Astellas names Fernandez head of Latin America operations

Northbrook-based Astellas announced Rodrigo Fernandez has been promoted to vice president, Latin America.

Fernandez will be responsible for leading Astellas' operations and continued growth across Latin America. He will report to Percival Barretto-Ko, president, Astellas Americas.

João Carlos Britto, general manager of Astellas Farma Brasil and Sandra Cifuentes, general manager of Astellas Farma Colombia will now report to Fernandez, along with the International Business team.

A native of Costa Rica, 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, Fernandez 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. Fernandez holds a degree in Pharmacy from the University of Costa Rica and various executive certification.

"Astellas is deeply committed to delivering and creating value through products that serve patients across nearly 20 countries in Latin America," said 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.