Daiichi Sankyo appoints Hiroyuki Okuzawa as new CEO

JAPAN – Daiichi Sankyo has announced that Hiroyuki Okuzawa, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO), will take over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) starting April 1, 2025.

Okuzawa, a long-time executive with the company, will replace Sunao Manabe, who has held the CEO position since 2019 and will transition to the role of executive chairperson.

Okuzawa joined Daiichi Sankyo in 1986 and has held several senior leadership roles over the years, including positions in international business, corporate strategy, and human resources.

He also served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for two years before becoming COO in 2023.

Highlighting Okuzawa’s contributions, Manabe stated, “Okuzawa has played a pivotal role in advancing our current five-year business plan.

Beyond his extensive experience as an international business leader, he has been a key figure in transforming our corporate culture.”

Manabe’s leadership has been instrumental in reshaping Daiichi Sankyo’s oncology focus, particularly through advancements in antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology.

These efforts led to the approval of major oncology drugs like Enhertu and Datroway, which have significantly contributed to the company’s success.

The transition comes as Daiichi Sankyo nears the final year of its five-year business plan (FY2021-2025).

The company has emphasized that the change in leadership aligns with its goal to ensure the successful completion of this plan and to prepare for the next five-year business strategy, which will cover FY2026-2030.

Okuzawa commented, “Building on this foundation, we will create a 2035 vision and a next five-year business plan.”

The announcement coincided with Daiichi Sankyo’s third-quarter financial results, where the company reported JPY 484.8 billion (US $3.1 billion) in sales, up from JPY 446.9 billion (US $2.9 billion) in the same period last year.

However, profits stood at JPY 61.9 billion (US $400 million), lower than the JPY 67.1 billion (US $430 million) reported the previous year.

Enhertu, a key oncology drug developed in partnership with AstraZeneca, generated JPY 149.9 billion in quarterly sales, up from JPY 111.4 billion (US $720.5 million) a year ago.

Daiichi Sankyo’s Board of Directors approved the leadership transition at a meeting held on January 31, underscoring its commitment to achieving its FY2025 goals and strengthening its management structure for the future.