What’s your name, job title and how long have you worked here?
Dafni Bika - Senior Vice President and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), Global Operations. I have worked in AstraZeneca for over 3 years.
What do you like most about your job?
This is my “dream job” in Science and Technology with the mission to turn molecules into medicines for patients worldwide. My organization (PT&D) is positioned uniquely to deliver an exciting pipeline with speed and robustness. PT&D is the group that “makes things possible” and can transform exciting drug candidates to robust life-enhancing medicines. I am fortunate to have been trusted to lead a group of passionate, knowledgeable and collaborative technical professionals who have already demonstrated that they can rise to any challenge and deliver more with less.
What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
I enjoy swimming, yoga, travelling and cooking.
Do you have a family and pets?
I was born in Athens and grew up in a military family moving to several cities across Greece. I am married to a Chemical Engineer, Evangelos, and we have 3 children: two daughters, Marissa (24) and Evita (22) and a son Phillip (15). We have been residing in Princeton, NJ, since 2009, then moved to Macclesfield in the UK for 3 years and now back to the US in the Gaithersburg area.
What’s your work/life balance experience been at AZ?
Work/life balance is a choice that I have made many years ago, at times work may take over and others life demands more attention. In AZ I have been supported to work flexibly, delegate appropriately, and effectively use technology to reduce international travel. Most importantly the company has supported my family needs: my return to the US as home base (after 3 and a half years in the UK) to be closer to my daughters (who live and work in the US) when my son entered high school.
How do you network with other women both inside and outside of AZ?
I am participating in a number of Women’s networks internally (Network of Women, Women Engineers) and externally (AAPS network of women and coaching circles) and connect regularly on a personal and professional level with many women in different stages of their career as a mentor and mentee.
What would you like other women to know about joining AZ as a new employee?
AstraZeneca has one of the best pipelines in the industry, in all modalities, and tremendous potential to deliver sustainable growth through innovation. AZ is also diverse with a plethora of opportunities for career progression across the globe. AZ supports families and dual partner careers. Diversity and Inclusion is in the heart of our people strategy and applies to all aspects of diversity (gender, ethnic, orientation, race, etc) with focus on inclusive behaviors and speaking up.
What has been your favorite memory while at AstraZeneca?
Many favorite moments visiting sites around the world and launching new products. We compressed 3 years of development into 15 months and delivered a medicine ahead of an accelerated timeline by 6 months. We are determined to make this performance the new working standard!
How do you feel AstraZeneca best supports your career as a female employee?
