Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, the European headquarter organisation of the Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo Co. has announced the appointment of its new Managing Director Masahiro Kato.

Kato succeeds Dr Jan Van Ruymbeke, who successfully led the European organisation over the last 11 years and who will retire by end of March 2024. During his tenure the European organisation’s revenues and profit tripled.

Kato returns to Europe from Japan, having spent several years already in the European headquarter organisation from 2003 to 2010. His 35 years at Daiichi Sankyo spans roles in Finance, Accounting and most recently Sustainability Promotion, an increasingly important area for Daiichi Sankyo.

One of Kato’s main priorities will be facilitating and driving Europe’s role in globalisation initiatives of Daiichi Sankyo while further supporting the organisation’s sustainable growth across therapeutic areas. He will also be a strong advocate for the patients Daiichi Sankyo Europe seeks to impact, in the spirit of Daiichi Sankyo’s purpose which is to contribute to the enrichment of quality of life around the world.