Max Healthcare Institute Limited has named Dharmender Kumar as Director & Chief – Public Affairs, a Senior Management position, effective November 1, 2026. The appointment was approved by the board at its meeting on October 30, 2026, and signals a sharpened focus on engaging with government bodies, regulators and other key stakeholders in a rapidly evolving healthcare policy landscape.
With 29 years of experience spanning the healthcare and corporate sectors, Kumar has built a track record in public affairs, policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement. His career includes leadership roles at Apollo Hospitals and Narinder Mohan Hospital, followed by a stint at Aviva Life Insurance before re-joining the Max Group in 2007, where he has since held senior responsibilities. His formal credentials include a Ph.D. in Public Policy from École Supérieure Robert de Sorbon, France, a Post-Doctorate in Healthcare Management, and a postgraduate diploma in personnel management and industrial relations, underscoring a deep blend of policy and people management expertise.
In his new role, Kumar is expected to harness this background to strengthen Max’s engagement with government bodies, regulatory authorities and other stakeholders, aligning with the group’s strategic priorities. The appointment comes at a time when Max is advancing expansion initiatives across its network, including capacity enhancements and new projects that seek to expand access to care across key markets in India.
Analysts say the move underscores Max’s commitment to a proactive public affairs function as the healthcare policy environment in India continues to evolve, signaling a more integrated approach to governance, policy shaping and cross-stakeholder collaboration that could help the company navigate regulatory developments while pursuing its growth agenda.