#Japan #Tokyo #Board of Directors #Astellas Pharma #Shareholders Meeting

Astellas Pharma's Strategic Moves

Astellas Pharma Inc., a leading global life sciences company, announced significant changes to its Board of Directors aimed at enhancing the board's diversity and effectiveness. During a recent Board meeting on May 7, 2025, Astellas decided to propose the appointment of two distinguished industry leaders, Andreas Busch and Mark Enyedy, as new candidates at the upcoming 20th Term Annual Shareholders Meeting scheduled for June 19, 2025.

Enhancing Board Diversity

The decision to introduce these new candidates aligns with Astellas’ commitment to fostering a diverse board composition. The addition of Busch and Enyedy, who both bring extensive experience within the global pharmaceutical industry, reflects Astellas’ strategic response to stakeholder feedback. Their qualifications will likely enhance the board’s ability to oversee the company's operations effectively, driving long-term value creation and better alignment with industry standards.

Current Board Members and Reelections
In total, several key figures on the board will stand for reelection. These include:

• - Kenji Yasukawa: Chairman of the Board
• - Naoki Okamura: President and CEO
• - Katsuyoshi Sugita: Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer
• - Takashi Tanaka: Outside Director and Senior Advisor at KDDI Corporation
• - Eriko Sakurai and Masahiro Miyazaki: Both serving as Outside Directors with roles at multiple corporations.
• - Yoichi Ohno: A Visiting Professor engaged in social medicine education.

The decision regarding these nominations is awaiting approval during the shareholder meeting, with significant decisions also expected to take place during the Board meeting set for that day.

New Candidates’ Backgrounds

Andreas Busch

Born on August 26, 1963, Busch has a rich history in pharmaceutical leadership, having held senior roles at major firms including Bayer HealthCare and Shire plc. His most recent position as the Chief Innovation Officer at Absci Corporation places him at the forefront of biopharmaceutical advancements. Busch's depth of knowledge in cardiovascular research and drug discovery could greatly benefit Astellas as it seeks to innovate in therapeutic areas.

Mark Enyedy

Enyedy, born on December 27, 1963, has also amassed extensive experience in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in executive roles at Genzyme, where he navigated business development in oncology and transplantation. His role as a Non-Executive Director at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. highlights his continuous engagement in progressive pharmaceutical strategies and corporate development.

With such a powerful combination of candidates, Astellas aims not only for compliance with evolving corporate governance standards but also to significantly enhance its strategic focus in an increasingly competitive market.

Future Prospects

As Astellas looks forward to the following fiscal year, the proposed changes to its Board could signal a pivotal move towards rejuvenating its strategic direction. With an eye on upcoming challenges and opportunities in the pharmaceutical landscape, this restructured board aims to embrace new strategies, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable growth for Astellas in the years to come.

In conclusion, Astellas Pharma's proactive approach in appointing new board director candidates not only showcases its resolve to adapt and evolve but also underscores its dedication to embodying a diverse and knowledgeable leadership team capable of navigating the complexities of the global pharmaceutical industry effectively.