Omar Kassim is a seasoned and hands-on global executive with more than two decades of experience navigating the complex intersections of pharmaceutical development, external manufacturing partnerships, combination product strategy, and financial oversight. With a career that spans some of the world’s most influential pharmaceutical organizations, Omar has become a trusted leader in guiding global teams through the end-to-end journey of drug development—from pre-clinical research to commercial launch, lifecycle management, and strategic divestiture.
Currently serving as head of CDMO Partnership Management within Takeda Pharmaceuticals’ Pharmaceutical Sciences division, Omar leads a global team of 23 professionals across three geographies. His oversight encompasses a vast external network of approximately 175 global vendors, responsible for all aspects of outsourced development and manufacturing strategy. Under his leadership, Takeda has executed close to 1,000 complex contractual engagements annually, including escalated negotiations with top vendor executive teams and the implementation of a new CDMO management operating model. His cross-functional influence is evident in his integration with Takeda’s legal, procurement, finance, and supply chain teams, ensuring that critical development and commercial programs are executed on time, within budget, and with strategic alignment.
Omar’s expertise is especially deep in the development and supply of combination products and drug delivery systems across therapeutic areas such as oncology, gastroenterology, neuroscience, rare diseases, and plasma-derived therapies. He has served as a core member of Takeda’s asset acquisition due diligence team, driving risk mitigation, value realization, and the seamless integration of newly acquired or divested assets into the global development and manufacturing landscape.
Prior to Takeda, Omar held several key roles at AstraZeneca, where he led strategy and execution across biologics external supply, global devices, drug delivery systems, and finance operations. As Finance Lead and Controller for Global Biologics External Supply, he championed the centralization of financial reporting, the implementation of SOX controls, and accurate cost forecasting across multi-national sites. Earlier, as Global Category Manager for Drug Delivery and Device Technologies, he was instrumental in launching devices and drug delivery platforms across both small and large molecule portfolios. His efforts directly supported BLA submissions and regulatory pathways, and his global sourcing strategies contributed to end-to-end supply chain resilience.
Omar’s professional foundation is grounded in both finance and science, with early leadership roles at Mentor Works, Atlas Pharmaceuticals, and Metamorph LLC, where he advised on operational strategy, product development, and market analytics. He began his career at the Royal Bank of Canada, where he held progressive roles culminating in private banking for ultra-high-net-worth clients and overseeing a $1 billion investment and credit portfolio.
His academic credentials reflect a rare combination of scientific and financial expertise: a CPA and CMA, an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a BSc with Honors in Biochemistry and Biotechnology from the University of Waterloo. He also holds several specialized certifications in securities, credit, Six Sigma, and financial planning.
Omar’s impact extends beyond his corporate roles. He is a recognized thought leader and policy author in device supplier relationship management at Takeda and a former delegate to BioPhorum and the DCAT Educational Task Force, where he has collaborated with global SVPs and EVPs to shape industry standards and professional education. His contributions continue to influence how pharmaceutical companies structure external partnerships, manage risk, and ensure supply continuity across an increasingly globalized and regulated market.
At the core of Omar’s leadership is a commitment to operational excellence, strategic foresight, and the ability to bridge science, strategy, and execution. His global perspective, financial rigor, and deep technical acumen make him a transformational executive uniquely equipped to lead in today’s complex, fast-evolving life sciences environment.
Character
Omar Kassim demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and a solutions-driven mindset, consistently guiding global teams through complex challenges with a calm, focused leadership style rooted in accountability and purpose. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence reflect a deep sense of responsibility toward both organizational goals and the broader healthcare community.
Knowledge
With over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience across pharmaceuticals, finance, procurement, and supply chain strategy, Omar brings exceptional technical depth and industry insight to every role he undertakes. His academic background in biochemistry and finance, combined with certifications in accounting and operations, empowers him to navigate the intricacies of both science and business with confidence and precision.
Strategic
Omar has a proven ability to design and implement scalable strategies that align external partnerships, contract manufacturing, and lifecycle product management with corporate growth objectives. From overseeing global CDMO frameworks to leading asset due diligence and divestiture strategies, he consistently transforms complexity into structured, value-driven outcomes.
Communication
Omar is a skilled communicator who influences at every level, from executive boards and regulatory agencies to cross-functional teams and vendor leadership. His ability to translate technical data into clear, actionable plans fosters trust, alignment, and forward momentum across diverse global stakeholders.
