What inspired you to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in ophthalmology?

Ophthalmology is a field that, once you enter, you rarely want to leave. The science is evolving rapidly, and innovation is thriving. Most importantly, our work directly impacts people’s quality of life in a fundamental way. Sight is central to human experience, affecting not just individuals but also families and entire support networks. Improving vision for a child can change their future and relieve the burden on caregivers. Helping people maintain their sight has a profound ripple effect, and that is what makes this work meaningful.

Can you share a childhood experience or early influence that shaped your leadership style and career ambitions?

My mom has had a profound influence on who I am today and shaped my leadership style. She always emphasized the importance of personal growth and encouraged me to continuously improve. Her unwavering support taught me the value of treating people with respect and fairness, no matter their background. Her belief in following my dreams while remaining grounded in the goal of contributing positively to society has been a guiding force in my life. I strive to embody these principles in my leadership, fostering an environment where people feel valued and inspired to grow alongside me.

As President of EMEA for Santen, what is your mission, and how do you see your leadership driving change in eye care?

Patient centricity is at the core of everything we do. Every decision starts with a simple but powerful question: what is best for the patient? My focus is on positioning Santen for growth, with major product launches in the coming years that will address unmet medical needs, including in paediatric myopia. Beyond that, I believe in shaping the broader ecosystem – working across stakeholders to make eye health a real priority on the healthcare agenda.

What are the biggest challenges in ophthalmology and eye health today, and how is Santen addressing them?

One of the biggest challenges is that eye health is not always prioritized. People do not often think about their vision until it deteriorates, but early diagnosis and treatment can make a huge difference. At Santen, we are working to change this by raising awareness and advocating for earlier diagnosis. Access to innovation is another challenge. New treatments exist, but patients often wait years before they become available. We work closely with authorities to accelerate access. The aging population and lifestyle shifts—like increased screen time, especially for children—are also major concerns. Myopia and glaucoma cases are rising, and we are expanding our portfolio to address both.

How does Santen stay ahead in innovation, particularly with advancements in digital health and AI in ophthalmology?

Digitalization and AI have the potential to transform ophthalmology, but the focus must always be on making life easier for patients. Every country has a different patient journey, even for the same condition, so digital tools can help streamline and support that process within diverse healthcare systems. AI also plays a critical role in improving diagnosis. Not everyone can access a specialist immediately, and in some cases, wait times can be as long as six to eight months. Digital tools help bridge that gap, making diagnosis and treatment more accessible. Beyond that, digitalization improves how we manage medical records, enables more efficient clinical trials, and enhances the overall healthcare experience.

How is Santen working to make high-quality eye care more accessible in underserved communities across EMEA?

Women and rural communities are often disproportionately affected by eye health issues due to limited access to specialists and education. We are committed to working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to improve access and reimbursement. A key part of this effort is raising awareness. We work hard to demonstrate to authorities where the unmet medical needs are and why addressing them is so important.

Leading a major pharmaceutical company can be demanding—how do you balance work, personal life, and well-being?

Leading a major pharmaceutical company is certainly demanding, but I believe balance is key. The most important factor for me is doing what I love. When I am passionate about my work, I’m more energized, focused, and driven, which makes me more present and effective in all areas of my life. Ensuring I have a strong team in place and creating for them an environment where they can grow and thrive makes it easier for me to free up some of my time as well.

Family is my priority, and I’ve always made sure to put them first. However, I have found that when I am fulfilled professionally, I become a better mother, wife, and daughter. The sense of accomplishment and growth that comes from pursuing my career allows me to bring a positive energy back to my family, creating a healthier and more supportive environment for all of us. It’s all about integration—ensuring that I make time for both my personal life and my professional goals, which ultimately supports the whole family’s overall well-being.

What leadership qualities do you believe are essential for success in the pharmaceutical industry, and how do you mentor future leaders?

I have six principles that I communicate widely to my team. Commitment to performance – showing up every day and delivering results. Open and trusting communication – creating transparency and psychological safety. Integrity and accountability – standing by decisions and taking responsibility. A collaborative spirit – working together to maximize impact. A patient-centric approach – putting patients at the center of everything we do. And making a difference – seizing every opportunity to create meaningful impact. I strongly believe that making the evolution of our organization a collaborative effort, where every voice is heard, is essential for success. We have recently implemented several initiatives to enhance employee engagement, development and recognition, including a ‘Learning Festival’ where different functions can come together to exchange knowledge, and an awards program to celebrate outstanding employee contributions.

How does Santen integrate sustainability and corporate social responsibility into its business strategy?

Santen has a clear sustainability commitment, rooted in our core principle of bringing happiness through vision. We work to improve access to eye health by supporting the training of medical professionals and expanding capabilities in underserved areas. Our environmental initiatives include measures against climate change and efforts to reduce environmental impact. In EMEA, we have taken concrete steps such as shifting from single-use to multi-use eye drop bottles – making treatment easier for patients while reducing waste.

As a female executive in a global healthcare company, what advice do you have for women aspiring to leadership roles?

Believe in your abilities, speak up, and take opportunities even when you do not feel 100% ready. Embrace your strengths and values, and always remember that taking care of yourself—both professionally and personally—will ultimately make you a more effective and impactful leader. Surround yourself with a supportive network, trust in your ability to balance priorities, and never underestimate the power of doing what you love to fuel your passion and drive.

it’s essential to prioritize self-awareness and authenticity in leadership. Leadership is not about fitting in – it is about bringing your unique perspective to the table.

Where do you see the future of ophthalmology heading, and what role will Santen play in shaping that future?

Ophthalmology is rapidly evolving with an aging population, lifestyle changes, and the growing impact of conditions like myopia and glaucoma. Advances in gene therapy, regenerative medicine, and biologics will enable more personalized treatments and offer the potential to address diseases with high unmet needs, and Santen is actively exploring these areas. In Japan, we have been a leader in eye health for over 130 years. Now, we are focused on expanding our impact in EMEA, aspiring to become a leader in the region. This means not only delivering innovative treatments but also shaping the ecosystem – advocating for earlier diagnosis, better access, and ensuring that eye health is recognized as a healthcare priority.

Looking ahead, what are your personal and professional aspirations for the next phase of your career?

Looking forward, my personal and professional aspirations are deeply intertwined with my core values of growth, contribution, and leadership. Professionally, I aspire to continue fostering a culture of growth within my team, helping each individual develop their full potential and contribute to the success of the organization.

In terms of giving back to society, I aim to find more opportunities to contribute, whether through mentoring, community outreach, or supporting causes that align with my values. I want to leverage my position to make a positive, lasting impact in the lives of others, particularly those in underserved communities.

On a personal level, my greatest aspiration is to raise my son to be a compassionate, responsible, and proactive member of society. I want to guide him to understand the importance of integrity, empathy, and contributing to the greater good. By role-modelling these values and providing him with the tools he needs, I hope he grows into someone who makes a meaningful difference in the world.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy where both my professional contributions and personal life reflect a commitment to growth, service, and making the world a better place for future generations.