2024 Forbes China List of 100 Outstanding Businesswomen Features Prominent Female Leaders from the Pharmaceutical Sector

　　【Pharmaceutical Network Industry Dynamics】The Rising Power of Women in Business Cannot Be Underestimated. Recently, Forbes China released the 2024 list of Outstanding Women in Business. Through analyzing data on the business performance, capital market presence, market scale, industry influence, and innovation led by the candidates, 100 women were selected. The average age of this year's awardees is 51. Their industries cover food and beverage, chain retail, petrochemicals, new energy photovoltaics and batteries, pharmaceuticals, and third-generation semiconductors, demonstrating that women are playing increasingly vital roles across various fields.
 

In the pharmaceuticals industry, multiple women have made it to the list. For instance, Xia Yu, founder, chairperson, president, and CEO of Akeso—a Hong Kong Stock Exchange 18A company—has driven Akeso to move away from losses in 2023, marking a commercial breakthrough for China-produced bispecific antibodies in cancer treatment. According to the 2023 financial report, Akeso's total revenue reached 4.5263 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 440%, with its profit turning from a loss of 1.422 billion yuan in 2022 to an annual profit of 1.942 billion yuan.
 

Since taking office as the chairman of Aimeike in 2016, Jian Jun has continuously grown "women's Moutai." The 2023 annual report shows that Aimeike achieved a total revenue of 2.869 billion yuan for the year, representing a year-on-year increase of 47.99%; the net profit attributable to shareholders of the listed company was 1.858 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 47.08%. Meanwhile, Aimeike stated in its 2023 annual report that it plans to distribute a cash dividend of 23.23 yuan (including tax) per 10 shares to all shareholders based on 215 million shares, issue 0 bonus shares (including tax), and transfer 4 additional shares per 10 shares to all shareholders from the capital reserve fund.
 

Tigermed's Co-founder and General Manager, Cao Xiaochun, is an influential figure in China's clinical CRO industry, possessing extensive professional knowledge and management expertise that support the company’s long-term development. In the first three quarters of 2023, Tigermed achieved a revenue of 5.65 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.52%; the net profit attributable to shareholders was 1.88 billion yuan, up 17.13% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the company announced a share repurchase plan in February 2024. To promote the healthy, stable, and long-term growth of the company, and based on recognition of its development prospects and intrinsic value, Tigermed plans to repurchase shares worth between 500 million yuan and 1 billion yuan. The repurchased shares will be used for implementing A-share equity incentive plans or A-share employee stock ownership plans, as well as reducing the company’s registered capital.
 

Hansoh Pharma's founder, Chairwoman, and CEO Zhong Huijuan has developed the company into a leading developer of innovative drugs for treating central nervous system diseases, cancer, infections, and diabetes. As of the mid-year report in 2023, Hansoh Pharma achieved an operating revenue of 4.511 billion yuan and a net profit of 1.289 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the company’s R&D investment has remained consistently high, with expenditures of 1.252 billion yuan, 1.797 billion yuan, and 1.693 billion yuan in the years 2020-2022, respectively.
 

Sino Biopharm Chairperson and Executive Director, Theresa Tse, has once again made the list following her appearances in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023. In recent years, Sino Biopharm has adhered to innovative research and development while actively assuming social responsibility. As of the 2023 interim report, Sino Biopharm's total operating revenue reached 15.277 billion yuan, with a net profit of 1.259 billion yuan.
 

Moreover, Wang Ye, co-founder, president/chairman of Nanjingjinsirui Science & Technology Biology Corp./Legend Biotech, and Fan Xiulian, general manager of Haisco, are also on the 2024 Forbes China's list of outstanding businesswomen. This demonstrates the pharmaceutical industry’s recognition of these women’s influence and acknowledges the standing of their respective companies in China’s biopharmaceuticals sector.
 

Disclaimer: Under no circumstances shall the information or opinions expressed in this article constitute investment advice to any person.