WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca said it has appointed Rick R. Suarez as senior vice president, U.S. president, and head of its U.S. BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, as the company advances a major expansion of its research, development, and manufacturing footprint in the United States.
In the role, Suarez will lead execution of AstraZeneca’s previously announced $50 billion U.S. investment program, which includes construction of a $4.5 billion manufacturing facility in Virginia, the company’s largest single manufacturing investment globally. The investment supports AstraZeneca’s ambition to reach $80 billion in total revenue by 2030, with approximately half expected to be generated in the U.S., its largest market.
“We are operating at a moment of unprecedented scientific opportunity,” Suarez said. “Our responsibility is to translate that science into results for patients and for the U.S. healthcare system. By strengthening our U.S. manufacturing and R&D footprint, we will expand access to innovative medicines, create highly skilled jobs, and deliver long-term value.”
Suarez will have full responsibility for AstraZeneca’s U.S. BioPharmaceuticals organization, with accountability for performance, growth, and execution across the company’s portfolio.
He brings more than two decades of experience in the U.S. healthcare sector, having held leadership roles across commercial, medical, and market access functions at AstraZeneca. Suarez returns to the U.S. after serving as country president for Spain since 2020, where he led one of the company’s strongest-performing European markets and expanded Spain’s role in global clinical development.
During his tenure in Spain, Suarez established a new global hub in Barcelona and launched the AstraZeneca Healthcare Innovation Hub, committing more than €10 million to digital health and data-driven initiatives focused on translational innovation.
Suarez will be based at AstraZeneca’s U.S. headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, and his appointment is effective immediately.
