Rushi Potdar | CMO and Head of Global Medical Affairs

Rushi Potdar is Head of Global Oncology Medical Affairs for Takeda in the Oncology Business Unit, where he leads global medical strategy for solid and heme malignancies. He also leads various medical affairs capabilities such as evidence generation, scientific communications and medical excellence among others and helps set the strategic direction for in-market and pipeline assets across the portfolio.

Rushi brings over two decades of diverse industry and patient care experience to Takeda. Prior to joining Takeda, he served as Franchise Head of US Medical Affairs for GI Cancers at AstraZeneca, where he led both headquarters and field medical functions for an extensive oncology portfolio. His team drove in-market performance, launch planning, and supported development of various immuno-oncology, bi-specifics, targeted therapies, and ADCs. Rushi’s experience also includes 12 years at Johnson & Johnson, where he progressed through key roles across Commercial, R&D, and Medical Affairs.

Rushi earned his medical degree and board certification in general surgery, in India. His training and practice focused on surgical oncology. He also holds a full-time MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University and serves on Duke University’s Philadelphia Regional Board.