WuXi AppTec Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

WuXi AppTec has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, and finance.

Driven by innovation, WuXi AppTec provides comprehensive research and manufacturing services for drug discovery and development, impacting global health outcomes through its advanced therapeutic solutions.

Leadership Roles at WuXi AppTec

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ge Li
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Minzhang Chen
  • Co-Chief Executive Officer - Steve Yang
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer - Florence Shi
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (China) - Zhaohui Zhang
  • President of WuXi AppTec - Richard Connell
  • Chief Technology Officer - David Chang
  • Chief Operations Officer - Erich Koch
  • Executive VP & Head of the Strategic Project Office - Xiaozhong Liu
  • Ge Li - Chief Executive Officer

    Ge Li, the Chief Executive Officer at WuXi AppTec, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the company's extensive research and manufacturing services. Overseeing all business segments, including WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Testing, WuXi Biology, and WuXi ATU, Ge Li ensures the seamless integration of services from drug discovery through to commercial manufacturing. This leadership role involves guiding the company's expansion into new therapeutic modalities and geographic markets, aligning with the mission to accelerate the development of life-saving medicines. By fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence, Ge Li drives the company's commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective solutions to partners worldwide. The strategic vision set by Ge Li underpins WuXi AppTec's significant impact on global pharmaceutical and biotechnology advancements, solidifying its position as a critical partner in the drug development ecosystem.
    Ge Li

    Minzhang Chen - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Minzhang Chen, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at WuXi AppTec, shares responsibility for steering the company's strategic direction and operational performance across its global service offerings. Focusing on the integration and expansion of WuXi Chemistry and WuXi Biology services, Minzhang Chen ensures that clients receive end-to-end support for small molecule drug discovery and development. This leadership position involves driving innovation in synthetic chemistry and biological research methodologies, enhancing the company's capabilities to tackle complex molecular challenges. By collaborating with global partners, Minzhang Chen facilitates the acceleration of drug candidates from initial research phases into clinical development. The strategic initiatives led by Minzhang Chen are crucial for maintaining WuXi AppTec's competitive edge and its contribution to advancing pharmaceutical science and improving patient outcomes.
    Minzhang Chen

    Steve Yang - Co-Chief Executive Officer

    Steve Yang, the Co-Chief Executive Officer at WuXi AppTec, co-directs the company's strategic vision and operational execution, with a particular emphasis on advancing the company's integrated platform. Steve Yang's leadership focuses on enhancing the synergy between WuXi Testing, WuXi ATU (Advanced Therapies Unit), and other key divisions, ensuring comprehensive solutions for clients. This role involves driving the expansion of capabilities in areas such as cell and gene therapy manufacturing and analytical testing services, critical for the development of next-generation medicines. By fostering strong client relationships and optimizing service delivery, Steve Yang contributes significantly to WuXi AppTec's mission of enabling pharmaceutical innovation. The strategic oversight provided by Steve Yang is vital for the company's continued growth and its role in accelerating the delivery of novel therapies to patients globally.

    Florence Shi - Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

    Florence Shi, the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer at WuXi AppTec, directs the company's financial strategy, resource allocation, and fiscal management across its global operations. Florence Shi oversees all financial planning, accounting, treasury, and investor relations activities, ensuring robust financial health and compliance. This leadership position involves managing the financial implications of WuXi AppTec's extensive service offerings, including WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Testing, and WuXi ATU, to support sustainable growth and profitability. By providing strategic financial insights, Florence Shi enables informed decision-making across all business segments, facilitating investments in research, development, and infrastructure. The financial stewardship provided by Florence Shi is essential for maintaining investor confidence and supporting the company's long-term objectives in the dynamic pharmaceutical services sector.
    Florence Shi

    Zhaohui Zhang - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (China)

    Zhaohui Zhang, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (China) at WuXi AppTec, spearheads the operational execution and efficiency improvements within the company's significant China-based facilities. Zhaohui Zhang oversees the day-to-day management of WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Testing, and WuXi Biology operations in China, ensuring seamless service delivery and adherence to stringent quality standards. This role involves optimizing resource utilization, enhancing operational workflows, and driving continuous improvement initiatives across all China-based segments. By focusing on operational excellence, Zhaohui Zhang plays a pivotal role in supporting the company's global client base and its mission to accelerate drug discovery and development. The operational leadership provided by Zhaohui Zhang is critical for maintaining WuXi AppTec's competitive advantage and its contribution to the advancement of pharmaceutical science within the region and internationally.

