Santen Pharmaceutical Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Santen Pharmaceutical has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, chief of staff, 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 a leading position in the specialized field of ophthalmology.

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 global operations. Ito's leadership guides the company's expansion into new markets and the development of its specialized ophthalmic product portfolio. Overseeing all executive functions, Ito ensures alignment with Santen Pharmaceutical's mission to enhance vision care worldwide. This executive role involves fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth across all business segments. By setting strategic priorities and managing key stakeholder relationships, Takeshi Ito solidifies Santen Pharmaceutical's position as a global leader in ophthalmology. The focus remains on advancing scientific research and delivering high-quality treatments to patients in over 50 countries, reflecting a deep commitment to improving eye health.

    Fumiyasu Ako - Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer

    Fumiyasu Ako, the Chief of Staff To Chief Executive Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the CEO's office. Ako facilitates communication and alignment between the CEO and other executive leaders, ensuring that strategic initiatives are effectively implemented across the organization. This role is crucial for streamlining decision-making processes and enhancing the overall efficiency of Santen Pharmaceutical's leadership team. By managing key projects and driving cross-functional collaboration, Fumiyasu Ako supports the company's mission to advance ophthalmic care globally. The focus remains on optimizing executive bandwidth and ensuring that Santen Pharmaceutical's strategic priorities are advanced with precision and speed, contributing to its market leadership.

    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 company's financial health and administrative functions. Ota directs all financial planning, accounting, and reporting activities, ensuring robust fiscal management and compliance with global regulatory standards. This executive role is pivotal in supporting Santen Pharmaceutical's strategic investments in research and development and its ongoing global market expansion. By overseeing corporate administration, Atsutoshi Ota ensures the smooth functioning of internal operations and supports the executive team's strategic initiatives. The financial acumen provided by Ota is essential for sustaining the company's leadership in the ophthalmology sector and facilitating its growth across more than 50 countries.

    Rie Nakajima - Chief Operating Officer

    Rie Nakajima, the Chief Operating Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, executes the operational strategies that support the company's global business objectives. Nakajima oversees the day-to-day management of Santen Pharmaceutical's diverse operations, ensuring efficiency and scalability across its manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution networks. This leadership position is critical for maintaining the company's top share in the Japanese ophthalmic market and expanding its international presence. By optimizing internal processes and resource allocation, Rie Nakajima directly contributes to the reliable delivery of specialized ophthalmic products to over 50 countries. The operational framework established under Nakajima's guidance ensures that Santen Pharmaceutical can meet the growing global demand for advanced eye care solutions, reinforcing the company's commitment to patient well-being.

    Peter Sallstig - Chief Medical Officer

    Peter Sallstig, the Chief Medical Officer at Santen Pharmaceutical, leads the company's medical affairs and clinical development strategies. Sallstig directs the evaluation of new ophthalmic treatments and ensures the scientific integrity of Santen Pharmaceutical's product pipeline, aligning medical research with patient needs. This executive position is vital for maintaining the company's reputation for innovation and scientific excellence in ophthalmology. By overseeing clinical trials and medical communications, Peter Sallstig ensures that Santen Pharmaceutical's offerings meet the highest standards of efficacy and safety. The medical expertise provided by Sallstig is fundamental to the company's commitment to improving vision care and addressing unmet medical needs for patients worldwide.
    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.