Kyowa Kirin Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Kyowa Kirin has 7 executives leading key functions including marketing, clinical operations, strategy, general management, human resources, and regional leadership.

Driven by innovation in antibody research, Kyowa Kirin is dedicated to addressing patient and societal needs across critical therapeutic areas, fostering a global impact through specialized pharmaceutical solutions.

Leadership Roles at Kyowa Kirin

  • President & General Manager - Tatsuru Iwamoto
  • President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) - Tomohiro Sudo
  • President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) - Steven Schaefer
  • Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM - Jean Compton
  • Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff - Chizu Sato
  • Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs - Kristen Sickle
  • Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head - Shoko Itagaki
  • Tatsuru Iwamoto - President & General Manager

    Tatsuru Iwamoto, the President & General Manager at Kyowa Kirin, directs overall business operations and strategic growth. Iwamoto oversees the company's performance, ensuring alignment with global objectives and fostering a culture of innovation. This executive leadership role involves managing key business functions, driving revenue generation, and expanding market presence. Iwamoto's mandate includes guiding Kyowa Kirin's expansion and solidifying its position as a global specialty pharmaceutical leader. The focus is on achieving sustainable growth through strategic decision-making and operational excellence across all business units. Tatsuru Iwamoto's leadership is instrumental in navigating the complex pharmaceutical landscape, ensuring the company effectively addresses unmet patient needs. By championing the company's core values and strategic vision, Iwamoto drives the organization toward achieving its long-term goals and enhancing patient outcomes worldwide.

    Tomohiro Sudo - President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)

    Tomohiro Sudo, the President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) at Kyowa Kirin, spearheads business operations and strategic development across the Japan, Asia Pacific, and Japac regions. Sudo drives market penetration and revenue growth by tailoring Kyowa Kirin's specialty pharmaceutical offerings to regional demands. This leadership role involves overseeing sales, marketing, and operational functions within these key territories, ensuring compliance with local regulations and market dynamics. Sudo's strategic vision focuses on expanding Kyowa Kirin's footprint and impact throughout the Asia Pacific landscape. The objective is to enhance patient access to innovative therapies by strengthening regional infrastructure and partnerships. Tomohiro Sudo's leadership ensures that Kyowa Kirin effectively serves diverse patient populations and healthcare systems across the Japac region, reinforcing the company's global commitment to improving health outcomes.

    Steven Schaefer - President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America)

    Steven Schaefer, the President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) at Kyowa Kirin, directs all strategic and operational activities within the North American market. Schaefer is responsible for driving business growth, expanding market share, and ensuring the successful commercialization of Kyowa Kirin's specialty pharmaceutical portfolio across the United States and Canada. This executive role involves leading cross-functional teams to execute market strategies, foster key stakeholder relationships, and enhance patient access to innovative treatments. Schaefer's leadership focuses on optimizing the company's presence and impact within the dynamic North American healthcare ecosystem. By championing Kyowa Kirin's mission, Steven Schaefer ensures that the region effectively contributes to the company's global objectives of addressing unmet medical needs and improving patient lives through advanced antibody research and engineering.

    Jean Compton - Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM

    Jean Compton, the Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM at Kyowa Kirin, directs critical supply chain management initiatives. Compton oversees the strategic sourcing and operational efficiency of contract manufacturing partnerships, ensuring alignment with Kyowa Kirin's global production standards. This leadership function involves optimizing procurement processes and managing vendor relationships to guarantee the timely and cost-effective delivery of pharmaceutical products. By focusing on SCM, Compton directly supports the company's mission to provide essential treatments across Nephrology, Oncology, Immunology/Allergy, and Neurology. The role demands rigorous analytical skills to identify areas for process improvement and cost reduction within the manufacturing pipeline. Compton's expertise ensures that Kyowa Kirin maintains a robust and responsive supply chain, crucial for meeting patient demand worldwide. The strategic oversight of contract manufacturing is paramount to the company's ability to scale operations and expand market reach effectively.

    Chizu Sato - Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff

    Chizu Sato, the Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff at Kyowa Kirin, orchestrates the strategic execution of global clinical trials. Sato ensures seamless coordination across all phases of clinical development, driving operational excellence and adherence to regulatory standards. This pivotal role involves managing cross-functional teams and facilitating communication between clinical operations, research, and development departments. Sato's focus is on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical studies, directly contributing to Kyowa Kirin's pipeline advancement in key therapeutic areas. The position requires a deep understanding of global healthcare landscapes and regulatory frameworks to navigate complex trial environments. By streamlining operational workflows and implementing best practices, Sato supports the timely delivery of vital data for new drug approvals. Chizu Sato's leadership ensures that Kyowa Kirin's commitment to patient well-being is translated into tangible progress in bringing innovative therapies to market.

    Kristen Sickle - Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs

    Kristen Sickle, the Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs at Kyowa Kirin, spearheads critical strategic initiatives within the North American medical affairs domain. Sickle drives the development and implementation of key projects that enhance medical engagement and scientific exchange across the region. This leadership position involves close collaboration with senior management and cross-functional teams to align medical strategies with corporate objectives. Sickle's responsibilities include identifying emerging opportunities and challenges within the North American market, ensuring Kyowa Kirin's medical affairs activities are both impactful and compliant. The role demands a forward-thinking approach to medical strategy, focusing on advancing patient care through evidence-based communication and support. Kristen Sickle's contributions are vital to strengthening Kyowa Kirin's presence and reputation within the North American medical community, supporting the company's mission to deliver innovative treatments.

    Shoko Itagaki - Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head

    Shoko Itagaki, the Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head at Kyowa Kirin, leads human capital strategy and corporate planning initiatives. Itagaki is responsible for cultivating a high-performance organizational culture and ensuring robust talent management across the global enterprise. This dual role involves shaping HR policies and frameworks while also contributing to the strategic direction of corporate planning. Itagaki's focus is on attracting, developing, and retaining top talent essential for Kyowa Kirin's continued success in specialty pharmaceuticals. The corporate planning aspect ensures strategic alignment and resource allocation to support the company's growth objectives. Shoko Itagaki's leadership is critical in building a cohesive and motivated workforce capable of driving innovation and delivering on the company's mission. By integrating people strategy with corporate foresight, Itagaki strengthens Kyowa Kirin's foundation for future achievements.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kyowa Kirin Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kyowa Kirin?
    Kyowa Kirin is led by Tatsuru Iwamoto (President & General Manager), along with executives such as Tomohiro Sudo (President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)) and Steven Schaefer (President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America)).
    Who is part of Kyowa Kirin’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kyowa Kirin includes leaders such as Tatsuru Iwamoto (President & General Manager), Tomohiro Sudo (President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)), Steven Schaefer (President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Kyowa Kirin have?
    Kyowa Kirin has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Kyowa Kirin’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Kyowa Kirin includes roles such as President & General Manager, President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific), President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America), Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM, Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff.