Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> October 5, 2000

Soichi Matsuno – Eisai Inc

SOICHI MATSUNO is Chairman of Eisai Inc., a human healthcare company seeking innovative solutions in disease prevention, cures and care for the health and well-being of people worldwide. Mr. Matsuno began his career with Eisai more that 30 years ago, after receiving his BA degree in Economics in Japan, followed by his MBA from Rutgers Graduate School of Management in the United States. Mr. Matsuno worked as Medical Representative and held a number of sales and marketing positions before being named Executive Vice President of Eisai Inc. USA, a manufacturer and marketer of bulk chemicals and pharmaceutical production inspection equipment. In the late 1980s, Mr. Matsuno became US President of drug discovery and clinical research Operations. Since 1992, Mr. Matsuno has served as President of Eisai Corporation of North America, a company formed in Teaneck, New Jersey as headquarters for all US business. Also based in Teaneck is Eisai Inc., the US Pharmaceutical operations, which was established in 1995, with Mr. Matsuno as President. Earlier this year, Mr. Matsuno assumed the responsibilities of Chairman for Eisai Inc. Mr. Matsuno also currently holds a seat on Eisai Co. Ltd.'s Board of Directors in Japan. Profile
TWST: Could we start with a brief overview of Eisai Inc.?

Mr. Matsuno: Eisai was founded in Japan about 60 years ago with a focus

on research-based pharmaceuticals. The majority of our