Pascal Soriot has served as Chief Executive Officer of AstraZeneca since October 2012, leading one of the most consequential transformations in modern pharmaceutical history. Under his leadership, AstraZeneca repositioned oncology as the company’s central scientific and strategic pillar, building a focused, execution-driven cancer organization anchored in precision medicine, biomarker-defined development, and late-stage clinical excellence. This shift restored AstraZeneca’s global standing and established it as one of the most oncology-intensive biopharmaceutical companies of the past decade.
During Soriot’s tenure, AstraZeneca became a global reference in lung cancer, helping define it as a model disease for precision oncology through systematic integration of molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies, immuno-oncology, and rational combination strategies across disease stages. In parallel, he led the company’s emergence as a major force in antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), committing early and at scale to next-generation biologic platforms that bridged targeted delivery and cytotoxic potency.
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 Most Influential CEOs in Oncology in 2025, and stay tuned for other special category nominations.
