Shots:
- Women leaders are reshaping the healthcare industry, bringing visionary leadership, scientific expertise, and strategic insight to traditionally male-dominated spaces
- From biotech innovation to global pharmaceutical enterprises, these trailblazers are driving transformative solutions, advancing patient care, and championing inclusive workplace cultures
- PharmaShots spotlights 20 extraordinary women leaders in healthcare, celebrating their achievements, impact, and inspiring journeys that continue to redefine the future of medicine
Molly He
Total experience: 29 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Element Bioscieces (8 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Molly He co-founded Element Biosciences and serves as its CEO, driven by a mission to democratize access to advanced genomic technologies. With a Ph.D. in biochemistry and extensive experience in sequencing technology development, she recognized the opportunity to create more accessible and scalable solutions for researchers worldwide.
- Under Molly’s leadership, Element Biosciences has rapidly emerged as an innovator in next-generation sequencing technology. The company launched the AVITI™ sequencing platform, designed to deliver high-quality genomic data with improved flexibility and cost efficiency, helping expand the reach of precision medicine and genomics research.
- Beyond technological innovation, Molly champions scientific entrepreneurship and inclusive leadership in biotechnology. Through visionary leadership and commitment to empowering researchers, she continues to inspire the next generation of scientists and founders working at the intersection of genomics, technology, and healthcare.
Elcin Barker Ergun
Total experience: 39 yrs.+
Present company and time period: MENARINI Group (6 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Elcin Barker Ergun serves as CEO of Menarini Group, bringing over two decades of global pharmaceutical leadership experience across commercial strategy and general management. With a background that spans major international markets, she is known for combining strategic vision with strong operational execution.
- Since becoming CEO in 2019, Elcin has led Menarini’s transformation into a more innovation-driven and globally integrated pharmaceutical company. Under her leadership, the group strengthened its oncology portfolio, expanded its international footprint, and advanced key strategic acquisitions – positioning Menarini for sustained growth in specialty care.
- Beyond business expansion, Elcin is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in global healthcare leadership. Through purpose-driven strategy and inclusive management, she continues to champion the advancement of women in pharma while guiding one of Italy’s largest pharmaceutical companies through a new era of innovation.
Heather Turner
Total experience: 28 yrs.+
Present company and time period: LB Pharmaceuticals (21 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Heather Turner serves as CEO of LB Pharmaceuticals, bringing extensive leadership experience across biotechnology commercialization, corporate strategy, and product development. Throughout her career, she has focused on advancing therapies for serious central nervous system disorders and addressing areas of high unmet medical need.
- At LB Pharmaceuticals, Heather is leading the development of innovative treatments for schizophrenia and other psychiatric conditions. Under her leadership, the company is advancing its clinical-stage pipeline while strengthening partnerships and operational capabilities to accelerate progress in neuropsychiatric drug development.
- Beyond corporate leadership, Heather is known for championing patient-centered innovation and collaborative scientific advancement. Through strategic leadership and commitment to mental health research, she continues to contribute to the development of therapies that aim to improve the lives of patients living with complex neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Lindsay Androski
Total experience: 28 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Arbutus Biopharma (1 yrs.+)
Designation: President, CEO, and Board Chair
- Lindsay Androski built her career at the intersection of biotechnology, venture investment, and strategic growth. With experience spanning life sciences investing and board leadership, she developed a strong ability to evaluate transformative science and guide companies through critical inflection points. Her early leadership was shaped by a commitment to aligning innovation with long-term patient impact.
- As CEO of Arbutus Biopharma, Lindsay has led the company’s focus on developing curative therapies for chronic hepatitis B. Under her leadership, Arbutus advanced its pipeline of antiviral and immune-modulating therapies while strengthening operational focus and strategic partnerships -positioning the company within the competitive landscape of infectious disease innovation.
- Beyond corporate strategy, Lindsay champions thoughtful, science-driven leadership and responsible innovation. Through her work across biotech boards and executive roles, she continues to advocate for disciplined growth, strong governance, and increased representation of women in life sciences leadership.
