Kite Pharma Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kite Pharma has 4 executives leading key functions including operations, strategy, and commercialization.

Driven by innovation, Kite Pharma is dedicated to advancing cell therapy to treat and potentially cure cancer, focusing on reengineering patient immune cells to combat malignancies and making these treatments accessible.

Leadership Roles at Kite Pharma

  • Deputy Chief Operating Officer - Neda Swisher
  • Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff - Leslie Millington
  • Director, Head of Business Strategy and Operations. Chief of Staff - Kristen Draves
  • Senior Director, Business Strategy & Global Operations, To The Head of Commercial Chief of Staff - Rachel Hodge
  • Neda Swisher - Deputy Chief Operating Officer

    Neda Swisher, the Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Kite Pharma, directs critical operational functions supporting the company's cell therapy manufacturing and distribution. Swisher oversees the scaling of production processes across Kite Pharma's global facilities, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards for engineered T cell therapies. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain logistics to deliver complex treatments to patients efficiently. By managing day-to-day operational execution, Neda Swisher ensures the seamless integration of manufacturing capabilities with commercial demand, directly impacting the company's ability to provide innovative cancer treatments. The Deputy Chief Operating Officer's focus remains on enhancing operational efficiency and expanding manufacturing capacity to meet the growing need for advanced immunotherapies.

    Leslie Millington - Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff

    Leslie Millington, the Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff at Kite Pharma, drives strategic initiatives and operational alignment across key business functions. Millington supports executive leadership in developing and executing long-term business plans, translating corporate objectives into actionable operational strategies. This role involves close collaboration with department heads to enhance efficiency and foster innovation within Kite Pharma's cell therapy development pipeline. By managing critical projects and facilitating cross-functional communication, Leslie Millington ensures that strategic priorities are effectively implemented. The Chief of Staff's contribution is vital to optimizing resource allocation and advancing the company's mission to make transformative cancer treatments accessible.

    Kristen Draves - Director, Head of Business Strategy and Operations. Chief of Staff

    Kristen Draves, the Director, Head of Business Strategy and Operations. Chief of Staff at Kite Pharma, spearheads strategic planning and operational excellence initiatives. Draves guides the implementation of business strategies, ensuring alignment with Kite Pharma's core mission of developing and delivering innovative cell therapies for cancer patients. This position requires extensive coordination with various departments to streamline operations and enhance productivity. By overseeing key strategic projects, Kristen Draves supports the executive team in navigating complex market dynamics and driving operational improvements. The Chief of Staff's efforts are crucial for optimizing the company's operational framework and advancing its leadership in cancer immunotherapy.

    Rachel Hodge - Senior Director, Business Strategy & Global Operations, To The Head of Commercial Chief of Staff

    Rachel Hodge, the Senior Director, Business Strategy & Global Operations, To The Head of Commercial Chief of Staff at Kite Pharma, orchestrates strategic business planning and global operational execution within the commercial division. Hodge ensures seamless integration between strategic objectives and worldwide operational activities, supporting the Head of Commercial. This leadership function involves optimizing global supply chains and market access strategies for Kite Pharma's advanced cell therapies. By driving operational efficiency and strategic alignment, Rachel Hodge directly contributes to the company's ability to reach eligible patients with its innovative cancer treatments. The Chief of Staff's role is pivotal in translating commercial vision into tangible global operational success.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kite Pharma Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kite Pharma?
    Kite Pharma is led by Neda Swisher (Deputy Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Leslie Millington (Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff) and Kristen Draves (Director, Head of Business Strategy and Operations. Chief of Staff).
    Who is part of Kite Pharma’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kite Pharma includes leaders such as Neda Swisher (Deputy Chief Operating Officer), Leslie Millington (Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff), Kristen Draves (Director, Head of Business Strategy and Operations. Chief of Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kite Pharma have?
    Kite Pharma has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kite Pharma’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kite Pharma includes roles such as Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Senior Director, Business Strategy & Operations Chief of Staff, Director, Head of Business Strategy and Operations. Chief of Staff, Senior Director, Business Strategy & Global Operations, To The Head of Commercial Chief of Staff.