Roche's Executive Shakeup: A New Era for Digital Transformation and R&D

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) has announced significant changes to its Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee, signaling a new era for the company's digital transformation and research and development strategies. The appointments and retirements of key executives are expected to drive innovation and enhance the company's competitive edge in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries.

Wafaa Mamilli (1967) joins Roche as Chief Digital Technology Officer (CDTO), reporting to Group CEO Thomas Schinecker, and will become a member of the enlarged Corporate Executive Committee starting 10 February 2025. Based at Genentech in South San Francisco, Mamilli will take over the worldwide responsibility for the Informatics function for the Roche Group from Alan Hippe, who will retain his role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This strategic move reflects Roche's commitment to prioritizing digital transformation and AI implementation across the enterprise.

Mamilli brings extensive experience in digital and technology roles, having served as Chief Digital & Technology Officer and Group President for China, Brazil, and Precision Animal Health at Zoetis. Prior to joining Zoetis in 2020, she spent over 20 years with Eli Lilly and Company, ultimately serving as the global chief information officer for the company's business units. Her appointment aligns with Roche's strategic goals for digital transformation and AI implementation, as stated by Roche's CEO Thomas Schinecker: "With the speed of technology and its strategic importance to our business now and for the future, I am thrilled to have Wafaa Mamilli joining us. She is a visionary leader with deep technical and business expertise who will be instrumental in leveraging the power of digitalization and artificial intelligence across our business" (Source: Roche announcement, 29 January 2025).

The retirement of Michael Varney, Head of Genentech Research and Early Development (gRED), and the appointment of Aviv Regev as his successor further underscore Roche's commitment to driving innovation in research and development. Regev, currently Chair of the Faculty, Core Institute Member, and member of the Executive Leadership Team of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, as well as Professor of Biology at MIT and Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, will join Genentech as the new Head of gRED and will become a member of the enlarged Corporate Executive Committee as of 1 August 2020. Her appointment signals Roche's dedication to expanding its drug platform capabilities and unlocking new possibilities in data-based drug discovery and development.

Regev's expertise in computational biology and single-cell RNA sequencing can significantly enhance Roche's research and development efforts. Her pioneering work in deciphering molecular circuits that govern cells, tissues, and organs in health and their malfunction in disease can provide a foundation for developing innovative therapies. As stated by Roche's CEO Severin Schwan: "I am very excited to have Aviv Regev joining us. She brings a rare combination of expertise that will help us unlock even more possibilities in data-based drug discovery and development" (Source: Roche announcement, 1 August 2020).

In conclusion, Roche's executive shakeup, including the appointment of Wafaa Mamilli as CDTO and Aviv Regev as the new Head of gRED, reflects the company's commitment to driving digital transformation and innovation in research and development. These strategic moves position Roche to capitalize on the growing importance of digital health and data-based drug discovery, ultimately enhancing the company's competitive edge in the pharmaceutical and diagnostics industries.