Akihiro Sato

About Akihiro Sato

I am a strategic and results-driven Global Supply Chain Operations Leader with extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. With a proven track record in end-to-end supply chain leadership for multinational pharmaceutical organizations, I specialize in supply chain strategy, product lifecycle management, and operational excellence within cGMP environments.Currently, I lead the supply chain strategy for Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel) Cell Therapy at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), ensuring seamless product supply from development to commercialization. My expertise includes optimizing processes, driving efficiency, and ensuring compliance with global regulatory standards.Throughout my career, I have successfully led cross-functional teams, managed complex supply chain operations, and spearheaded continuous improvement initiatives. My professional journey includes significant roles at Janssen Pharmaceutical (Johnson & Johnson), Momentive Performance Materials (formerly GE Silicones), and Asahi Kasei Corporation, where I have consistently delivered operational excellence and strategic supply chain enhancements.Core Competencies- End-to-End Supply Chain Management- Global Supply Chain Strategy Execution- Cell & Gene Therapy Supply Chain- Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement- Product Lifecycle & Launch Strategy- cGMP Compliance & Regulatory Affairs- Cross-Functional Leadership & SOP Integration- Risk Management & Supply Chain Optimization

Experience

1. Supply Chain Product Lead Breyanzi

   Bristol Myers Squibb

   Jul 2024 — Present · NJ, US

   Lead end-to-end supply chain strategy for Breyanzi (CAR-T Cell Therapy), ensuring product availability from clinical development to commercial launch.• Drive multi-year supply strategies, integrating brand objectives into supply planning and risk mitigation frameworks.• Oversee Breyanzi S & OP supply chain strategy, aligning supply forecasts with patient demand and production capacity, collaborating with Development CMC, Manufacturing Sciences, Product Quality, and Regulatory CMC.• Lead a cross-functional supply chain capability enhancement project, and created new supply node to drive supply capacity and flexibility to support commercial demand• Present supply chain updates to Cell Therapy Governance bodies, influencing decision-making on launch and supply execution.

Education

• The Wharton School

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance, General

• Waseda University

  Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), Chemistry

  1999 — 2001

• University of California, Irvine

  Master of Science (MS), Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

  1999 — 2000

• The Wharton School

  MBA, Major in Finance, Operation and Marketing

  2014 — 2016