Team size: Nine

Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

JAPAC LAW TEAM: REDEFINING LEGAL LEADERSHIP THROUGH INCLUSIVITY AND EMPOWERMENT

Amgen’s JAPAC law team exemplifies legal excellence and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. Comprising highly skilled attorneys dedicated to Amgen’s patient-centric mission, they also hold significant leadership roles within their country leadership teams. As strategic partners, they collaborate seamlessly with country leadership and business functions to achieve company objectives and foster overall growth.

The team’s expertise in anticipating emerging legal issues, providing tailored solutions, and implementing proactive strategies has earned them praise from colleagues as well as external parties. They navigate complex legal challenges adeptly, enabling Amgen to thrive while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. Over the past year, the JAPAC law team has continued to help Amgen navigate the complex and ever-changing regulatory frameworks in different countries, including facilitating digital transformation while ensuring data privacy and security.

Beyond their legal acumen, the JAPAC law team embraces social responsibility and recognises the transformative power of diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB) initiatives and their role in advancing the company’s ESG framework. For example, Chris Chan, who heads the law function for Amgen’s Southeast Asia cluster, and Lisa Kurian, who heads the law function for Australia and New Zealand, have each been a standout leader on DIB across the JAPAC region in the past year. Chris spearheaded the creation of JAPAC PRIDE, a chapter of the global PRIDE employee resource group. JAPAC PRIDE provides a safe space for LGBTQ+ staff to discuss issues of importance to the community and its allies and works towards raising awareness and educating others. Lisa spearheaded the company’s submission of a Reconciliation Action Plan to Reconciliation Australia as well as various initiatives to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and people. Lisa has also been a regional leader of Amgen’s WE2 ‘Women Empowered to be Exceptional’ organisation, implementing a WE2 mentoring program in 2023, and she has been instrumental in advancing Amgen Australia’s ‘One Team Many Voices Programme’.