Leadership Shifts Signal Pharma’s Expanding New Focuses

As the pharma and life sciences ecosystem continues to evolve, this month’s executive moves reflect a sector embracing rapid innovation, digital transformation, and global expansion. From genomics to CDMOs and diagnostics to digital health, new leadership appointments are reshaping the industry’s direction and reinforcing its commitment to more personalized, technology-driven healthcare.

At the intersection of genomics and advanced biotech, Arima Genomics has appointed Tom Willis as CEO. Willis brings decades of experience in the field, including co-founding ParAllele BioScience and Sequenta, as well as a foundational role at the Stanford Genome Technology Center during the Human Genome Project. His leadership signals Arima’s intent to scale its 3D genomics platform into broader clinical and commercial applications.

The CDMO space is also seeing key leadership evolution. AGC Pharma Chemicals, with its footprint in both Europe and Asia, has promoted executive vice president Juri Kurihara to CEO. Kurihara’s deep roots in contract manufacturing will be critical as AGC continues to position itself as a global player amidst growing outsourcing demand in pharma development and production.

Digital health and clinical trials continue to gain traction, and Clariness, a leader in trial recruitment and feasibility, has elevated Stefan Mayer-Eggersmann to co-CEO.

Partnering with founder Michael Stadler, the move emphasizes a dual focus on commercial execution and strategic innovation at a time when decentralized and patient-centric trials are reshaping the clinical landscape.

In the diagnostics arena, Octave Bioscience has significantly expanded its medical leadership to further its mission in neurodegenerative disease management. The addition of top-tier neurology experts and pharma veterans—Dr. Darin Okuda, Dr. Jennifer Graves, and Terrie Livingston—underscores the company’s growing clinical sophistication and readiness to bring precision diagnostics to the forefront of neurology.

Meanwhile, UK-based Astoriom has brought on Brittany Jackson as CFO to steer its financial strategy as demand for secure, scalable R&D sample storage grows. Her track record in finance and operations will support the company’s continued expansion across research-heavy sectors.

Digital infrastructure is also taking center stage. Worldwide Clinical Trials has appointed Stephen Rayda as chief digital and information officer—a move that highlights the growing importance of integrating digital tools across CRO operations. Rayda’s experience at Syneos and Purdue Pharma positions him to modernize systems and enhance digital efficiencies across the organization.

Germany’s PL BioScience, known for its innovation in Human Platelet Lysate (HPL), has tapped Oliver Dick as its new CTO. With previous roles at Qiagen, Fresenius, and Resolve BioSciences, Dick is expected to drive the next wave of product innovation and manufacturing excellence.

Geographic expansion is top of mind for Cambridge-based Sphere Bio, which welcomed Johnathan Fu as China Distribution Manager. Fu’s long tenure in life sciences sales—spanning 10x Genomics, Roche, and Bio-Rad—makes him a strategic hire as the company pushes further into the high-growth Chinese cell therapy market.

In Ireland, Spectrum.Life has brought in Dr. Rizwan Khalid as medical director. A seasoned NHS clinician with a digital health background, Khalid will guide the company’s AI-powered mental health offerings across both its Dublin and Manchester offices, responding to growing demand for accessible, scalable mental wellbeing solutions.

Rounding out the month, sterile manufacturing firm Symbiosis appointed Angelika Rublack as senior business development manager. With over two decades of pharmaceutical business experience, her role will be key in forging new client relationships and expanding the company’s international footprint.

Across the board, these executive moves reflect an industry increasingly defined by cross-disciplinary leadership, technological integration, and global ambition. Whether it’s scaling genomics, enabling smarter trials, or advancing digital health, pharma and biotech leaders are positioning their organizations to thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare future.

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