Kyowa Kirin Appoints Pharma Industry Leader Steve Schaefer as President, North America to Manage Next Phase of Growth

Rhea-AI Summary

Kyowa Kirin has appointed Steve Schaefer as the new President of North America, effective April 11, 2023. Schaefer joins from Takeda where he held senior roles, including Senior Vice President of the Neuroscience Business Unit. With over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, he has been integral in managing multi-billion dollar commercial portfolios and is known for his expertise in advanced analytics and sales operations.

Schaefer succeeds Gary Zieziula, who is retiring after leading the company through significant growth since April 2020. Under Zieziula's leadership, Kyowa Kirin North America has become the fastest-growing region for the company, contributing over a quarter of global revenues. The transition aims to further enhance Kyowa Kirin's innovative therapies across North America.

Positive

• Steve Schaefer's extensive leadership experience may drive further growth.
• KKNA is the fastest-growing region in Kyowa Kirin's global footprint.
• Under Gary Zieziula, KKNA achieved significant progress and growth.

Negative

• Change in leadership may introduce transitional challenges.

Schaefer Comes to Kyowa Kirin from Takeda where he served as Senior Vice President, Neuroscience Business Unit and Head of Commercial Operations, U.S. Business Unit

BEDMINSTER, N.J., April 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kyowa Kirin, Inc., an affiliate of Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin, TSE: 4151), a global specialty pharmaceutical company based in Japan, is announcing the appointment of Steve Schaefer as President, North America, effective today, April 11. Mr. Schaefer joins Kyowa Kirin North America (KKNA) after holding key leadership roles at top pharmaceutical companies, including Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company.

"Kyowa Kirin is known for advancing breakthrough medicines . . . I'm committed to accelerating this innovation."

"My passion to improve patient lives coincides seamlessly with Kyowa Kirin as they are known for advancing breakthrough medicines with novel mechanisms of action, and I'm committed to accelerating this innovation," said Mr. Schaefer. "I look forward to working with the talented employees across research, development, commercialization, and our business partners to expand the impact of Kyowa Kirin's innovative therapies and value for patients across North America."

Mr. Schaefer brings more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a consistent record of accomplishments as a senior executive across multiple therapeutic areas. In his most recent role as Senior Vice President, Neuroscience Business Unit and Head of U.S. Commercial Operations, Mr. Schaefer was responsible for a commercial portfolio of specialty medicines delivering multi-billion dollar annual revenues as well as commercial data and advanced analytics, forecasting, sales and marketing operations, and corporate training and leadership development. Prior to Takeda, Mr. Schaefer held roles with Eli Lilly and Company in marketing, sales and general management.

Mr. Schaefer succeeds Gary Zieziula, who is retiring. Mr. Zieziula assumed the role as President, North America in April 2020, and led the company through a period of tremendous growth and change. Mr. Zieziula is returning to the North America Board of Directors where he will continue to advise and help facilitate a smooth transition.

"I've enjoyed serving as President over the last three years and am immensely proud of the progress we made bringing in new talent, integrating our North American operations, and adding important capabilities to

better serve the needs of patients and providers," said Mr. Zieziula. "Mr. Schaefer's deep leadership experience makes him well-suited to take the company to new heights and realize our ambition of having a profound impact on patients' lives. I look forward to working alongside him as a board member, to further strengthen and grow the organization."

KKNA is the fastest growing region in Kyowa Kirin's global footprint. The region markets first-in-class medicines in three therapeutic areas: Neurology, Oncology and Rare Disease. With nearly 600 employees in the U.S. and Canada, KKNA now represents over a quarter of Kyowa Kirin's global revenues.

"Under Gary's leadership, KKNA has made great progress managing the successful growth of three commercial franchises and fostering a strong business culture," said Masashi Miyamoto, President and CEO, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. "We believe Steve's leadership experience and passion for fostering cross-functional, patient-focused innovation will fuel our continued success. I'm excited to work with Steve and our entire leadership team to ensure a seamless transition." 

Mr. Schaefer is a decorated veteran, serving as Captain, in the United States Marine Corps, and continues to be a strong advocate of veterans' causes. He holds a BA in economics from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an MBA from LaSalle University, Philadelphia.

About Kyowa Kirin

Kyowa Kirin strives to create and deliver novel medicines with life-changing value. As a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical Company with a more than 70-year heritage, we apply cutting-edge science including expertise in antibody research and engineering, to address the needs of patients and society across multiple therapeutic areas including Nephrology, Oncology, Immunology/Allergy and Neurology. Across our four regions – Japan, Asia Pacific, North America, and EMEA/International – we focus on our purpose to make people smile, and are united by our shared values of commitment to life, teamwork/Wa, innovation, and integrity. You can learn more about Kyowa Kirin North America at: https://kkna.kyowakirin.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/kyowa-kirin-inc.-u.s./ 

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SOURCE Kyowa Kirin

FAQ

Who is the new President of North America for Kyowa Kirin?

Steve Schaefer is appointed as the new President of North America for Kyowa Kirin, effective April 11, 2023.

What was Steve Schaefer's role before joining Kyowa Kirin?

Before joining Kyowa Kirin, Steve Schaefer served as Senior Vice President at Takeda, overseeing the Neuroscience Business Unit.

What impact did Gary Zieziula have during his tenure at Kyowa Kirin?

Gary Zieziula led Kyowa Kirin North America through significant growth, enhancing its capabilities since April 2020.

What are Kyowa Kirin's main therapeutic areas?

Kyowa Kirin focuses on Neurology, Oncology, and Rare Disease in their North American operations.

How might the leadership change affect KYKOY and KNBWY stocks?

The leadership change could lead to strategic shifts impacting investor sentiment and stock performance for KYKOY and KNBWY.