Otsuka in the U.S.: Embracing the Disruptive Power of Inclusivity
Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ( Otsuka) is a 90- year- old Japanese company that has quietly but deftly forged a new path, not only in delivering innovative solutions and products in areas of unmet medical need, but also in embracing diversity.
Pharmaceutical-industry veterans Dr. William H. Carson, President & CEO, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., and Bob Oliver, President & CEO, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., bring unique perspectives to improving health as company leaders specializing in neuroscience, oncology, cardio-renal and medical devices.
Inclusion goes beyond cultural backgrounds at Otsuka, as one of the guiding principles is diversity of thought.
“Everyone who has a good idea is heard independent of their rank,” says Oliver, leader of U.S. commercialization. “That is the basis of inclusion. We willingly embrace ‘intellectual turmoil’ in order to perceive solutions from all perspectives.”
“By focusing on diversity of ideas, the organization becomes more diverse by design,” adds Dr. Carson, leader of global product development. “Our workforce across the world reflects the people we work with and the countries we work in, enabling us to do better business around the world.”
With nearly 2,000 U.S. employees, the Otsuka approach has grown the organization tremendously while challenging the status quo in advancing its workforce. An intricate tapestry of different professions, expertise and creativity is reflected from entry level to C-suite.
“Inclusion is not easy,” admits Oliver, “but with good leadership, our perspectives can begin very far apart yet converge in a very good place. The outcome is always richer, better and more sustainable.”