Rodrigo Fernandez has been promoted to vice president, Latin America, Astellas. Mr. Fernandez will be based in Northbrook and report to Percival Barretto-Ko, president, Astellas Americas. Mr. Fernandez previously served as executive director of Astellas’ International Business with responsibility for managing Astellas’ business in Latin America outside of Brazil and Colombia.
 
In his new role, Mr. Fernandez will be responsible for leading Astellas’ operations and growth across Latin America. João Carlos Britto, general manager of Astellas Farma Brasil and Sandra Cifuentes, general manager of Astellas Farma Colombia will now report to Mr. Fernandez, along with the International Business team. 
 
“Astellas is deeply committed to delivering and creating value through products that serve patients across nearly 20 countries in Latin America,” said Mr. Barretto-Ko. “I’m confident that Rodrigo’s deep experience, collaborative approach and track record at Astellas will position the company well as we build for the future.”
 
Mr. Fernandez has more than 20 years of global pharmaceutical experience. Prior to Astellas, he led AstraZeneca’s business as country president in Central America, the Caribbean, Ecuador and Peru. Since 2004, he also served in various roles of increasing responsibility at AstraZeneca, including country manager and marketing company president for Slovenia and the West Balkans and global and regional commercial lead roles for various therapeutic areas.