Samantha Du
Total experience: 32 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Zai Lab (12 yrs.+)
Designation: Founder, Chairperson and CEO
- Samantha Du founded Zai Lab with a mission to bring transformative medicines to patients in China and globally. With a strong background in molecular biology and years of experience in multinational pharmaceutical leadership, she recognized the opportunity to bridge global innovation with local development expertise. Her early vision centered on accelerating access to cutting-edge therapies through strategic in-licensing and in-house innovation.
- As Founder, Chairperson, and CEO, Samantha has led Zai Lab’s rapid growth into a leading biopharmaceutical company listed on both NASDAQ and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Under her leadership, the company built a diversified portfolio spanning oncology, autoimmune, infectious, and neurological diseases, while advancing its own internally discovered pipeline.
- Beyond corporate milestones, Samantha is widely recognized as one of the most influential biotech leaders in Asia. Through resilient entrepreneurship and global collaboration, she continues to champion innovation, cross-border partnerships, and the advancement of women in science and executive leadership.
Britt Meelby Jensen
Total experience: 28 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Ambu (7 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Britt Meelby Jensen serves as CEO of Ambu, bringing extensive global leadership experience across MedTech and pharmaceutical companies. With a background in commercial strategy and international business development, she has built her career on scaling healthcare innovations across global markets.
- Since becoming CEO in 2023, Britt has led Ambu through a strategic focus on profitable growth, operational efficiency, and innovation in single-use endoscopy solutions. Under her leadership, the company has strengthened its position in advanced visualization technologies while optimizing its global footprint and supply chain performance.
- Beyond financial performance, Britt champions inclusive leadership and sustainable healthcare innovation. Through decisive strategy and people-focused leadership, she continues to position Ambu as a forward-looking medtech company while inspiring more women to pursue executive roles in global healthcare.
Dr. Helen Torley
Total experience: 29 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Halozyme (12 yrs.+)
Designation: President & CEO
- Dr. Helen Torley serves as CEO of Halozyme Therapeutics, bringing a strong background in medicine and global pharmaceutical leadership. Trained as a physician, she transitioned into biotech with a focus on advancing innovative therapies that improve patient access and treatment experience.
- Since becoming CEO in 2014, Helen has transformed Halozyme into a leading biotechnology company specializing in drug delivery technologies. Under her leadership, the company expanded its ENHANZE platform through major global partnerships, enabling subcutaneous delivery of blockbuster therapies and driving sustained revenue growth.
- Beyond corporate success, Helen is recognized for her strategic clarity and commitment to building high-performance, inclusive teams. Through science-driven leadership and collaborative partnerships, she continues to advance innovation that enhances how medicines are delivered worldwide.
Renee Gala
Total experience: 32 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Jazz Pharmaceuticals (6 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO & President
- Renee Gala became CEO and President of Jazz Pharmaceuticals in August 2023, bringing extensive experience across global commercial operations and specialty biopharma leadership. With a strong background in oncology and neuroscience franchises, she built her career on aligning strategic growth with meaningful patient impact.
- As CEO, Renee is leading Jazz through its next phase of innovation-driven expansion, strengthening its oncology and neuroscience portfolios while advancing a pipeline of differentiated therapies. Under her leadership, the company continues to focus on disciplined capital allocation, global commercial execution, and long-term value creation.
- Beyond financial performance, Renee is recognized for her people-centered leadership style and commitment to developing high-performing teams. Through inclusive leadership and clear strategic vision, she continues to champion innovation and inspire the next generation of women executives in global biopharma.
Dr. Maky Zanganeh
Total experience: 31 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Summit Therapeutics (5 yrs.+)
Designation: Co-CEO & President
- Dr. Maky Zanganeh built her career at the intersection of science, strategy, and global deal-making. With a background in dentistry and business leadership, she developed a reputation for identifying high-potential therapeutic assets and structuring transformative partnerships. Her early executive experience sharpened her ability to combine scientific opportunity with bold strategic execution.
