Kyowa Kirin Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on antibody research and engineering, Kyowa Kirin addresses critical patient needs across nephrology, oncology, immunology, and neurology while maintaining a commitment to global pharmaceutical innovation.

Leadership Roles at Kyowa Kirin

  • President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) - Steven Schaefer
  • President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) - Tomohiro Sudo
  • President & General Manager - Tatsuru Iwamoto
  • 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 Stevens Sickle
  • 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, directs all commercial and operational activities within the North American market. Overseeing regional growth, the President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) ensures that the company's antibody research translates into successful patient outcomes. This leadership role involves managing the regional business unit to achieve revenue targets and market expansion. By driving North American initiatives, Steven Schaefer directly impacts the company's competitive position in the pharmaceutical sector. The President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) collaborates with global leadership to align regional strategies with the overarching corporate mission. Through the development of high-performing teams, the President, Kyowa Kirin Region (Kkna, North America) fosters a culture of innovation and excellence. This position requires navigating the unique regulatory and commercial landscape of the North American market. Ultimately, Schaefer secures long-term regional stability, ensuring that the company remains a leader in specialty pharmaceuticals.

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

    Tomohiro Sudo, the President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) at Kyowa Kirin, directs the strategic operations across the Japan and Asia Pacific markets. Overseeing regional expansion, the President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) ensures that the company's pharmaceutical portfolio meets the diverse needs of patients in these territories. This leadership role involves managing complex market dynamics to drive sustainable growth. By leading Japac operations, Tomohiro Sudo directly impacts the company's footprint in the Asia Pacific region. The President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) coordinates with local teams to implement effective commercial strategies for oncology and immunology products. Through the optimization of regional resources, the President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific) enhances operational efficiency. This position requires deep understanding of regional healthcare systems and regulatory requirements. Ultimately, Sudo drives the company's success in the Japac region, ensuring that innovative therapies are accessible to patients across these critical markets.

    Tatsuru Iwamoto - President & General Manager

    Tatsuru Iwamoto, the President & General Manager at Kyowa Kirin, directs the overall strategic direction and operational performance of the company. Overseeing the entire organization, the President & General Manager ensures that all departments work in harmony to advance antibody research and engineering. This leadership role involves setting the corporate vision and ensuring that the company remains at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. By guiding the executive team, Tatsuru Iwamoto directly impacts the company's global market position. The President & General Manager manages the interaction between the board and the operational units to ensure accountability and growth. Through the pursuit of excellence in all therapeutic areas, the President & General Manager drives the company's commitment to patients and society. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the global pharmaceutical landscape. Ultimately, Iwamoto secures the company's future, ensuring that the organization continues to deliver innovative solutions to address complex medical needs.

    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 all marketing strategies for contract manufacturing operations. Overseeing supply chain management, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures seamless integration between production capabilities and market demand. This leadership role involves optimizing manufacturing output to support the global pharmaceutical portfolio. By aligning production schedules with commercial goals, Jean Compton directly impacts the efficiency of the supply chain. The Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM manages complex logistics to maintain high standards in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through rigorous analysis of market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies opportunities for operational improvement. This position requires constant coordination with internal stakeholders to ensure that manufacturing processes meet regulatory requirements. Ultimately, Compton secures the reliability of the supply chain, ensuring that essential medications reach patients across diverse global 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 execution of international clinical trials. Overseeing the global clinical infrastructure, the Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff ensures that research protocols align with therapeutic goals in nephrology and oncology. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to accelerate drug development timelines. By streamlining clinical processes, Chizu Sato directly impacts the speed at which new antibody therapies reach the market. The Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff coordinates with the executive board to prioritize resource allocation for high-impact research projects. Through meticulous oversight of clinical data, the Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff maintains compliance with international health standards. This position requires strategic planning to navigate the complexities of global regulatory environments. Ultimately, Sato drives the advancement of the company pipeline, ensuring that clinical operations support the broader mission of addressing unmet medical needs.

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

    Kristen Stevens Sickle, the Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs at Kyowa Kirin, directs the implementation of medical affairs strategies across North America. Overseeing strategic initiatives, the Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs ensures that medical communication aligns with the company's therapeutic focus. This leadership role involves fostering relationships with key medical experts to enhance the understanding of antibody therapies. By optimizing medical affairs operations, Kristen Stevens Sickle directly impacts the market presence of the company in the North American region. The Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs coordinates with regional leadership to support the launch of new pharmaceutical products. Through data-driven decision-making, the Chief of Staff To Senior Vice President. Head of Strategic Initiatives, North America Medical Affairs improves the efficacy of medical outreach programs. Ultimately, Sickle strengthens the company's reputation, ensuring that medical affairs initiatives effectively support patient care.

    Shoko Itagaki - Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head

    Shoko Itagaki, the Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head at Kyowa Kirin, directs the human capital strategy and corporate planning functions. Overseeing organizational development, the Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head ensures that the workforce aligns with the company's long-term strategic goals. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation and talent retention across all global operations. By integrating corporate planning with human resources, Shoko Itagaki directly impacts the company's ability to execute its mission. The Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head collaborates with the executive team to design organizational structures that support growth in nephrology and oncology. Through the implementation of comprehensive talent management programs, the Global Chief People Officer, Corporate Planning Head drives employee engagement and performance. This position requires balancing immediate operational needs with future strategic objectives. Ultimately, Itagaki secures the company's human capital, ensuring that the organization possesses the talent necessary to lead in the pharmaceutical industry.

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    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 Tomohiro Sudo (President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)) and Tatsuru Iwamoto (President & General Manager).
    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)), Tomohiro Sudo (President, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific)), Tatsuru Iwamoto (President & General Manager) 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, & Region (Japac, Japan, Asia Pacific), President & General Manager, Senior Analyst, Chief Marketing Officer (Contract Manufacturing) SCM, Head of Global Clinical Operations Chief of Staff.