Anastasia Christianson

Anastasia is a data science and digital transformation senior executive with over two decades of experience driving digital transformation, data science, AI, and technology innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, across four major Pharma companies, most recently as SVP and Global Head of AI, Data and Analytics at Pfizer. She is known for fostering strategic partnerships and innovative ways of working that integrate science and technology and accelerate digital transformation and impactful business outcomes.

A scientist by training, she has been at the interface of science, analytics and technology, using data and AI across the entire pharmaceutical process from discovery research to clinical development, manufacturing, commercial and enabling functions. Anastasia has led digital transformation initiatives to modernize research labs, drive digital health approaches, and accelerate the development and delivery of vital treatments to patients, including Janssen's COVID-19 vaccine and novel CAR-T therapies, enhancing patient care and outcomes.

As a mentor and strategic advisor, Anastasia extends her impact to the start-up biotech, techbio,  and non-profit sector guiding the use of data, technology, and AI to drive innovation and health equity. She sits on a number of advisory boards and is recognized for her strategic leadership and advocacy for ethical AI. She has influenced AI policy through participation in White House discussions and National Academy of Medicine initiatives, steadfastly promoting ethical use of AI as a catalyst for equitable healthcare.

Recognized as a thought leader in the life sciences and healthcare AI fields, Anastasia has held advisory roles, delivered keynote addresses, and participated in panel discussions including at the 2022 UN General Assembly 77 World Woman Future Forum, the White House Forum on AI Policy in 2023, and the Alliance for Health Policy in 2024.  She is a co-inventor on three U.S. patents and has authored numerous publications.

Anastasia's academic foundation was laid at the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her Ph.D., followed by postdoctoral work at Harvard University and executive leadership training at Harvard Business School. She now brings her considerable insights to the Advisory Board of the Roy and Diana Vagelos Life Science and Management Program at Wharton, ready to inspire and shape the next wave of innovation.