Bayer announced the appointment of Bhavesh Ashar as senior vice president and head of Oncology for the company's Pharmaceuticals Division in the United States. Ashar will report to Carsten Brunn, Head of Bayer Pharmaceuticals for the Americas region.
"Bhavesh is a well-respected, results-driven leader with extensive industry knowledge and a proven track record of launching products and driving growth in oncology," Brunn said. "We are delighted to have Bhavesh join Bayer's U.S. Pharmaceuticals organization. I'm confident that he will help to advance our growing leadership in oncology and our ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of people living with cancer."
Previously, Ashar served as vice president and general manager of U.S. Oncology at Sanofi and was responsible for managing a diverse portfolio comprising solid tumor, hematology and transplant products. Ashar was with Sanofi for more than 14 years and held positions of increasing responsibility in sales and marketing, with a strong focus on specialty markets. Prior to joining Sanofi, Ashar served as an engagement manager with McKinsey & Company.
Bayer's diverse oncology portfolio and pipeline is helping to address some of the most difficult to treat cancers in areas of high unmet need. The oncology franchise includes three marketed products and several other compounds in various stages of clinical development.
"Oncology is a critical growth driver for Bayer and I am excited to help the company realize the full potential of its diverse cancer portfolio," Ashar said.
Ashar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Imperial College in London and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.