Global Management Structure

The Astellas Group has established a management structure as described below.

Top Management (as of April 2024)

In order to build an optimal management system capable of agile and appropriate decision making, Astellas maintains a global organizational structure covering the entire Group across nearly all of its divisions including those of Research, Development, Manufacturing, and administrative functions, and appoints Top Management to take charge of such activities. Top Management consists of the Representative Director, President and CEO and members who are in charge of each business area.
 

Naoki Okamura Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Biography

Naoki Okamura serves as the President and CEO of Astellas Pharma Inc, leading our efforts to implement the Corporate Strategic Plan 2021 and developing strategies for long-term growth.

Naoki began his career at Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharma Inc.) in 1986. In 2010, he took on the role of CEO for the U.S. subsidiary acquired by the company. In 2012, he was seconded to Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd., where he held the position of Senior Vice President, overseeing business strategy across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Upon returning to Astellas Pharma Inc., he assumed several key roles, including Vice President of Business Development, Vice President of Corporate Planning, and Corporate Executive, Chief Strategy Officer (CStO). In June 2019, he was appointed Representative Director, Executive Vice President, CStO, and in April 2023, he was appointed President and CEO.

Naoki started his career engaging with the back office of the sales division and he has gained valuable experience across various departments, particularly in corporate planning and business development. He places great importance on fostering dialogue with all stakeholders, continually enhancing his understanding of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas. To deliver VALUE to patients, he prioritizes initiatives that align with Astellas commitment to sustainable growth and the effective allocation of management resources.

Education: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo
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Organization in charge

Advocacy, API External Relations, Audit & Supervisory Committee Office, Communications & Investor Relations, Internal Audit, Quality Assurance
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Katsuyoshi Sugita Representative Director, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer (CPO & CECO)

Biography

Katsuyoshi (Kats) Sugita serves as CPO & CECO. His goal is to make Astellas the best place to work by unlocking the innovative potential held within the talented and diverse teams and by continually learning and growing with those around him.

Kats has over 30 years of Human Resources experience in pharmaceutical and technology sectors, including in Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Microsoft. He joined Astellas as Head of Human Resources in May 2021. In June 2023, he was appointed Representative Director, Executive Vice President, CPO & CECO.

As a senior HR leader, Kats helps shape the culture, creates clarity and generates energy as one team. Well versed in global leadership and communication, he has worked in Japan and the United States to lead global and regional projects in talent management, diversity & inclusion, data driven HR and HR best practice sharing.

Education: MBA, City University of London’s Business School; Bachelor of Psychology, Kyoto University
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Organization in charge

CPO & CEOO Office, Ethics & Compliance, Human Resources Close

Yoshitsugu Shitaka, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer (CScO)

Biography

Yoshitsugu (Yoshi) Shitaka, Astellas’ Chief Scientific Officer and Head of the Research organization, leads a global team of scientists and researchers responsible for exploring state-of-the-art technologies and novel modalities. This includes collaborating with scientific leaders around the world to ensure innovation translates into medical solutions and overseeing emerging areas of discovery research including targeted protein degradation, cell- and gene-based approaches and immuno-oncology, with the goal of transforming outcomes and delivering VALUE for patients with few or no treatment options.

Yoshi has over 25 years of industry experience spanning research, product and portfolio strategy, across a variety of modalities and therapeutic areas. At Astellas, he has held several senior roles, including President of Astellas Institute for Regenerative Medicine; Head of New Product Science Strategy, Product & Portfolio Strategy; and Therapeutic Area Head, Frontier Disease Research Unit, Drug Discovery Research. He began his career as a researcher in the Neuroscience, Drug Discovery Research division. In April 2021, he was appointed Chief Scientific Officer.

Yoshi has been the Chairperson of Forum for Innovative Regenerative Medicine (FIRM) since June 2023, aiming to industrialize regenerative medicines by establishing a thriving life sciences ecosystem and bridging the worlds of science, business, and investment.

Education: Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo; Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Tokyo; Bachelor of Pharmacy, the University of Tokyo
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Organization in charge

CScO Office, Applied Research & Operations, Discovery Accelerator, Engineered Small Molecules, Gene Therapy Research & Technical Operations, Immuno-Oncology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Open Innovation Management, Universal Cells, Xyphos Biosciences
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Tadaaki Taniguchi, M.D., Ph.D. Chief Medical Officer (CMO)

Biography

Tadaaki Taniguchi serves as Chief Medical Officer at Astellas where he oversees a global team responsible for developing treatments with the potential to reshape expectations of health care. His responsibility covers multiple functions focused on developing innovative and patient-centric treatments and ensuring their appropriate and safe use throughout a product’s lifecycle.