    Richard Connell - President of WuXi AppTec

    Richard Connell, the President of WuXi AppTec, holds a senior leadership position responsible for driving key strategic initiatives and operational excellence across the company's global platform. Richard Connell focuses on enhancing the integrated service model, encompassing WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Testing, WuXi Biology, and WuXi ATU, to better serve the evolving needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology partners. This role involves fostering strong client relationships, optimizing service delivery, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and compliance in all operations. By championing innovation and operational efficiency, Richard Connell contributes significantly to WuXi AppTec's mission of accelerating the development of life-saving medicines. The leadership provided by Richard Connell is instrumental in strengthening the company's market position and its commitment to advancing global health outcomes.
    Richard Connell

    David Chang - Chief Technology Officer

    David Chang, the Chief Technology Officer at WuXi AppTec, architects the technological infrastructure and innovation roadmap that underpins the company's diverse research and manufacturing services. David Chang oversees the integration of cutting-edge technologies across WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Biology, and WuXi ATU, ensuring the delivery of advanced solutions for small molecule drugs and complex therapies. This critical role involves driving digital transformation initiatives, enhancing data analytics capabilities, and implementing automation to improve efficiency and accelerate project timelines for global clients. By championing technological advancements, David Chang ensures WuXi AppTec remains at the forefront of scientific innovation, enabling the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. The strategic technological direction set by David Chang is fundamental to the company's ability to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
    David Chang

    Erich Koch - Chief Operations Officer

    Erich Koch, the Chief Operations Officer at WuXi AppTec, directs the global operational strategies and execution across all service divisions, ensuring efficiency and quality in service delivery. Erich Koch oversees the integration and optimization of operations for WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Testing, WuXi Biology, and WuXi ATU, focusing on enhancing productivity and client satisfaction. This leadership role involves implementing best practices in manufacturing, research, and development processes to support the company's mission of accelerating drug discovery and development. By driving operational excellence and managing complex supply chains, Erich Koch ensures that WuXi AppTec consistently meets the high demands of its international partners. The strategic operational oversight provided by Erich Koch is fundamental to the company's ability to scale its services and deliver innovative therapeutic solutions worldwide.

    Xiaozhong Liu - Executive VP & Head of the Strategic Project Office

    Xiaozhong Liu, the Executive VP & Head of the Strategic Project Office at WuXi AppTec, leads the strategic planning and execution of key company-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives. Xiaozhong Liu oversees the management of critical projects across WuXi Chemistry, WuXi Testing, WuXi Biology, and WuXi ATU, driving progress and facilitating cross-functional collaboration. This role involves defining project scopes, managing timelines, and ensuring the successful implementation of strategic programs that enhance the company's service offerings and market position. By coordinating complex projects and fostering effective communication, Xiaozhong Liu plays a vital role in advancing WuXi AppTec's mission to accelerate the discovery, development, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. The strategic project leadership provided by Xiaozhong Liu is essential for the company's continued innovation and growth in the global life sciences sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding WuXi AppTec Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads WuXi AppTec?
    WuXi AppTec is led by Ge Li (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Minzhang Chen (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and Steve Yang (Co-Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of WuXi AppTec’s executive team?
    The executive team of WuXi AppTec includes leaders such as Ge Li (Chief Executive Officer), Minzhang Chen (Co-Chief Executive Officer), Steve Yang (Co-Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does WuXi AppTec have?
    WuXi AppTec has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in WuXi AppTec’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of WuXi AppTec includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (China).