Monday, August 24, 2026

Daiichi Sankyo names Markus Kosch head of Europe business

Daiichi Sankyo is changing the leadership structure for its European operations. Markus Kosch, MD, has been appointed Head of Europe Business, effective April 1, 2027. He will also serve as General Manager of Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, with legal responsibility for the company in Europe.

The appointment is linked to the company’s new globally integrated Commercialization Unit. In Europe, the Oncology and Specialty businesses will be brought together under one leadership model.

Part of a five-year growth plan

The move forms part of Daiichi Sankyo’s next phase under its Five-Year Business Plan. The company aims to streamline commercialization, improve collaboration across regions and functions, and support expected launches of multiple new indications by 2030.

Kosch will lead the European business within the new structure and oversee the integrated commercial organization in the region. Daiichi Sankyo says the model is intended to help bring innovative medicines to more patients across Europe.

Oncology leadership background

Kosch has led Daiichi Sankyo’s Oncology Business Division in Europe and Canada for the past five years. During that period, he oversaw growth in the division and preparations for a broader oncology portfolio.

Before joining Daiichi Sankyo, Kosch held senior roles in Medical Affairs and Commercial across the EU region, Asia and global functions. He began his career as a physician at Münster University Hospital, where he practiced for nine years. He continues to teach as Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Münster.

Kosch is also a member of the board of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations, EFPIA.

Ken Keller takes new commercialization role

The European leadership change is part of a broader reorganization of Daiichi Sankyo’s commercial setup. Ken Keller has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Commercialization Officer, also effective April 1, 2027.

Daiichi Sankyo describes the changes as a step toward a more connected business structure. The company’s strategy has a strong focus on oncology, including an antibody drug conjugate portfolio.