Tadaaki joined Astellas in July 2022 and appointed CMO in October 2022 with more than 20 years of industry experience spanning research, development, and medical affairs. He has worked across a range of therapeutic areas, including oncology, diabetes and respiratory disease etc., to deliver transformational medicines to patients. Prior to joining Astellas, Tadaaki held multiple senior leadership roles in major multinational pharmaceutical companies in the U.S., Japan and China operating at global and regional levels.

Tadaaki completed a Ph.D. in Medicine at Imperial College London and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Tottori University in Japan. As a surgical oncologist, he spent 10 years working in clinics and research laboratories. The knowledge and experience he gained contributed to his unique perspective on how global pharmaceutical companies can innovate to deliver breakthrough science by rethinking approaches to medicine that change the way diseases are treated.

Education: Ph.D. in Medicine, Imperial College London; Ph.D. in Medicine, Tottori University; M.D., Tottori University
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Organization in charge

CMO Office, Biopharma Development, Cell and Gene Therapy Development, Clinical Operations and China Development, Data Science, Development Project Management, Early Development, Immuno-Oncology Development, Medical Affairs, M&D Strategy & Operations, Oncology Development, Pharmacovigilance, Regulatory Affairs
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Hideki Shima Chief Manufacturing Officer (CMfgO)

Biography

Hideki Shima serves as CMfgO and oversees the technology and manufacturing strategy for pharmaceutical products and clinical trial materials. He is responsible for evaluating and expanding our pharmaceutical technology to ensure a stable supply of products with various modalities available for commercialization and clinical trials.

Hideki joined Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharma Inc.) in 1989 and has held several positions of increasing responsibility including Senior Director of Supply Chain Management, Pharmaceutical Technology division; President of Astellas Ireland Co. Ltd.; Senior Vice President, Technology Planning & Administration, Pharmaceutical Technology; and President, Pharmaceutical Technology.

At Astellas, Hideki began his career in the development of antibiotic manufacturing processes. He oversaw manufacturing and quality control of several pharmaceutical products including interferon for launch and a stable supply, as well as setting up a new manufacturing plant. In 2011, when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, his experience in global manufacturing planning led to a personal commitment for providing a stable supply of products to patients around the world.

Education: Master of Engineering, Osaka University; Bachelor of Engineering, Osaka University
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Organization in charge

CMfgO Office, BioPharma Manufacturing, CMC Development, CMC Product Management, CMC Research, Pharma Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Technology & Manufacturing Capability and Compliance
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Claus Zieler Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Biography

Claus Zieler serves as Chief Commercial Officer and oversees the profit and loss (P&L) of all aspects of our global commercial operations, including strategic marketing, public affairs, market access and pricing, commercial capabilities, and commercial affiliate operations.

Claus started his professional career as a management trainee at Schering AG in 1991, steadily progressing through roles in Sales & Marketing, R&D, Production, and general management across Europe, Latin America, the US, and Asia.  He held general management roles at Bayer in Belgium, Japan, and Singapore, and at Schering AG in Germany and Argentina. He joined Astellas in 2019, and led the Established Markets (Europe, Canada, and Israel) and the International Markets region (across Asia, Russia, the Middle East, and Latin America) as a President. He has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry.

Claus launched the Growth Strategy to achieve full brand potential through best-in-class customer engagement in 2023. He has since assembled cross-functional brand teams — co-led by Medical Affairs and Commercial —and implemented mindset and behavioral change to ensure that those closest to the customer are empowered to make decisions with the greatest possible impact on outcomes for patients.

Education: MBA, INSEAD, France; Master of Science in Molecular Biology, the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Biology, Princeton University
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Organization in charge

CCO Office, China Commercial, Established Markets Commercial, International Markets Commercial, Japan Commercial, United States Commercial, Commercial Capabilities, Market Access & Pricing, New Product Planning, Strategic Brand Marketing Medical Specialties, Strategic Brand Marketing Oncology, Strategic Brand Marketing Ophthalmics and Rare Disease
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Adam Pearson Chief Strategy Officer (CStO)

Biography

Adam Pearson plays a pivotal role in shaping our corporate strategy, spearheading initiatives in business planning, the development and execution of Primary Focus strategies, business partnerships, Rx+ business creation, Patient Centricity, and sustainability efforts.

Adam joined Yamanouchi (now Astellas) in 2004 after his tenure at Boston Consulting Group. Throughout his career, he has held several prominent positions, including Regional Senior Vice President (SVP) North Europe at Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd. and General Manager for the United Kingdom at Astellas Pharma Ltd. In April 2020, he was appointed as SVP of Corporate Planning at Astellas Pharma Inc., and in April 2023, he took on the role of CStO.

