AstraZeneca has announced that Iskra Reic will now serve as the executive vice president (EVP) for international divisions, overseeing the strategic direction and fostering sustainable development throughout regions including China, Asian and Eurasian markets, Middle East & Africa, Latin America, and Australia & New Zealand.
Since joining AstraZeneca in 2001, Iskra has accumulated substantial leadership experience, having worked in areas spanning Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2017, she became the EVP for Europe & Canada and played an integral role in the senior executive team. More recently, Iskra spearheaded the vaccines and immune therapies unit, positioning it at the cutting edge of new advancements in disease prevention. Her responsibilities encompassed both early and late-stage pipeline and portfolio developments, such as Covid-19 and RSV vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, strategic alliances and acquisitions, medical affairs, and commercial operations.
CEO Pascal Soriot commented, “With Iskra’s impressive leadership skills and extensive international background in various sectors, she’s proven adept in enhancing patient access to our groundbreaking and transformative medications. Her expertise in building collaborative partnerships is essential for advancing the rapidly expanding international region.”
Reflecting on her new position, Iskra Reic, executive vice president, international, shares, “I’m honored to guide this wide-ranging, dynamic, and forward-thinking region as we usher in the next phase of scientific advancements and innovative treatments. I’m eager to collaborate with partners, stakeholders, and team members to impact the lives of millions globally with our top-tier medicines and vaccines.”
Iskra steps into the role following Leon Wang, who is currently on extended leave while facing an investigation in China.
From the time Iskra joined AstraZeneca in 2001, she has filled numerous high-ranking roles, ultimately advancing to executive vice-president for Europe & Canada and more recently, since 2021, as EVP of vaccines & immune therapies. Her leadership spanned Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and Middle East & Africa, and she has been a member of AstraZeneca’s senior executive team since 2017.
In her capacity as EVP of vaccines & immune therapies, Iskra was at the helm of early and late-stage developments within the unit’s pipeline and portfolio, including Covid-19 and RSV vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, strategic partnerships and acquisitions, medical affairs, and commercial operations.
Iskra holds a PhD and an MBA in Business and Leadership from the IEDC-Bled School of Management in Slovenia, along with a DMD from the Medical University of Zagreb. She is also part of the Board of Directors for myTomorrows, a global health tech firm, and contributes to the Steering Committee of the Partnership for Health System Sustainability and Resilience, a global initiative focused on enhancing patient outcomes.