AstraZeneca has named Rick R. Suarez as Senior Vice President, U.S. President and Head of the U.S. Biopharmaceuticals Business Unit.

Suarez will lead the execution of the company’s previously announced $50 billion U.S. research, development and manufacturing investment, including construction of a $4.5 billion manufacturing facility in Virginia, AstraZeneca’s largest single manufacturing investment globally.

He will also have full responsibility for AstraZeneca’s US Biopharmaceuticals organization, with accountability for performance, growth and execution across the portfolio.

Experience

Suarez brings more than 20 years of experience in the U.S. healthcare sector, with leadership roles spanning commercial, medical and market access functions at AstraZeneca. He returns to the U.S. after serving as Country President for Spain since 2020, where he led one of AstraZeneca’s strongest performing European markets.

During his tenure in Spain, Suarez established a new global hub in Barcelona and launched the AstraZeneca Healthcare Innovation Hub, committing more than €10 million to digital health and data-driven initiatives focused on translational innovation.

Suarez will be based at AstraZeneca’s U.S. headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. His appointment is effective immediately.

“We are operating at a moment of unprecedented scientific opportunity,” Suarez said. “Our responsibility is to translate that science into results for patients and for the U.S. healthcare system. By strengthening our U.S. manufacturing and R&D footprint, we will expand access to innovative medicines, create highly skilled jobs, and deliver long-term value.”

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