Mumbai, July 9: Drug major Cipla today announced the appointment of Samina Vaziralli as executive director on its board, paving the way for a bigger role for her in the company.

The appointment comes nearly two weeks after Kamil Hamied, nephew of Cipla chairman Yusuf K. Hamied, quit the company. Samina is the elder sister of Kamil and both are the children of vice-chairman M.K. Hamied.

Kamil was widely believed to take over the reins of the drug maker. However, he quit the company last month citing his desire to pursue interests outside the company. Samina was also being reportedly groomed by patriarch Y.K. Hamied for taking up a bigger role.

Cipla today said Samina's appointment would be effective from July 10. She is part of the core leadership team and has been with the company since 2011.

Samina has played a significant role in the company's ongoing transformation and has been responsible for successfully incubating and shaping its consumer healthcare business as part of Cipla New Ventures.

Moreover, she has recently taken on an expanded role by leading global strategic alliances and enabling Cipla's people strategy and leadership development.

Samina, who graduated from the London School of Economics, was previously with the investment management division of Goldman Sachs.

"She (Samina) will reinforce the commitment and continuity of the Hamied family's involvement in Cipla. She will help drive Cipla to achieving its strategic vision," Adil Zainulbhai, independent director and chairman of the nomination and remuneration committee of Cipla, said.

Meanwhile, Cipla has announced the divestment of its consumer healthcare business to a wholly owned subsidiary that is proposed to be incorporated for a consideration of Rs 10.5 crore.

In a communication to the bourses, Cipla said the divestment would enable it to participate in the attractive and growing over-the-counter market.