Succession of leadership is underway within Japanese pharmaceutical corporations. Companies including Daiichi Sankyo Korea, Astellas Pharma Korea, Kyowa Kirin Korea, as well as MSD Korea, are embarking on fresh challenges with the introduction of novel drug pipelines. The spotlight is on these new appointees, emphasizing the pivotal role their leadership will play.

In March 2023, Jeong-Tae Kim was appointed as the successor to Dae-Jung Kim as the representative of Daiichi Sankyo Korea. Dae-Jung Kim, who had led the company for about 13 years, is now supporting the company’s management as an advisor since April 1st.

Jeong-Tae Kim, the newly designated representative, holds a degree from Sungkyunkwan University’s College of Pharmacy and an MBA from Korea University. His journey commenced in 2008 within Daiichi Sankyo Korea's pharmaceutical team, where he undertook roles in business planning and development. Advancing through marketing within the Daiichi Sankyo ASCA (Asia, South & Central America) region starting in 2017, he eventually assumed responsibility for strategic planning in the company’s headquarters management promotion division. Upon his return to Daiichi Sankyo Korea in 2020, he spearheaded the overall marketing MR division, ascending to the position of vice president and subsequently heading Digital Excellence, a role in which he charted Daiichi Sankyo Korea’s future growth strategy.

Daiichi Sankyo Korea, known for achievements like ‘Lixiana’ in primary treatments, has entered the anti-cancer drug sector with the launch of ‘Enhertu’. Anticipation is high within the industry as Jeong-Tae Kim guides this promising venture forward.

In February, Astellas Pharma Korea also witnessed a leadership shift, with the appointment of Junil Kim as its new representative. A graduate of Chung-Ang University’s College of Pharmacy, Mr. Kim augmented his credentials through management programs at ESADE in Spain, INSEAD in France, and Switzerland's IMD.

Mr. Kim's professional journey commenced in 2000 at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in Korea and China. His diverse roles encompassed positions at Bayer, including Market Access Lead at Bayer’s Germany headquarters, Country Head in the Philippines, and oversight of Market Access and Sales & Marketing in Korea, with a specialization in fields like oncology, ophthalmology, and cardiovascular treatments. Guiding the Strategic Operations Team for Bayer's Asia Pacific region, he managed sales, marketing, strategic planning, and business development. This rich experience poised him to steer Astellas Pharma Korea as its key leader.

Astellas Pharma Korea, recognized for its presence in urological disorders, is diversifying into new domains, such as anti-cancer drugs 'Xtandi' for prostate cancer and 'Xospata' for acute myeloid leukemia. With Junil Kim at the helm, the company draws high expectations, leveraging his 23 years of global pharmaceutical industry expertise.

Kyowa Kirin Korea is also poised for a leadership transition, as former CEO Sang-Heon Lee's resignation prompts interim leadership. The search for a new CEO is anticipated to conclude within the year.

Kyowa Kirin Korea embarked on its journey in April with the fast-track reimbursement approval of ‘Crysvita’, the first item under President Suk-Yeol Yoon's administration. Subsequently, the hyperuricemia treatment ‘Nephoxil capsule’ received reimbursement approval in July. Ongoing is the reimbursement approval process for 'Poteligeo', a treatment for rare disease cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Bolstered by new pipelines and fortified positions from these developments, the company seeks a leader to guide its onward trajectory.

Global pharmaceutical entities are also undergoing leadership transitions. MSD Korea appointed Albert Kim as its new Managing Director as of August 1st, with over 25 years of experience in global and Korean pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Mr. Kim, a biochemistry graduate of McMaster University in Canada, earned an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

His executive tenure within the Commercial Strategy Team at Samsung Bioepis encompassed global business strategy and operations, steering the launch and expansion of pivotal product portfolios across the United States and European countries. He previously held positions including the younger CFO at Novartis and inaugural CEO of Menarini Korea, overseeing office establishment and business growth.

In March, Viatris Korea welcomed Bill Schuster as its new leader. His background features key roles in marketing and business strategy at Mylan Japan, along with stints at Shionogi Pharmaceutical and Takeda Pharmaceutical. His experience as a marketing executive for Japan and Korea at Boehringer Ingelheim Japan and Novo Nordisk renders him well-acquainted with Asia's medical systems and cultures. Born in Ireland, he obtained Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Dublin, in addition to an MBA from France's INSEAD Business School.