- As Co-CEO and President of Summit Therapeutics, Maky played a pivotal role in repositioning the company around innovative oncology assets. Under her leadership, Summit secured major international licensing agreements and advanced promising late-stage cancer therapies, strengthening its global footprint and investor confidence. Her decisive, high-impact leadership has been central to the company’s renewed growth trajectory.
- Beyond corporate strategy, Maky is recognized for her resilience, ambition, and ability to lead complex cross-border collaborations. As a prominent woman executive in biotech deal-making and oncology innovation, she continues to inspire emerging leaders to pursue transformative science with confidence and strategic vision.
Vinita Gupta
Total experience: 34 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Lupin (34 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Vinita Gupta has led Lupin as CEO since 2013, bringing a strong blend of scientific training and global business strategy to one of India’s leading pharmaceutical companies. With a pharmacy degree from the University of Mumbai and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, she joined the family-founded company and steadily built her leadership credentials across international markets.
- Under Vinita’s leadership, Lupin expanded its global footprint significantly, strengthening its presence in the United States, Europe, and emerging markets while diversifying its portfolio across generics, complex generics, biosimilars, and specialty pharmaceuticals. She has also overseen strategic acquisitions and investments in R&D to support long-term innovation.
- Beyond corporate achievements, Vinita is widely recognized as one of the most influential women in global pharma. Through disciplined leadership, long-term strategic thinking, and mentorship, she continues to inspire the next generation of women leaders in science, healthcare, and global business.
Dr. Michelle Xia (Xia Yu)
Total experience: 30 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Akeso (13 yrs.+)
Designation: Chairperson & CEO
- Michelle Xia (Xia Yu) founded Akeso with a bold vision to position China at the forefront of global biologics innovation. With a strong scientific background and deep industry experience, she set out to build a company rooted in cutting-edge antibody research and global standards of drug development. From the outset, her leadership was defined by ambition, scientific rigor, and a belief that breakthrough science should know no geographic boundaries.
- As Michelle scaled Akeso, she led the company through rapid R&D expansion, strategic global partnerships, and a successful listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Under her leadership, Akeso developed a robust pipeline of novel immuno-oncology therapies and bispecific antibodies, strengthening its presence both in China and internationally. Her ability to combine entrepreneurial agility with scientific depth positioned Akeso as a rising force in biotech innovation.
- Beyond corporate growth, Michelle’s influence represents a new generation of globally minded biotech founders. She champions innovation-led growth, cross-border collaboration, and opportunities for women in science-driven enterprises. Through her vision and determination, she continues to inspire emerging leaders shaping the future of biopharmaceutical discovery.
Dr. Martine Rothblatt
Total experience: 45 yrs.+
Present company and time period: United Therapeutics (30 yrs.)
Designation: CEO & Founder
- Dr. Martine Rothblatt founded United Therapeutics in 1996 with a deeply personal mission -to develop life-saving therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension after her daughter was diagnosed with the disease. Combining entrepreneurial drive with visionary thinking, she built the company around the belief that biotechnology could dramatically extend and improve human life. Her leadership reflects bold innovation, long-term thinking, and a relentless focus on patients.
- As Martine scaled United Therapeutics, she transformed it into a leading biotech company specializing in treatments for pulmonary hypertension and rare diseases. Under her direction, the company advanced multiple FDA-approved therapies while also investing in groundbreaking initiatives such as organ manufacturing, xenotransplantation, and regenerative medicine. Her willingness to pursue frontier science has positioned the company at the cutting edge of biotech innovation.
- Beyond corporate success, Martine is widely recognized for redefining what visionary leadership looks like in pharma and technology. A champion of innovation, bioethics, and diversity, she continues to push boundaries -demonstrating that purpose-driven entrepreneurship can reshape industries and inspire generations of leaders.
