Head of Oncology

In my role, I drive the development of USMA strategy for multiple lung cancer indications, overseeing the medical launch of ADUARA OS data and Enhertu (lung), as well as prelaunch activities for Datopotamab -Deuruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in metastatic NSCLC. I am responsible for creating medical tactical plans aligned with company objectives, focusing on evidence generation and scientific communications. Leading a team of nine medical leads/directors, I ensure compliance with AstraZeneca standards and external regulations while mentoring team members. Additionally, I represent the organization at key external events to foster scientific partnerships and enhance awareness of the AZ pipeline. Managing the alliance relationship with Daiichi Sankyo for Enhertu and Dato-DXd, I coordinate efforts for seamless collaboration.Ke accomplishments:• Built and developed high-performing medical team, recruiting top talent in competitive environment.• Led medical budget oversight for three key molecules, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strategic allocation of resources.• Pioneered introduction of innovative strategies into medical affairs, notably institution of two medical omnichannel pilots.• Actively participated in Lung leadership team and People Strategy committee, contributing to broader organizational vision.• Executed the medical launch for ADAURA (Osimertinib following surgical resection in resectable NSCLC).

In my role, I led the Tagrisso global medical team through the global medical launch of FLAURA OS data, providing crucial support for key markets such as Japan and China by facilitating additional data provision. I also oversaw the development of three strategic global medical plans for Tagrisso, which significantly contributed to the Brand Strategic Planning (BSP) process. Additionally, I initiated prelaunch medical activities for savolitinib and managed the transition of selumetinib into another franchise. Furthermore, I regularly engaged with cross-functional teams, including the Global Project Team (GPT) and joint IO/TDR GPT, to represent medical interests and ensure integrated strategy execution.Major highlights:• Received OBU awards in 2020 and 2021, recognizing contributions to medical excellence and innovation.• Led global medical strategy for Tagrisso, aligning with commercial objectives and enhancing product positioning.• Supported influential Lung Ambition project, contributing to advancement of lung cancer treatment and patient care.• Chaired Global Medical team meetings and orchestrated annual conference, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.• Played pivotal role in co-leading evidence generation for Accelerate China, driving strategic initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.• Actively engaged in Medical Digital Innovation/Omnichannel workstream, embracing and driving digital transformation in medical affairs.• Successfully completed prestigious AZ Leading Business program in 2021, enhancing business leadership skills.

In my role, I developed and implemented comprehensive medical strategies for immunology (dermatology, gastroenterology, rheumatology), infectious diseases, and neuroscience portfolios. I also led and managed a diverse medical affairs team, ensuring alignment with overarching company objectives and fostering a culture of continuous professional development. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in the leadership team, influencing company direction with insightful medical perspectives and contributing to strategic decision-making processes. Furthermore, I oversaw talent acquisition and pipeline growth by recruiting top-tier medical professionals and supporting advancements.Key accomplishments:• Played key role in team recruitment and development, building pipeline of medical talent poised for future leadership roles.• Directed robust field leadership team, including MSL managers to ensure consistent and effective engagement across various regions.• Advanced medical strategy development, leading to cohesive and proactive approach to managing company's diverse therapeutic portfolio.• Medical lead for multi-disciplinary team covering three distinct therapy areas, enhancing organization's medical affairs capabilities.

In my capacity, I led and managed the oncology medical affairs team, which included overseeing an eight-member team consisting of two Senior Medical Managers, five Medical Science Liaison Managers, and one Compliance Manager. My responsibilities encompassed developing medical strategies for lung oncology and immuno-oncology prelaunch/launch activities, as well as in-line/heritage products. I played a key role in establishing the medical affairs oncology talent pipeline by spearheading recruitment efforts and supporting team development plans. Additionally, I contributed to the medical leadership team, providing expert guidance for the medical affairs function.Notable contributions:• Led medical affairs strategy for launch of Tagrisso, a targeted therapy for EGFRm + NSCLC.• Restructured and expanded AZ oncology medical affairs function, successfully hiring and onboarding highly skilled team.• Engaged strategically with key oncology stakeholder groups and research institutions, enhancing AZ's reputation as an oncology leader.• Directed pre-launch medical activities for immuno-oncology portfolio, securing funding and placement of key clinical trials in Australia.• Developed and implemented robust MSL metrics system across all AZ medical affairs teams, driving performance and accountability.• Presented at PBAC pre-submission meeting.• Elevated AZ Oncology Australia's profile regionally and globally by sharing medical affairs best practices.

In my capacity, I reported directly to the country Medical Director and managed a team consisting of three Medical Managers and two MSLs. My primary responsibility was to provide strategic medical affairs support for the virology portfolio, with a focus on HIV and viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV). I spearheaded the direction of medical pre-launch activities for HCV therapies Sovaldi and Harvoni, which included stakeholder mapping and engaging with hepatologists specializing in HCV.Notable achievements:• Designed and implemented Sovaldi early access program, facilitating treatment for 400 HCV patients.• Led HIV medical team in highly successful launch of groundbreaking product Stribild, achieving substantial market penetration.• Guided medical team's response to major new competitor in HIV space, maintaining Gilead's competitive edge and market leadership.• Played pivotal role in recruiting and training new medical manager and Medical Science Liaison (MSL), enhancing team's expertise and operational effectiveness.

dip GUM, dip HIV, DFSRH