Kyung-Ah Kim takes the helm as CEO of Samsung Bioepis

On November 27, 2024, Samsung Bioepis Co., Ltd., based in Incheon, South Korea, announced a significant leadership change when Kyung-Ah Kim was appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Kim, who previously held the position of Executive Vice President and Development Division Leader, has extensive experience in biologic development spanning over two decades. She has played a crucial role in overseeing the product development cycle at Samsung Bioepis since December 2021. This new appointment follows the transition of Christopher Hansung Ko, who moved to lead the Samsung Future Business Division. Kyung-Ah Kim's professional background prior to joining Samsung Bioepis in December 2015 included key positions at Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, where she served as Principal Scientist and then Vice President, focusing on innovative antibody therapeutics targeting oncology. Throughout her career, Kim has also held roles at other biopharmaceutical companies, where her work involved various aspects of therapeutic agent development including genetic sequencing, drug screening assays, and functional assessments of antibodies. This diverse track record underscores her capability and expertise in the field. In light of this leadership change, Samsung Bioepis is expected to continue advancing its portfolio of biosimilar candidates, which encompasses a wide array of therapeutic areas such as immunology, oncology, ophthalmology, hematology, and endocrinology. As Kim steps into her new role, her vision and experience will likely influence the company's strategic direction and its efforts to deliver high-quality biologic therapies globally. The leadership transition marks a significant moment for the company as it navigates the complexities of the biotech industry and aims to maximize its impact in health care. As the newly appointed CEO, Kim's first challenge will be to guide Samsung Bioepis through an evolving market that requires innovation and adaptability. The change in leadership not only reflects a commitment to leveraging Kim’s vast expertise but also a strategic move to bolster the company's position in the highly competitive biopharmaceutical landscape. The board's confidence in Kim's abilities to lead, following Ko's appointment to another prominent division, highlights the importance of visionary leadership within Samsung Bioepis, which aims to uphold its reputation for excellence in drug development and patient care.