Santen Pharmaceutical Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santen Pharmaceutical has 7 executives leading key functions including operations, finance, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to eye health, Santen Pharmaceutical is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative ophthalmic solutions that improve patient quality of life globally, maintaining its leadership in the specialized field of ophthalmology.

Leadership Roles at Santen Pharmaceutical

  • Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer - Fumiyasu Ako
  • Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie - Atsutoshi Ota
  • Chief Operating Officer - Aki Tsujimura
  • Director of the Board, Corporate Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Rie Nakajima
  • President (Philippines) - Manuel Manalac
  • President, Greater Region, Santen (China) - Yu Xiang
  • Chief Medical Officer - Susan Schneider
  • Fumiyasu Ako - Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer

    Fumiyasu Ako, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, provides critical support and strategic counsel to the CEO, facilitating the execution of corporate objectives. Ako manages key initiatives, coordinates cross-functional projects, and ensures efficient communication between the CEO's office and various departments. This role is pivotal in driving strategic alignment and operational effectiveness across the organization. Fumiyasu Ako's contributions are essential in streamlining decision-making processes and advancing Santen Pharmaceutical's mission in the global ophthalmology sector. The focus is on enhancing organizational agility and ensuring that strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans, supporting the company's leadership in eye care.

    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, directs all financial operations and corporate administration functions. Ota is responsible for financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investor relations, ensuring the fiscal health and strategic financial direction of the company. This leadership position involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining compliance with global financial regulations. Atsutoshi Ota's expertise is crucial in supporting Santen Pharmaceutical's expansion and innovation in the ophthalmology market. The financial strategy under Ota's guidance supports research and development investments, reinforcing Santen's commitment to advancing eye care solutions worldwide.

    Aki Tsujimura - Chief Operating Officer

    Aki Tsujimura, the Chief Operating Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, directs global operational strategies and execution. Overseeing manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and operational efficiency, Tsujimura ensures the seamless delivery of Santen's specialized ophthalmic products across more than 50 countries. This leadership role involves optimizing production processes and maintaining high standards of quality control, directly supporting the company's market dominance in Japan and its growing international presence. Aki Tsujimura's focus remains on enhancing operational scalability and driving innovation within the manufacturing framework, aligning with Santen's mission to address unmet needs in ophthalmology. The operational scope extends to managing regional distribution networks, ensuring product availability and responsiveness to market demands worldwide.

    Rie Nakajima - Director of the Board, Corporate Officer, Chief Operating Officer

    Rie Nakajima, the Director of the Board, Corporate Officer, Chief Operating Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, provides strategic oversight for the company's operational framework and corporate governance. Nakajima's responsibilities encompass ensuring operational alignment with board directives and driving long-term strategic initiatives. This dual role involves managing key operational functions while contributing to the highest level of corporate decision-making. Rie Nakajima's leadership ensures that Santen Pharmaceutical's global operations are robust, compliant, and positioned for sustained growth in the competitive ophthalmology market. The focus is on integrating operational excellence with strategic corporate planning, reinforcing Santen's position as a worldwide leader in eye care solutions.

    Manuel Manalac - President (Philippines)

    Manuel Manalac, the President (Philippines) at Santen Pharmaceutical, directs the company's strategic operations and market development within the Philippines. Manalac is responsible for driving business growth, managing local partnerships, and ensuring the effective distribution of Santen's specialized ophthalmic products in the region. This leadership role involves adapting global strategies to meet local market demands and regulatory requirements. Manuel Manalac's focus is on strengthening Santen Pharmaceutical's presence and impact in the Philippines, contributing to the company's overall mission of advancing eye care. The objective is to enhance patient access to innovative treatments and solidify Santen's position as a key player in the Philippine healthcare landscape.
    Manuel Manalac

    Yu Xiang - President, Greater Region, Santen (China)

    Yu Xiang, the President, Greater Region, Santen (China) at Santen Pharmaceutical, leads the company's strategic initiatives and operational oversight across the greater China region. Xiang is tasked with expanding Santen's market share and enhancing its brand presence by driving sales, marketing, and distribution efforts tailored to the unique dynamics of the Chinese market. This executive role is crucial for navigating the complexities of regional healthcare systems and fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders. Yu Xiang's leadership ensures that Santen Pharmaceutical effectively delivers its specialized ophthalmic solutions to patients throughout China, reinforcing the company's global commitment to improving eye health and addressing unmet medical needs in ophthalmology.

    Susan Schneider - Chief Medical Officer

    Susan Schneider, the Chief Medical Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, leads the company's medical affairs strategy and clinical development programs. Schneider oversees the evaluation of new ophthalmic treatments, ensuring scientific rigor and patient safety throughout the clinical trial process. This critical role involves guiding research initiatives, fostering collaborations with medical professionals, and ensuring that Santen's product pipeline aligns with the evolving needs of patients and healthcare providers. Susan Schneider's medical expertise is fundamental to Santen Pharmaceutical's commitment to innovation and its leadership in ophthalmology. The focus is on advancing the scientific understanding of eye diseases and developing therapies that significantly improve vision and quality of life for individuals globally.
    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 Fumiyasu Ako (Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Atsutoshi Ota (Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie) and Aki Tsujimura (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Santen Pharmaceutical’s executive team?
    The executive team of Santen Pharmaceutical includes leaders such as Fumiyasu Ako (Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer), Atsutoshi Ota (Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie), Aki Tsujimura (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Santen Pharmaceutical have?
    Santen Pharmaceutical has 7 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 Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer, Senior Corporate Officer, Corporate Administration, Chief Financial Officer Chie, Chief Operating Officer, Director of the Board, Corporate Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President (Philippines).