Industry Scoop - Big Pharmas changed leaderships
Ushering in new pipelines, drugs and modalities.
In recent months, several well-known pharmaceutical companies have experienced turnover in their top leadership positions. From Kite Pharma to Daiichi Sankyo, new CEOs and presidents are being appointed as the industry undergoes a period of transformation and growth.
Christi Shaw, CEO of Kite Pharma, a subsidiary of Gilead, one of the leaders in CAR-T therapy, will resign at the end of March, with a search for a successor already underway. Shaw, who previously led Eli Lilly and Company's biomedical division, played a crucial role in the development and commercialization of immunology, pain, and neuroscience products.
Generic drug giant Viatris has also undergone significant changes, with full-year 2022 sales down 9% year-over-year. Viatris announced its next CEO, Scott Smith, who will officially take over from current CEO Michael Goettler on April 1 2023. This move comes as the company seeks to turn around declining sales and expand its portfolio of products.
Roche Pharmaceuticals also saw a change in leadership. Teresa Graham, Roche's current head of global product strategy, has taken over as CEO.
In Japan, Astellas Pharma has also announced a new CEO, Naoki Okamura, who will take over from Kenji Yasukawa in April. Okamura, currently executive vice president and chief strategy officer, will continue to advance the company's strategic plan and drive further growth.
Changes in chairman/president positions have also been seen in the industry, with Moderna President Juan Andres set to retire and leave the company in May.
These changes in leadership reflect the constantly evolving nature of the pharmaceutical industry, as companies seek to adapt to new technologies, shifting market dynamics, and changing patient needs. They also present opportunities for new ideas and strategies to drive growth and success.
For Kite Pharma, the search for a new CEO comes at a time when the company is looking to expand its CAR-T therapy offerings and continue to innovate in the field of immunotherapy. As one of the leaders in the space, the company's new CEO will be tasked with driving growth and cementing Kite's position as a key player in the industry.