UK major AstraZeneca’s (AZ, NASDAQ: AZN) China unit has announced a new round of structural adjustments, effective January 1, 2025. The oncology business will be reorganized into four distinct divisions: the lung cancer business division, the urogynecology and digestive cancer business division, the breast cancer business division, and the blood tumor business division. These divisions will operate independently while maintaining cooperative relationships. Additionally, the marketing development and sales teams will undergo changes, including the merger and integration of the sales teams for Imfinzi (durvalumab) focused on liver, gallbladder, and lung cancers.
Executive Changes Accompanying the Reorganization
As part of this restructuring, AstraZeneca China has also made adjustments to its executive team. Zhang Lingyan, the current vice president of AstraZeneca China and head of the oncology business for the lung cancer and digestive tumor business units, will transition to lead the urology and digestive tumor business unit. She will serve as vice president of AstraZeneca China and head of the urology and digestive tumor business unit. Meanwhile, Guan Dongmei, the general manager of AstraZeneca China’s tumor business, will temporarily take charge of the breast cancer business department.
Recent Changes in Oncology Team Structure
Earlier this year, AstraZeneca China spun off and adjusted its county oncology team in July, integrating it into the lung cancer division and the urology, gynecology, and women’s oncology division. Two months later, the omni-channel division was incorporated into its China biopharmaceutical business unit (BBU), reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and enhance its focus on oncology.
Legal Issues Involving Former Executive
In a related development, Leon Wang, AstraZeneca’s former international chief, has been officially arrested on suspicion of smuggling ordinary goods and items, raising concerns about corporate governance within the organization.-Fineline Info & Tech
