Dafni is the SVP and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development at Astrazeneca. She is leading a global network in eight countries and 16 locations of more than 1,200 innovative science and technology professionals who design, develop and commercialise new medicines and provide continuous improvement across the product life cycle.
With more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and technology at AstraZeneca and other large biopharmaceutical companies, she has repeatedly overseen product and process innovation and quality improvements that accelerated the development and delivery of medicines to patients faster and more efficiently.
Since joining AstraZeneca in 2016, Dafni has been instrumental in building a highly innovative technical organisation that has accelerated new medicine launches with robust processes into manufacturing, new drug synthesis and formulation platforms. She has pioneered a Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC)-focused innovation group that delivers value through transforming drug delivery, process and analytical technologies, packaging and devices. Her organisation has also made significant contributions to sustainability with a number of projects advancing AstraZeneca’s Ambition Zero Carbon.
Dafni is passionate about talent management and building high performing organisations. She has a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and drives equity and inclusion.
Dafni holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Rochester, NY, and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens.