Vasant “Vas” Narasimhan is a distinguished American physician and the Chief Executive Officer of Novartis, a leading global medicines company. He took the helm in September 2017, succeeding Joseph Jimenez, and has since spearheaded a strategic transformation to focus Novartis on delivering high-value medicines. Under his leadership, the company has sharpened its focus on key therapeutic areas and advanced technology platforms, including gene and cell therapies, significantly impacting patient care worldwide.

Narasimhan’s career at Novartis began in 2005, where he held various leadership roles, including Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines and Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer. His extensive experience in drug development has been pivotal in driving innovation and efficiency within the organization. He has been instrumental in the acquisition of several companies, enhancing Novartis’s portfolio and capabilities in advanced therapies.

In addition to his corporate achievements, Narasimhan is committed to global health initiatives. He has championed access to innovative medicines, aiming to expand availability in low- and middle-income countries by 200% by 2025. His dedication to ethical practices has led to significant reforms within Novartis, addressing long-standing issues and enhancing the company’s reputation.

Recognized for his contributions to medicine and public health, Narasimhan is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine and serves on the board of fellows at Harvard Medical School. His leadership continues to inspire a culture of innovation at Novartis, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing health challenges.