Sabrina Martucci Johnson
Total experience: 14 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Daré Bioscience (10 yrs.+)
Designation: President, Founder and CEO
- Sabrina Martucci Johnson founded Daré Bioscience with a clear and underserved mission -to advance innovative therapies for women’s health. With a background spanning commercial strategy, corporate development, and biopharma leadership, she recognized the persistent gaps in research and treatment options for women. That insight became the catalyst for building a company dedicated exclusively to improving women’s reproductive and sexual health outcomes.
- As Sabrina scaled Daré Bioscience, she led the company through strategic acquisitions, product in-licensing, and clinical advancement across multiple therapeutic areas. Under her leadership, Daré built a diversified pipeline addressing contraception, sexual health, fertility, and menopause -positioning the company as a focused innovator in a historically overlooked segment of healthcare.
- Beyond corporate milestones, Sabrina is a vocal advocate for elevating women’s health as a global priority. Through her entrepreneurial leadership, she continues to challenge industry norms, attract investment into female-focused innovation, and inspire more women to lead in science-driven enterprises.
Ester Baiget
Total experience: 31 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Novonesis (2 yrs.+)
Designation: President & CEO
- Ester Baiget serves as President and CEO of Novonesis, the global biosolutions company formed from the merger of Novozymes and Chr. Hansen’s bioscience business. With a background in chemical engineering and decades of leadership experience in industrial biotechnology and specialty chemicals, she has built a reputation for driving science-based innovation and sustainable growth.
- Prior to leading Novonesis, Ester held senior leadership roles across global life science and industrial companies, including CEO of Novozymes from 2020 to 2024. Under her leadership, Novozymes strengthened its innovation pipeline in enzymes and microbial solutions, ultimately leading to the strategic merger that created Novonesis – a global leader in biosolutions across food, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
- Beyond corporate leadership, Ester is widely recognized for championing sustainability through biotechnology. By promoting science-driven solutions that reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency, she continues to position biosolutions as a key driver of the global green transition.
Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet
Total experience: 34 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (10 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Dr. Yvonne Greenstreet began her career as a physician before transitioning into global pharmaceutical leadership, bringing a patient-centered lens to corporate strategy. Her early experience in clinical medicine shaped her commitment to ensuring that scientific innovation translates into meaningful health outcomes. Over time, she built a reputation for integrating medical insight with commercial and operational excellence.
- As CEO of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Yvonne has led the company through a critical phase of growth in RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Under her leadership, Alnylam strengthened its commercial portfolio of approved RNAi medicines while advancing a robust pipeline targeting genetic, cardiometabolic, and rare diseases -reinforcing its position as a pioneer in RNA-based innovation.
- Beyond business performance, Yvonne is a strong advocate for diversity in science and leadership. As one of the few Black women leading a major biotech company, she champions inclusive leadership, global health equity, and mentorship -inspiring the next generation of leaders to combine purpose with performance.
Zhong Huijuan
Total experience: 31 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Hansoh Pharmaceutical (31 yrs.+)
Designation: Chairlady of the Board, CEO and Executive Director
- Zhong Huijuan began her journey as a chemistry teacher before venturing into the pharmaceutical industry with a bold entrepreneurial vision. Founding Hansoh Pharmaceutical in the mid-1990s, she built the company from the ground up with a sharp focus on research-driven growth and high-quality generic medicines. Her early commitment to innovation and discipline laid the foundation for what would become one of China’s leading pharmaceutical enterprises.
- As Zhong expanded Hansoh’s footprint, she strategically shifted the company from generics to innovative drug development, investing heavily in R&D and oncology-focused therapies. Under her leadership, Hansoh successfully listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and strengthened its pipeline across oncology, infectious diseases, and central nervous system disorders -positioning the company as a major force in China’s evolving biotech landscape.
- Beyond financial success, Zhong’s legacy reflects resilience, long-term vision, and quiet determination. As one of the most influential women in global pharma and among China’s self-made business leaders, she has demonstrated that scientific ambition and entrepreneurial courage can transform healthcare access at scale, inspiring women leaders across Asia and beyond.
