Debra Jennings | Head of Patient Services Operations, North America
Kyowa Kirin

Debra Jennings is a dynamic and transformational healthcare leader with over 25 years of proven success driving strategies that elevate organizational culture, strengthen patient-centric models, and enhance business capabilities across the pharmaceutical industry. Her extensive expertise spans Marketing, Communications, Strategy & Operations, Data & Technology, Patient Services, and Market Access—making her a versatile and influential voice in healthcare innovation. Throughout her career, Deb has held leadership roles at industry-leading organizations including Takeda, Express Scripts, Shire, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. In her current role as Head of North America Operations for Patient Services at Kyowa Kirin, she champions initiatives that keep patients at the heart of every decision, relentlessly advocating for solutions that improve access, experience, and outcomes. Beyond her professional achievements, Deb is deeply committed to advancing allyship and leadership development. She is a founding member of the Patient Services Brain Trust, an alumna of the Women Unlimited Program, a TEDx speaker, and an active member of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. She also founded WISE (Women’s Informational and Social Exchange), a network dedicated to empowering career growth and advancement for women in business. Deb is an author, with her upcoming book “Leadership in the Rough”—a powerful exploration of leadership through the lens of resilience and adaptability—scheduled for publication in 2026. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business from Eastern Nazarene College and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, underscoring her commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.