At the Helm of Life Sciences: Women Transforming Leadership Dynamics
Behind every milestone in women’s leadership lies a story of persistence in the face of resistance.
Leadership roles in life sciences require much more than just authority—it calls for innovation, foresight, and human impact, where women continue to break the glass ceiling with their empathy, assertion and excellence. Gender diversity in executive roles has undergone a paradigm shift, evolving as a clear business priority. Making up to 70% of the global healthcare workforce, women’s role in the life sciences has intensified over the years, with female CEO representation facing a significant increase from 12.4% to 17.8% over the past decade. These statistics underscore a pressing need for not just inclusion but structural shifts that elevate women into top decision-making roles.
TechEela, in association with ClairLabs, brings in yet another series of Beyond 8—turning the spotlight on women who are rewriting the norms of leadership. In the third edition of celebrating stellar women personalities who are redefining leadership roles in the life sciences space, we are shedding light on Angela Hwang, Dr. Reshma Kewalramani, and Dr. Belén Garijo.
Featuring
Angela Hwang – CEO, Metaphore Biotechnologies:
With nearly three decades of experience in executive leadership, Angela Hwang serves as the CEO of Metaphore Biotechnologies and CEO-partner of Flagship Pioneering venture. She is currently leading the team advancing the MIMICTM platform, a medium that deploys machine-learning capabilities to design next-generation immune therapies. Her notable contributions include serving as Chief Commercial Officer and President of Pfizer’s Global Biopharmaceuticals Business, where she oversaw the delivery of over 600 medicines and vaccines to patients in nearly 185 countries—including the pilot COVID-19 vaccine and an oral antiviral treatment. Under her strategic guidance, Pfizer’s biopharma revenue significantly grew, crossing nearly $100 billion.
Hwang drove global access initiatives, such as the “Accord for a Healthier World,” during her tenure at Pfizer, expanding access to affordable care for underserved communities. She served on the boards of UPS and Connecticut Innovations, alongside her advisory role at Cornell’s Johnson School. Recognized as one of the ‘Most Powerful Women in Business (2020-2023)’ by Fortune 500 and as a ‘Changemaker in Business (2024)’ by CNBC, Hwang is also a prominent advocate for diversity, global health equity, and women in STEM.
Dr. Reshma Kewalramani – CEO & President, Vertex Pharmaceuticals:
Women leaders don’t just lead—they leave footprints behind, reshaping the entire dynamics. Dr. Reshma Kewalramani is a classic example who, in April 2020, took the helm of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, becoming the first woman globally to lead a large U.S. biotech company. A physician scientist with an MD from Boston University and Harvard Business School credentials, Dr. Kewalramani brings an exceptional blend of clinical insight and strategic leadership to the life sciences.
Under her commendable leadership, Vertex has solidified its position in cystic fibrosis treatments with breakthrough therapies like Trikafta and Symdeko, alongside expanding its pipeline into cutting-edge gene and cell therapies—including a significant milestone in 2023 with FDA approval of Casgevy, the first CRISPR-based therapy for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. Beyond drug development, Dr. Kewalramani is a vocal advocate for diversity, serving on the boards of the Biomedical Science Careers Program and Massachusetts General Hospital. She was recently listed among TIME’s ‘100 Most Influential People’, underscoring her role at the intersection of science, innovation, and equity. Her tenure marks a turning point—balancing robust financial performance with a people and patient-centric philosophy, paving the way for the next generation of biotech leadership.
Dr. Belén Garijo – CEO & Chair of the Executive Board, Merck Group:
Assuming the dual role of CEO and Chair of Merck Group’s Executive Board in May 2021, Dr. Belén Garijo became the first woman to lead the 350-year-old science and technology giant—reflecting a broader shift toward inclusive leadership at the highest levels of the industry. A physician by training, her career span includes leadership roles at Abbott, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, and as the COO of Merck’s Biopharmaceutical division (2011), followed by her ascension to the CEO of Healthcare in 2015.
During her tenure, she has driven Merck’s transformation into a science and technology powerhouse—with her keen focus on operational excellence, global alliances, and commercialization, and continues to do so. As a futuristic visionary, she helped Merck position itself as a leader in oncology, immunology, and life science services. A staunch advocate of sustainability and diversity, Dr. Garijo was featured on Forbes’ and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women lists in 2022-23. She assumed ambassadorial roles for Spain and DE&I advocacy, accompanying Chancellor Olaf Scholz on state visits in 2022 and 2024. Her leadership at Merck exemplifies modern corporate governance—driven by scientific innovation, societal responsibility, and a strong vision for inclusive global leadership.
A Future for Humankind Forged by Women
In redefining science, strategy, and systems, these visionary leaders reflect more than individual excellence—they symbolize a growing shift in how leadership dynamics in the life sciences industry are evolving. That is, these trailblazers are not just operating within the system; instead, they are transforming it from within. As we continue to celebrate these remarkable personalities, Beyond 8 is committed to highlighting the voices, vision, and victories of women who continue to reshape the future—one step at a time.
“Here’s to strong women: May we know them. May we be them.May we raise them.”
– Michelle Obama
