David A. Ricks is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eli Lilly and Company, leading one of the world’s largest research-driven biopharmaceutical organizations. Since becoming CEO in 2017, he has overseen Lilly’s expansion across multiple therapeutic areas while re-establishing oncology as a meaningful and growing component of the company’s long-term strategy. His leadership has emphasized scientific selectivity, disciplined capital allocation, and the integration of translational research with global development and commercialization.
Under Ricks’ leadership, Eli Lilly’s oncology business achieved a significant inflection point, reaching approximately $1 billion in oncology revenue in 2025, reflecting the maturation of the company’s cancer portfolio and its execution in targeted and precision oncology. During this period, Lilly strengthened its oncology pipeline, advanced late-stage clinical programs, and expanded global access to cancer therapies through improved development efficiency and commercialization capabilities. These advances marked Lilly’s transition from a historically limited oncology presence to a company with a credible and sustainable position in the oncology landscape, supported by continued investment in discovery science, clinical development, and manufacturing scale.
Ricks joined Eli Lilly in 1996 and has held senior leadership roles across geographies and functions, including President of Lilly USA, President of Lilly Bio-Medicines, and General Manager of Lilly China. He serves on the boards of Adobe, the Business Roundtable, and PhRMA. His tenure as CEO is characterized by long-term strategic execution and the ability to guide large-scale innovation across complex therapeutic areas, including the rebuilding of oncology as a meaningful growth and impact area for the company.
The 100 CEOs featured here reflect the diversity and complexity of modern oncology leadership. In 2025, some lead the world’s largest cancer institutions; others guide specialized societies or emerging innovators. What unites them is responsibility: for millions of patients, for the integrity of science, and for the future direction of cancer care globally.
This list is not a celebration of power, but a recognition of stewardship, accountability, and impact – and of the leaders whose choices continue to shape the fight against cancer. For the many deserving individuals not mentioned in this list, we will continue to acknowledge, honor and elevate your voices in our daily publications from across the world.
See the full list of The 100 Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025 and stay tuned for other special category nominations