With over 20 years of experience in strategic and operational roles within the life sciences sector, Adam has held key leadership roles across various countries, regions, divisions, and functions. He is also a strong advocate for patient centricity, drawing from his personal experiences as a patient.

Education: MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business; BA, Philosophy, Politics and Economics, Oxford University
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Organization in charge

Corporate CxO Office, Business Development, Corporate Strategy, iota Biosciences, Patient Centricity, Primary Focus Lead Blindness & Beyond, Primary Focus Lead Genetic Regulation, Primary Focus Lead Immune Homeostasis, Primary Focus Lead Immuno-Oncology, Primary Focus Lead Mitochondria, Primary Focus Lead Targeted Protein Degradation, Rx+ Business Accelerator, Sustainability
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Nick Eshkenazi Chief Digital & Transformation Officer (CDTO)

Biography

Nick Eshkenazi is the Chief Digital & Transformation Officer (CDTO) at Astellas Pharma, leading the growth of the company’s digital and transformation capabilities to advance its strategic priorities. In his role, Nick collaborates with cross-functional teams to harness digital solutions that drive business goals and optimize operational efficiencies.

With over 30 years of experience in digital, technology, data, and operations across global organizations, such as Woolworths, Costco, PACCAR and USAA, Nick has held executive roles as CDTO, CDO, CIO, and CTO. In these positions, he has partnered with large multinational organizations, managed global teams, and successfully delivered strategic, transformational programs. He joined Astellas in November 2023 as Chief Digital Officer and was appointed CDTO in April 2024.

Nick is known for his innovation, exponential thinking, and strategic leadership. His innate curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning enable him to inspire confidence among both business and technology stakeholders. He effectively bridges the gap between these domains with his pragmatic, common-sense approach to transformation, innovation, and execution.

As a recognized thought and transformational leader, Nick is frequently called upon as a speaker and collaborator worldwide and serves as a Strategic Advisor to several company boards. In 2024, Nick was honored as CDTO of the Year (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing) by C-Suite Insider magazine.

Education: Master of Science in Computer Science, Technical University of Sofia
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Organization in charge

DigitalX, Transformation Office
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Atsushi Kitamura Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Biography

Atsushi Kitamura serves as CFO and currently leads enterprise-level initiatives in corporate accounting, financial strategy, procurement, and finance and tax.

Atsushi began his career in finance with Procter & Gamble. He delivered successful profit turnaround for TNT Express Worldwide (Japan) Inc. also gained capital markets experience during his time at Skylark Holdings while successfully publicly relisting the company. Most recently, he was CFO / Board of Director at Pioneer Corporation, where he oversaw managing all financial related matters and intellectual property for the entire group. He joined Astellas Pharma Inc. as CFO in November 2023.

Atsushi served in senior finance positions for corporations across a diverse set of industries, including car electronics, food services, logistics, and general consumer goods manufacturing. He draws upon his extensive industry experience to support our business and help establish a foundation for sustainable growth through enhanced governance, aligning with Astellas' VISION of placing patient VALUE at the heart of our activities.

Education: Bachelor of Economics, the University of Tokyo
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Organization in charge

CFO Office, Corporate Accounting & Global Business Services, Corporate Finance & Control, Procurement, Treasury & Tax
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Catherine Levitt General Counsel (GC)

Biography

Catherine Levitt, as our General Counsel, oversees the Legal & IP Division. Legal & IP delivers critical legal and intellectual property guidance and strategic thought leadership, drives innovative solutions, and partners with stakeholders across the organization to enable Astellas’ enterprise priorities.

Catherine began her career at the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery and served as corporate counsel at Baxter Healthcare and People's Energy. She joined Fujisawa, a predecessor to Astellas, in 2004. During her tenure with Astellas, she has held numerous leadership positions within the Company, including Head of Risk Management and Chief Litigation Counsel; Head of US Legal; Regional General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Astellas Americas; and Legal Head of Commercial, Regulatory, Medical & Development, Rx+/ transactional. She also served as chair and vice chair of PhRMA’s Law Section.

Catherine is an Executive Sponsor of the Astellas Corporate Strategic Plan Organizational Health Goals and is a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion. She serves on the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and previously was the Executive Sponsor of Connect & Lift, a leadership development program for female employees.

Education: J.D., University of Illinois College of Law; Bachelor of Finance, University of Illinois
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Organization in charge

GC Office, Legal and IP
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Executive Committee (as of April 2024)

Astellas has the Executive Committee, chaired by the Representative Director, President and CEO, as a body for discussion on important matters in global management of the Astellas Group. Members consist of Top Management.

Members