VP Digital, Global Head AI, ML, Analytics and Data
Pfizer
Anastasia Christianson, Ph.D., is a data science and digital transformation Senior Executive with over two decades of experience driving data science, AI, and information technology innovation in the pharmaceutical industry and across four major Pharma companies, most recently as SVP and Global Head of AI, Data and Analytics at Pfizer. She is known for fostering strategic partnerships and innovative ways of working that integrate science and technology and accelerate digital transformation and impactful business outcomes.. Her approach at Pfizer entailed crafting an AI, data, and analytics strategy focused on ethical application of AI across the enterprise.
At Janssen Pharmaceuticals, her role as Development CIO and VP Business Technology, Therapy Areas, Strategy and Innovation brought a three year strategy for modernizing clinical development data and technology approaches, and digital modernization of therapeutic area research labs, including driving digital health approaches and initiatives. Anastasia's leadership and expertise significantly contributed to the rapid development of vital treatments, including Janssen's COVID-19 vaccine and novel CAR-T therapies, enhancing patient care and outcomes.
Her tenure at Leidos Biomedical Research and Frederick National Lab showcased her skill in establishing key public-private partnerships, leveraging big data and analytics to accelerate cancer research breakthroughs. At Bristol-Myers Squibb, she laid the groundwork for enterprise data sharing and pioneered a translational medicine biomarker platform.
As a mentor and strategic advisor, Anastasia extends her impact to the non-profit sector guiding digital health solutions in global health care organizations like TIP Global Health where she spent 6 months as a strategic advisor in 2020 and continues to support their growth and impact as a member of their advisory board.
Anastasia is recognized for her strategic leadership and advocacy for ethical AI. She has influenced policy through participation in White House discussions and National Academy of Medicine initiatives, steadfastly promoting AI as a catalyst for equitable healthcare.
Anastasia's academic foundation was laid at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her Ph.D., followed by postdoctoral work at Harvard University and executive leadership training at Harvard Business School. She now brings her considerable insights to the Advisory Board of the Roy and Diana Vagelos Life Science and Management Program at Wharton, ready to inspire and shape the next wave of innovation.