aldrich global organisation mourns the loss of Jai and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Susan, and his daughter Shanti. Our deepest sympathies go out to them. He was respected by the company's 7,700 employees and will be missed.’
Sigma-Aldrich had in place a succession plan for key officers and the board has elected Rakesh Sachdev, 54, as the new president and ceo.
Sachdev most recently served as chief financial officer, chief administrative officer, and senior vice president of the International business. He also joins the Sigma-Aldrich board.
In addition, Toan, 63, has been elected as chairman.
Sachdev joined the company in 2008 from ArvinMeritor, where he was senior vice president and president Asia Pacific. Prior to joining ArvinMeritor, he worked for Cummins Inc in various roles, including cfo for one of its largest business units, and as md of its Mexican operations.
Toan served as chairman of Express Scripts from 1996 to 2006 and as ceo of Express Scripts, Inc from 1989 to 2005. He been a member of Sigma-Aldrich’s board since 2001 and, with his appointment as chairman, served as the board's presiding director.
