Santen Pharmaceutical Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santen Pharmaceutical has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, finance, and medical research.

Focused on advancing global eye health, Santen Pharmaceutical delivers specialized ophthalmic solutions to patients across more than 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 - Peter Sallstig
  • 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 corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Ito oversees the expansion of ophthalmic product portfolios across international markets, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to improve global eye health. By coordinating with the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer drives sustainable growth and operational excellence across all regional divisions. Takeshi Ito maintains a focus on innovation within the pharmaceutical sector, prioritizing the development of advanced treatments for ocular conditions. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and steering the company toward achieving its ambitious market objectives. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance and strategic planning, the Chief Executive Officer secures the competitive standing of the firm in the highly specialized global ophthalmology landscape.

    Fumiyasu Ako - Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer

    Fumiyasu Ako, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, facilitates strategic communication and project management between the executive office and various departments. Ako coordinates high-priority initiatives, ensuring that the vision of the Chief Executive Officer translates into actionable tasks across the organization. Fumiyasu Ako manages the flow of information to the leadership team, enabling informed decision-making on critical business matters. This role involves monitoring the progress of key corporate projects and identifying potential risks to the strategic roadmap. By fostering collaboration among senior leaders, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer maintains organizational alignment and operational focus. Ako supports the executive office in navigating complex market challenges, ensuring that resources remain allocated to the most impactful areas of the business. Through meticulous planning and administrative oversight, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer drives efficiency and clarity throughout the corporate structure.

    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 the financial health and administrative infrastructure of the company. Ota oversees capital allocation, financial reporting, and risk management strategies to support long-term stability. Atsutoshi Ota manages the fiscal planning required to sustain the company's leadership in the global ophthalmology market. This role involves coordinating with the Board of Directors to ensure transparency and compliance across all financial operations. By optimizing the administrative framework, the Chief Financial Officer Chie enhances the efficiency of internal support systems. Ota drives initiatives that improve profitability and resource utilization, ensuring that the firm remains well-positioned for future investments. Through rigorous financial analysis and administrative oversight, the Chief Financial Officer Chie provides the necessary foundation for the company to pursue its mission of delivering innovative eye care solutions to patients worldwide.

    Rie Nakajima - Chief Operating Officer

    Rie Nakajima, the Chief Operating Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, manages the daily execution of business processes and supply chain logistics across global markets. Nakajima optimizes internal workflows to ensure the efficient delivery of ophthalmic products to healthcare providers worldwide. Overseeing the integration of manufacturing and distribution networks, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of quality control and operational agility. Rie Nakajima collaborates with regional leaders to scale production capabilities, supporting the company's commitment to accessibility in over 50 countries. This role involves streamlining cross-functional communication to enhance productivity and reduce operational bottlenecks. By implementing data-driven management systems, the Chief Operating Officer drives continuous improvement in organizational performance. Nakajima ensures that all operational activities remain synchronized with the broader strategic goals, ultimately strengthening the market presence of the firm through reliable and consistent product availability.

    Peter Sallstig - Chief Medical Officer

    Peter Sallstig, the Chief Medical Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, leads the clinical development and medical affairs strategy for the company's ophthalmic product pipeline. Sallstig oversees the design and execution of clinical trials, ensuring that all research adheres to rigorous scientific and regulatory standards. Peter Sallstig collaborates with global medical teams to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new treatments, driving the advancement of ocular therapies. This role involves engaging with the medical community to communicate the clinical value of the company's portfolio. By directing the medical strategy, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that research efforts align with the unmet needs of patients in diverse markets. Sallstig manages the integration of clinical data into the broader business strategy, supporting the successful launch of new products. Through scientific leadership and clinical expertise, the Chief Medical Officer strengthens the reputation of the firm as a pioneer in ophthalmology.
    Peter Sallstig

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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.