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Basking Ridge Today
By the People, for the People
Daiichi Sankyo Appoints John Tsai, MD as Global Head of R&D
Tsai brings over 25 years of leadership experience to drive innovation and accelerate new medicines.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited has appointed John Tsai, MD to succeed Ken Takeshita, MD as the new Global Head of R&D, effective April 1, 2026. Dr. Tsai will join from Syncona Investment Management, where he was an Executive Partner responsible for starting new biotech companies and driving execution across several therapeutic areas. Previously, he held leadership roles at Novartis, Amgen, and Bristol Myers Squibb.
Why it matters
Daiichi Sankyo is a leading global pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines. Appointing an experienced R&D leader like Dr. Tsai signals the company's commitment to advancing its pipeline and bringing new breakthrough therapies to patients.
The details
Dr. Tsai will be responsible for further growing Daiichi Sankyo's rich pipeline and accelerating the development of new science and technologies. During his career, he has led the development of 160 new projects and 500 clinical trials, resulting in global approvals for 15 new medicines, including novel modalities like gene therapy and radioligand therapy.
- Dr. Tsai will assume the role of Global Head of R&D at Daiichi Sankyo on April 1, 2026.
- Ken Takeshita, MD is stepping down from his position as Global Head of R&D, effective April 1, 2026.
The players
John Tsai, MD
An experienced pharmaceutical executive with over 25 years of leadership in driving innovation and accelerating new drug development. He is joining Daiichi Sankyo from Syncona Investment Management.
Ken Takeshita, MD
The outgoing Global Head of R&D at Daiichi Sankyo, who is stepping down from his position effective April 1, 2026.
Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
A global pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative medicines to enrich the quality of life around the world.
Hiroyuki Okuzawa
The President and CEO of Daiichi Sankyo.
What they’re saying
“John Tsai will bring unique expertise to our continued pursuit of cutting-edge science and technology and will be a formidable addition to the Daiichi Sankyo leadership team as we execute our next five-year business plan and beyond.”
— Hiroyuki Okuzawa, President and CEO, Daiichi Sankyo (Business Wire)
“Joining Daiichi Sankyo at such a pivotal time is both an honor and exciting opportunity. Daiichi Sankyo has built a world-class scientific organization, and I look forward to building on this legacy to further drive innovation for patients.”
— John Tsai, MD (Business Wire)
The takeaway
Daiichi Sankyo's appointment of an experienced R&D leader like John Tsai signals the company's commitment to advancing its pipeline and bringing innovative new medicines to patients in need.
