AstraZeneca has named veteran executive Rick Suarez as head of its U.S. biopharmaceuticals division. Suarez, who joined the company’s commercial operations in 2012 and has held leadership roles in oncology and rare diseases, will oversee a team of more than 5,000 employees across research, development and commercialization. His mandate includes integrating recently approved therapies in cardiovascular, renal and metabolic (CVRM) disease into the U.S. market strategy, strengthening relationships with payers and health systems, and accelerating late-stage pipeline candidates through regulatory submission.

The appointment coincides with AstraZeneca’s plan to invest $50 billion in U.S. research, development and manufacturing over the next decade. Initiatives include construction of a biologics manufacturing facility in North Carolina, expansion of small-molecule drug production in Massachusetts and establishment of a gene therapy center in California. This capital commitment is expected to create over 4,000 new jobs, enhance domestic supply chain resilience and support Phase III clinical trials of at least eight oncology and immunology programs by 2028.