Kyowa Kirin Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by innovation in antibody research, Kyowa Kirin addresses critical patient needs across nephrology, oncology, immunology/allergy, and neurology, solidifying its global specialty pharmaceutical position.

Leadership Roles at Kyowa Kirin

  • President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) - Steven Schaefer
  • President & General Manager - Tatsuru Iwamoto
  • President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) - Tomohiro Sudo
  • 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
  • Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM - Jean Compton
  • Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head - Shoko Itagaki
  • Steven Schaefer - President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America)

    Steven Schaefer, the President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) at Kyowa Kirin, leads all operations and strategic development within the North American market. This executive is responsible for driving business growth, expanding market access, and ensuring the successful commercialization of Kyowa Kirin's specialty pharmaceuticals across the United States and Canada. Schaefer's leadership encompasses overseeing sales, marketing, medical affairs, and market access functions, all tailored to the unique demands of the North American healthcare landscape. By fostering strong relationships with healthcare providers, payers, and patient advocacy groups, Steven Schaefer champions Kyowa Kirin's commitment to addressing unmet patient needs. This role is critical in translating the company's global research and development efforts into tangible benefits for patients in North America, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in nephrology, oncology, and immunology.

    Tatsuru Iwamoto - President & General Manager

    Tatsuru Iwamoto, the President & General Manager at Kyowa Kirin, holds comprehensive responsibility for steering the company's overall strategic direction and operational execution. This pivotal role involves overseeing all facets of the business, ensuring alignment with Kyowa Kirin's mission to improve patient lives through innovative antibody research. Iwamoto's leadership guides the company's expansion into new therapeutic areas and geographic markets, driving sustainable growth and enhancing global competitiveness. The position demands a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry's complexities, from research and development to commercialization and patient access. By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, Tatsuru Iwamoto ensures that Kyowa Kirin remains at the forefront of specialty pharmaceuticals, consistently delivering value to patients, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders worldwide. This executive's vision shapes the company's future trajectory.

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

    Tomohiro Sudo, the President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) at Kyowa Kirin, directs the company's strategic operations and market development across the Japan and Asia Pacific region. This executive is instrumental in expanding Kyowa Kirin's footprint and impact within these key territories, focusing on delivering innovative specialty pharmaceuticals to patients. Sudo's responsibilities include overseeing commercial strategies, market access initiatives, and fostering strong relationships with regional stakeholders. The role requires navigating diverse market dynamics and regulatory landscapes to ensure the successful introduction and adoption of Kyowa Kirin's therapeutic solutions. By championing the company's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs, Tomohiro Sudo drives growth and enhances patient outcomes throughout the JAPAC region. This leadership ensures that Kyowa Kirin's global mission resonates effectively within Japan and the broader Asia Pacific markets.

    Chizu Sato - Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff

    Chizu Sato, the Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff at Kyowa Kirin, directs the strategic execution and operational oversight of global clinical trials. This leadership position ensures the efficient progression of studies across therapeutic areas, aligning with the company's antibody research and engineering focus. Sato's responsibilities encompass the coordination of clinical development activities, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and optimizing trial timelines to accelerate drug development. The role involves close collaboration with research teams and external partners to translate scientific advancements into tangible patient benefits. By managing key operational aspects, Chizu Sato drives the successful implementation of clinical strategies, contributing directly to Kyowa Kirin's mission of addressing unmet medical needs worldwide. This executive ensures the seamless integration of clinical operations with broader corporate objectives, supporting the company's growth in specialty pharmaceuticals.

    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 landscape. This role focuses on enhancing the company's market presence and patient engagement through data-driven strategies. Sickle's purview includes identifying and developing new opportunities that align with Kyowa Kirin's therapeutic area strengths in nephrology, oncology, and immunology. The position demands a deep understanding of regional market dynamics and regulatory environments to effectively guide strategic planning and execution. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, Kristen Sickle ensures that medical affairs strategies are integrated with commercial and research objectives, maximizing impact across North America. This executive's leadership drives innovation in patient support programs and medical education, reinforcing Kyowa Kirin's commitment to improving patient outcomes.

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

    Jean Compton, the Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM at Kyowa Kirin, provides critical analytical support and strategic direction for contract manufacturing supply chain operations. This multifaceted role integrates marketing insights with supply chain management to optimize production and distribution of pharmaceutical products. Compton's responsibilities include evaluating market demand, assessing manufacturing capabilities, and ensuring the efficient sourcing of materials and services. The position requires a keen understanding of both the commercial aspects of pharmaceutical marketing and the operational complexities of supply chain logistics. By analyzing key performance indicators and market trends, Jean Compton identifies opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements within the contract manufacturing framework. This executive's contributions are vital to maintaining a robust and responsive supply chain, supporting Kyowa Kirin's global reach and commitment to patient access.

    Shoko Itagaki - Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head

    Shoko Itagaki, the Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head at Kyowa Kirin, directs the company's human capital strategy and oversees corporate planning initiatives. This dual leadership role ensures that organizational development and strategic planning are tightly integrated to support Kyowa Kirin's global expansion and research objectives. Itagaki is responsible for cultivating a high-performance culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and developing leadership capabilities across all regions. The corporate planning aspect involves shaping the company's long-term vision, resource allocation, and strategic roadmap. By aligning people strategies with business goals, Shoko Itagaki fosters an environment conducive to innovation and growth, particularly in the company's core therapeutic areas. This executive's leadership is fundamental to building a resilient and agile organization capable of navigating the complexities of the global pharmaceutical market.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Manufacturing

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kyowa Kirin Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Kyowa Kirin?
    Kyowa Kirin is led by Steven Schaefer (President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America)), along with executives such as Tatsuru Iwamoto (President & General Manager) and Tomohiro Sudo (President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)).
    Who is part of Kyowa Kirin’s executive team?
    The executive team of Kyowa Kirin includes leaders such as Steven Schaefer (President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America)), Tatsuru Iwamoto (President & General Manager), Tomohiro Sudo (President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)) 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, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America), President & General Manager, President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific), Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs.