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Your window into Astellas’ world of patient-centered and science-driven healthcare, as told by the experts who bring it to life.
One leader's journey from launching an affiliate with a laptop to leading across continents demonstrates what's possible when employees take ownership of their growth at Astellas — and how individual actions contribute to creating and delivering greater VALUE faster for patients.
Sandra Cifuentes
General Manager, Spain,
Astellas Pharma
In 2016, Sandra Cifuentes arrived in Bogota, Colombia with a mission: build Astellas' operations in the country from scratch. She was employee number one. Her resources? A laptop and a willingness to use her entrepreneur mindset to get the affiliate off the ground.
"Our team was creating a new company, and we were able to leave our footprint," Sandra recalls. The gamble paid off. Within a year, Astellas Colombia was not only operational but profitable.
That bold beginning set the trajectory for Sandra's nearly decade-long career at Astellas, one defined by a philosophy she lives by: nobody owns your development but you.
The pharmaceutical industry is evolving rapidly, with companies navigating scientific breakthroughs, regulatory shifts and an increasingly complex global landscape. In this environment, career paths rarely follow a straight line. Success requires employees who can adapt, take initiative and build skills across functions and geographies.
For Sandra, this meant approaching her career with intention. After establishing Colombia's operations, she didn't wait for the next opportunity to find her. She mapped out stakeholders in Excel spreadsheets for every role, identifying people who could help her in her current position and her next one. She proactively asked for mentors. She requested feedback constantly. She raised her hand for opportunities that would stretch her capabilities.
"Reach out to people and you will realize how happy they are to give you 20 minutes, we have amazing leaders and peers willing to help you grow" she says. "Don't wait on your development and be more proactive."
This approach led her from General Manager of Colombia to Area Lead for Latin America, where she oversaw regional strategy and led the launch of Astellas Mexico during the pandemic. In 2022, she moved to Singapore as VP of Marketing, Customer Excellence and Market Access for International Markets, supporting the teams Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.
Most recently, Sandra made a move that might seem counterintuitive: she went from a global role back to a country-level position. But for Sandra, becoming General Manager of Spain in 2025 was about seeking out a new kind of challenge.
"I wanted to test myself," she explains. "How much value can I add to a different region, to a different role, to a different affiliate?"
Spain represents one of Astellas' largest markets, in a region where she hadn't previously worked, with an entirely different leadership team. It was unfamiliar territory, and that was exactly the point.
This willingness to embrace discomfort has been a theme throughout Sandra's career. Whether it was launching affiliates with minimal resources, expanding operations during a global pandemic, or relocating continents to lead a market she didn't know, Sandra has consistently chosen growth over comfort.
"Change is growth and growth is change," she says. "When we talk about transformation, we are the transformation."
One of Sandra's most consistent practices throughout her career has been actively seeking honest feedback. Rather than waiting for annual performance reviews, she regularly asks colleagues, leaders and mentors for specific input on what she's doing well and where she can improve.
"I always tell people nobody owns your development. You are the only owner of your development," Sandra says. "It's like riding a bicycle. You cannot ask anybody else to ride your bicycle for you."
She encourages others to be equally proactive. Don't assume people are too busy. Don't wait for formal programs. Build your network intentionally and use the resources available.
At Astellas, this includes mentorship programs, cross-functional projects and opportunities to work across geographies. Sandra has taken advantage of all of them.
For Sandra, career development isn't just about moving up the organizational chart. It's also about growing in your current role.
"Consider growth in lateral development, in your own current role," she advises. "We all have things to improve every day. Don't deny yourself the opportunity to see that there is always growth in your current position."
Outside of work, Sandra practices what she preaches. After moving to Spain, she joined a dance class where she was the beginner, proving to herself that she can always keep learning. "It's demonstrating to your brain that you are still capable of learning. You can grow."
Sandra's story reflects Astellas' broader commitment to developing talent from within the organization. The company recognizes that in an industry characterized by rapid scientific and commercial innovation, employee growth and organizational success go hand-in-hand.
By creating pathways for employees to move across functions, geographies and roles, and fostering a culture where employees are encouraged to take ownership of their development, Astellas aims to build an adaptable, capable workforce that is ready for what's next.
For those considering a career at Astellas, Sandra's journey offers a clear message: if you're willing to raise your hand, seek challenges and take ownership of your growth, the opportunities are there.
"You have nothing to lose," Sandra says. "Just go."
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Voices of VALUE is a series spotlighting employees who have grown their careers at Astellas. Through their stories, we explore the diverse pathways, experiences and lessons that shape individual career development and collectively, drive our innovation and success.
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