Anas Younes Has Been Appointed Chief Medical Officer at AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca has announced the appointment of Anas Younes, M.D., as its new Chief Medical Officer (CMO), further cementing his role as one of the most influential clinician-scientists in the field of hematologic oncology. Dr. Younes, who also serves as Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hematology R&D and Chairman of the Board of Acerta, will now oversee AstraZeneca’s entire medical strategy while continuing to drive innovation across the company’s hematology pipeline—from early discovery to regulatory approvals.

Anas Younes shared a post on LinkedIn:

“I’m honored to be appointed Chief Medical Officer at AstraZeneca.

This role deepens the patient focus that has anchored my career as a clinician-scientist – from caring for patients with lymphoma and leading clinical trials in academia, to advancing the next wave of potential new blood cancer medicines.

As CMO, and Global Head of Haematology R&D, I’m committed to working with purpose and urgency to bring our medicines to patients around the world with the aim to improve health outcomes and equity.”

Anas Younes, M.D., is the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hematology (Early and Late Stage), Oncology RandD at AstraZeneca, where he leads hematology oncology research and development from early discovery and target identification to first-in-human studies, late-stage trials, and regulatory approvals. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Acerta and Chief Medical Officer and Head of Hematology RandD at AstraZeneca.

A Career Defined by Hematology Breakthroughs

Dr. Younes is one of the most recognizable names in lymphoma research, with a track record that has shaped modern blood cancer care. A clinician-scientist with over 25 years of experience in lymphoma care and research, Dr. Younes previously served as Chief of the Lymphoma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where he spearheaded early-phase clinical trials that directly contributed to the approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor and the first targeted therapy in lymphoma.

Prior to his tenure at MSKCC, he spent two decades at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, directing clinical and translational research in lymphoma and myeloma. There, he led NCI Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) initiatives and CAR T-cell therapy programs funded by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—long before CAR T became a household term in oncology.

Dr. Younes’ prolific contributions include over 300 publications in top-tier journals, leadership roles in countless pivotal trials, and ongoing advisory roles across global oncology networks. His journey, from earning his medical degree at Damascus University School of Medicine to fellowships at MSKCC, represents a story of relentless dedication to cancer innovation and patient advocacy.

Shaping AstraZeneca’s Hematology Renaissance

Since joining AstraZeneca in 2018, Dr. Younes has overseen a renaissance in hematology research and development, positioning the company as a formidable force in a highly competitive field. Under his leadership, AstraZeneca has expanded its hematology portfolio with a series of first- and best-in-class agents now advancing through late-stage development.

He has transformed Acerta Pharma into a global leader in BTK inhibition, with the blockbuster success of acalabrutinib (Calquence®) serving as a cornerstone of the company’s growth in this space. At the same time, he has driven significant investments in next-generation platforms, including antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and T-cell engagers, placing AstraZeneca at the forefront of therapeutic innovation. With his latest promotion to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Younes’ influence now extends beyond hematology, as he takes a leading role in shaping AstraZeneca’s broader oncology and rare disease strategies at a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution.

FDA approved AstraZeneca’s Calquence (acalabrutinib) for adult patients with previously-treated mantle cell lymphoma – read the whole article here. 

A Global Voice in Hematology

Known for his dynamic leadership style and ability to bridge bench-to-bedside innovation, Dr. Younes is also a prominent voice in the oncology community, frequently sharing insights on emerging science, trial design, and patient-centered care. His social media presence has earned him recognition as one of the top OncoInfluencers to follow on platforms like X and LinkedIn, where he connects with thousands of clinicians and researchers worldwide.

OncoInfluencers to Follow on Social Media: Anas Younes

As AstraZeneca doubles down on its ambition to transform cancer into a manageable disease, Dr. Younes’ elevation to CMO signals the company’s commitment to scientific excellence and equity in access to care.

You can find more posts featuring Anas Younes on OncoDaily.

Written by Sergey Badalyan, MD