Astellas Pharma UK has promoted Jo Underhill from divisional sales manager to sales and marketing director of urology and dermatology.
Reporting to general manager Mike Crooks, Underhill will take up the reins for the launch of several new brands in urology, while also handling the company’s portfolio of novel and established dermatology treatments.
Commenting on her appointment, Underhill said: “This a very exciting time for the company as we focus on both maintaining leadership and bringing novel therapies to market that have the potential to transform patients’ lives.
“As we all know, the NHS is undergoing considerable changes and is under significant financial constraints, so – more than ever – Astellas’ focus remains on satisfying the needs of our stakeholders through carefully conceived strategies with a firm basis on evidence.”
As a qualified nurse, with sales and marketing experience gained at Roche and Schering Plough, Underhill joined Astellas Pharma in 2008 as national sales manager for urology and dermatology.
“In her four years at Astellas, Jo has proven herself and has played an important role in supporting our urology portfolio,” said Astellas Pharma UK’s Mike Crooks, who noted that the company had tripled its sales to £300m in the three years to 2012.
He added: “Her arrival into this new role completes our UK management team and – with a series of product launches in planning – we now look forward to maintaining and growing our position across all of our therapy areas.”