AstraZeneca’s CEO Given Knighthood
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The chief executive officer of AstraZeneca has received a British knighthood for his services to the country’s life sciences sector.
Pascal Soriot was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022 list, being picked for his leadership in the global response to the Covid-19 crisis, with the biopharmaceutical firm developing the vaccine, which has now been delivered to 180 countries worldwide.
Mr Soriot said he was “truly humbled” by the achievement, stating: “As an Australian citizen it is a great privilege to receive this award and an honour to work with so many outstanding people around the world dedicated to following the science in order to bring medicines to patients.”
After joining AstraZeneca more than ten years ago, he has helped transform the company, increasing its global presence and launching it as a world leader in innovative medicines.
He was also critical in establishing the Discovery Centre in Cambridge, with state-of-the-art research and development facilities.
Most notably, the company developed a vaccine against Covid-19, of which more than three billion doses have been administered worldwide.
It has also supplied Evusheld, which was developed to protect the most vulnerable against coronavirus, thanks to its long-acting antibody combination. A recent trial showed that Evusheld provided “significant protection” against a severe reaction to Covid-19.
Mr Soriot has been spearheading the Health Systems Taskforce of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, which was established by Prince Charles. This involves him working with world leaders to deliver sustainable healthcare.
Chair of AstraZeneca Leif Johansson commented that his “personal dedication” to patients, the company and colleagues “make this a fitting honour”.
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