Kristin Peck
Total experience: 27 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Zoetis (13 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Kristin Peck currently serves as CEO of Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company. With a background spanning pharmaceuticals, consulting, and commercial strategy, she previously led Zoetis’ US operations before being appointed CEO in January 2020, becoming the first woman to lead the company.
- Under Kristin’s leadership, Zoetis has delivered consistent revenue growth, expanded its portfolio across companion animal and livestock medicines, and accelerated innovation in biologics, diagnostics, and digital solutions. She has guided the company through global supply chain challenges while strengthening its focus on sustainability and long-term value creation.
- Beyond financial performance, Kristin champions diversity, inclusion, and responsible leadership in global healthcare. She continues to inspire women across life sciences by demonstrating that operational excellence, empathy, and bold strategic vision can coexist at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
Julie Kim
Total experience: 34 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Takeda (7 yrs.+)
Designation: Interim Head, Global Portfolio Division
- Julie Kim is appointed as CEO-Elect of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, marking a historic milestone as she prepares to lead one of Japan’s largest global biopharmaceutical companies. With extensive leadership experience across commercial strategy, global operations, and U.S. market expansion, she has built a reputation for combining performance discipline with people-first leadership.
- Prior to her CEO-Elect appointment, Julie served as President of Takeda’s U.S. Business Unit, where she drove growth across key therapeutic areas and strengthened organizational culture during a period of industry transformation. Her leadership has been characterized by strategic clarity, operational rigor, and a strong commitment to purpose-driven innovation.
- As she transitions toward the CEO role, Julie represents a new generation of global pharma leadership – championing diversity, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable long-term growth. Her appointment signals Takeda’s continued focus on innovation, inclusion, and patient-centered impact worldwide.
Belén Garijo
Total experience: 30 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Merck KGaA (15 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO
- Belén Garijo built her career as a physician and pharmaceutical executive, developing a global perspective on science-driven healthcare. Early roles across Europe and North America – including senior operational leadership in Sanofi’s pharmaceutical divisions -shaped her belief that clinical insight and strategic execution must be deeply connected to patient outcomes.
- Garijo currently serving as Chair and CEO of Merck KGaA (May 2021 – April 2026), becoming the first woman to lead a major DAX40 company. During her tenure there, she navigated the company through acquisitions such as SpringWorks Therapeutics, strengthened its portfolio, and addressed evolving global healthcare challenges. In February 2026, Sanofi announced her appointment as its next Chief Executive Officer, with her leadership set to begin on April 29, 2026 -making her the first woman to lead the French pharma giant.
- Beyond corporate performance, Belén champions diversity, scientific rigor, and inclusive leadership. She continues to inspire a new generation of leaders to pursue purpose-driven growth in global healthcare -bringing experience from both science and executive leadership to one of the world’s largest biopharmaceutical companies.
Reshma Kewalramani
Total experience: 28 yrs.+
Present company and time period: Vertex Pharmaceuticals (9 yrs.+)
Designation: CEO & President
- Reshma Kewalramani began her journey at the intersection of science and patient care. Trained as a physician, she saw early on how limited treatment options could shape and sometimes restrict patients’ lives. That experience ignited her commitment to translating cutting-edge science into transformative medicines. She built her leadership style around empathy, scientific rigor, and mission-driven collaboration reinforcing her belief that innovation must always begin with patients.
- As Reshma rose through the ranks in a highly competitive biotech landscape, she navigated scientific risk, regulatory complexity, and the pressure of delivering breakthrough therapies. In 2020, she became the first woman to lead a large publicly traded US biotech company as CEO. Under her leadership, Vertex strengthened its cystic fibrosis franchise while expanding into new frontiers including gene editing, pain management, and cell therapies – positioning the company for long-term, diversified growth.
- Beyond business milestones, Reshma’s impact lies in redefining representation in biotech leadership. As one of the few physician-scientists and women CEOs in the sector, she champions diversity in STEM and fosters an inclusive culture where scientific curiosity thrives. Through mentorship and advocacy, she continues to inspire the next generation of women leaders to pursue bold ambitions in science and healthcare.
Sources:
- Company Website
