Santen Pharmaceutical Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santen Pharmaceutical has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational management, executive support, financial administration, and medical research.

Focused on advancing global eye health, Santen Pharmaceutical delivers specialized ophthalmic solutions to patients across 50 countries while maintaining a dominant market position in Japan.

Leadership Roles at Santen Pharmaceutical

  • Representative Director of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer - Takeshi Ito
  • Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer - Fumiyasu Ako
  • Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie - Atsutoshi Ota
  • Chief Operating Officer - Rie Nakajima
  • Chief Medical Officer - Susan Schneider
  • Takeshi Ito - Representative Director of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer

    Takeshi Ito, the Representative Director of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, directs the overarching strategic vision for the global ophthalmology business. Ito architects long-term growth initiatives that solidify the company's leadership in eye care markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. By aligning research priorities with commercial objectives, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge in pharmaceutical innovation. Takeshi Ito manages board relations and corporate governance to uphold the mission of improving patient vision worldwide. Through rigorous oversight of international expansion, the President drives the integration of new ophthalmic technologies into the existing product portfolio. This leadership role demands constant evaluation of market trends and regulatory landscapes to sustain the company's top-tier status. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and operational health of the entire enterprise.

    Fumiyasu Ako - Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer

    Fumiyasu Ako, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, facilitates communication between the executive office and various global departments. Ako manages the strategic agenda for the Chief Executive Officer, ensuring that critical priorities receive immediate attention. By synthesizing complex data from diverse business units, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer provides actionable insights that inform high-level decision-making. Fumiyasu Ako coordinates special projects that span multiple geographic regions, driving alignment across the organization. This role involves filtering information flow to maximize the efficiency of the leadership team. Through proactive management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer supports the implementation of corporate initiatives. By maintaining a clear line of sight into operational challenges, Ako enables the leadership team to respond rapidly to market shifts, ensuring the company remains focused on its core mission of advancing eye health.

    Atsutoshi Ota - Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie

    Atsutoshi Ota, the Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie at Santen Pharmaceutical, manages the financial health and administrative integrity of the organization. Ota oversees capital allocation, financial reporting, and fiscal planning to support the company's global expansion in the ophthalmology sector. By implementing robust financial controls, the Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie ensures transparency and compliance across all international markets. Atsutoshi Ota directs the administrative functions that underpin the company's daily operations, providing the necessary infrastructure for sustained growth. This role involves collaborating with the board to evaluate investment opportunities and manage risk. Through precise financial analysis, the Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie optimizes the balance sheet to fund research and development. Ultimately, Ota secures the long-term economic stability required to maintain the company's position as a global leader in eye care.

    Rie Nakajima - Chief Operating Officer

    Rie Nakajima, the Chief Operating Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, executes the daily business operations required to maintain the company's dominant market share in ophthalmology. Nakajima optimizes supply chain logistics and manufacturing processes to ensure consistent product availability across 50 countries. Overseeing internal efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer coordinates cross-functional teams to streamline the delivery of ophthalmic treatments. Rie Nakajima monitors performance metrics to identify areas for operational improvement and cost reduction. By fostering collaboration between regional offices, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that global production standards meet the high quality expected of the brand. This role involves managing complex workflows that support the rapid deployment of new pharmaceutical products. Through strategic resource allocation, Nakajima stabilizes the operational foundation, allowing the company to scale effectively while maintaining the highest standards of patient care and product safety.

    Susan Schneider - Chief Medical Officer

    Susan Schneider, the Chief Medical Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, leads the clinical development and medical strategy for the company's extensive portfolio of ophthalmic products. Schneider oversees the design and execution of clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of new treatments. By engaging with global medical communities, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that the company's research aligns with the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers. Susan Schneider directs the medical affairs team to provide scientific expertise and support for product launches across diverse international markets. This role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to bring innovative eye care solutions to patients. Through rigorous scientific oversight, the Chief Medical Officer maintains the integrity of the company's clinical data. By bridging the gap between research and clinical application, Schneider drives the development of therapies that address critical unmet needs in the global ophthalmology market.
    Susan Schneider

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Santen Pharmaceutical Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Santen Pharmaceutical?
    Santen Pharmaceutical is led by Takeshi Ito (Representative Director of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Fumiyasu Ako (Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer) and Atsutoshi Ota (Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie).
    Who is part of Santen Pharmaceutical’s executive team?
    The executive team of Santen Pharmaceutical includes leaders such as Takeshi Ito (Representative Director of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer), Fumiyasu Ako (Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer), Atsutoshi Ota (Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Santen Pharmaceutical have?
    Santen Pharmaceutical has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Santen Pharmaceutical’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Santen Pharmaceutical includes roles such as Representative Director of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer, Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Medical Officer.