Astellas last week announced promotions for two of its senior figures.
Simon Dew (pictured) replaces Naoki Okamura as chief strategy officer for the company’s EMEA business while Jun Kono moves from the company’s home base of Japan to become VP, corporate strategy and communications for the EMEA region.
Ken Jones, CEO Astellas Pharma EMEA, commented that the appointments strengthened the company’s senior leadership team in what is an increasingly important area for Astellas.
“Simon has made a significant contribution to Astellas since joining eight years ago,” said Jones. “Jun brings a wealth of experience in corporate strategy and planning, and we are delighted that he is returning to the EMEA from our head office in Japan.”
In his new role Dew will help steer Astellas EMEA as it strengthens its position in urology and transplantation while developing a new portfolio in cancer. He will oversee business development, alliance management, commercial development and corporate strategy.
Kono’s responsibilities include guiding the strategic direction of the company’s mid-term plan, product portfolio and commercial operations in the EMEA region.
Both men are veterans of Astellas. Dew joined the company in 2006 as senior manager business development and has worked on major products such as Xtandi.
Kono joined Astellas in 2005 when his previous company Yamanouchi was taken over by Astellas. His most recent role was VP, head of executive office at the company’s Tokyo headquarters. He has previous experience at Astellas’ EMEA division having served as associate director, strategic planning, from 2006 and 2010.