Daiichi Sankyo has appointed Markus Kosch, M.D., as head of its Europe business, effective April 1, 2027, as the drugmaker establishes a new globally integrated Commercialization Unit.
Kosch will lead Daiichi Sankyo’s European operations within the new structure and serve as general manager of Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, taking legal responsibility for the company’s business in the region.
The appointment is part of Daiichi Sankyo’s five-year business plan and follows the creation of the Commercialization Unit. The new European structure will bring the company’s oncology and specialty businesses under a single integrated leadership model.
Daiichi Sankyo said the reorganization is intended to streamline commercialization, strengthen collaboration among regions and functions, and support anticipated launches of multiple new indications by 2030. The company said it aims to make innovative medicines available to more patients across Europe faster and more effectively.
Kosch has led Daiichi Sankyo’s Oncology Business Division in Europe and Canada for the past five years. During that period, he oversaw growth in the business and prepared the organization for an expanding oncology portfolio, according to the company.
Before joining Daiichi Sankyo, Kosch held senior medical-affairs and commercial leadership positions across the European Union, Asia and global functions. He began his career as a physician at Münster University Hospital, where he practiced for nine years.
Kosch remains a professor of internal medicine at the University of Münster and is a board member of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations.
Ken Keller, who will assume the newly created position of chief commercialization officer on April 1, 2027, said Europe will remain central to Daiichi Sankyo’s performance. He said Kosch has combined strategic vision, operational execution and team development during his tenure with the company.
Kosch said the growing portfolio has increased the complexity of bringing new medicines to patients. He said the integrated organization is intended to create clarity, align teams around shared priorities and concentrate expertise where it can have the greatest effect.
The changes form part of Daiichi Sankyo’s effort to create a more connected organization able to translate science and technology into value for patients, healthcare systems and society. The company has identified oncology as a strategic focus and is developing an antibody-drug conjugate portfolio alongside other technologies.
Subscribe to our e-Newsletters
Stay up to date with the latest news, articles, and events. Plus, get special offers
from American Pharmaceutical Review – all delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up now!