Roche, the global leader in biotechnology and diagnostics, announced significant changes to its executive leadership, appointing Wafaa Mamilli as the new Chief Digital Technology Officer (CDTO) effective February 10, 2025. This pivotal role will not only involve overseeing the Informatics function on a worldwide scale but also marks Mamilli’s ascension to the enlarged Corporate Executive Committee, reporting directly to Roche’s Group CEO, Thomas Schinecker.
Mamilli will be based out of Genentech, a Roche subsidiary located in South San Francisco, where she takes the reins from Alan Hippe. Previously holding the titles of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Informatics Officer (CIO), Hippe’s roles will be separated to allow for more focused leadership on digital initiatives and the implementation of artificial intelligence across the organization.
The decision to appoint Mamilli arises from Roche's ambition to transform its business operations through digital solutions, enhancing its capacity for innovation and maintaining its competitive edge within the healthcare sector. "With the speed of technology and its strategic importance to our business now and for the future, I am thrilled to have Wafaa Mamilli joining us," said Schinecker. He added, "She is a visionary leader with deep technical and business expertise who will be instrumental in leveraging the power of digitalization and artificial intelligence across our business."
Before her entry at Roche, Mamilli was the Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Zoetis, as well as the Group President for China, Brazil, and Precision Animal Health. Her knack for leadership was honed over two decades at Eli Lilly, where she served various international roles, culminating as the global CIO for the company’s business units. Mamilli's experience is not just extensive but also strategic, making her the ideal candidate to guide Roche through its digital transformation.
Equipped with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from INSEA, Morocco, and another Master’s degree focused on business applications of information and technology from Université Rennes, France, Mamilli's educational background complements her substantial hands-on experience. She also completed the prestigious Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and serves on the board of directors for financial services technology company Fiserv.
The restructuring of Roche’s executive roles anticipates not just the rapid evolution of technology but also the growing necessity for the pharmaceutical industry to adapt and innovate. The split of the CFO and CDTO positions is indicative of Roche's commitment to enhancing its operations by integrating digital strategies and advanced data analytics, particularly with artificial intelligence as their driving force.
Founded back in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, Roche made its mark as one of the world’s first manufacturers of branded medicines. Over the decades, it has grown to become the largest biotechnology company globally, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the pharmaceutical and diagnostics fields. Today, Roche is recognized for its dedication to scientific excellence, aiming to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics to improve lives.
Roche’s commitment extends beyond mere business goals, also pledging its efforts toward sustainability. For over 125 years, the company has pursued environmentally responsible practices, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045 through initiatives such as the Science Based Targets initiative.
Through initiatives like these, Roche aims to integrate its strengths across Diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals, propelled by data-driven insights from clinical practices to deliver optimal patient care. The appointment of Wafaa Mamilli is not just another executive inclusion but rather part of Roche’s larger vision for the future – one where technology and healthcare converge to yield greater benefits for humanity.