Takeda Ireland has appointed Deirdre Connaughton as the new head of Takeda Bray.

In a statement, the pharmaceutical company, which specialises in rare diseases, oncology and gastroenterology, said Connaughton will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations at Takeda Bray.

She will also be responsible for delivering on the competitive direction and strategy of the Co. Wicklow site.

Takeda Bray, which is one of the company's four sites in Ireland, is predominantly responsible for producing lifesaving treatments for lung cancer, oral solid dosage drugs and PPI gastroenterology diseases, as well as packaging and shipping to global markets.  

With over 18 years tenure with Takeda Ireland, Connaughton takes on the role following seven years as Head of Business Excellence with Takeda Bray.

During that role, she was a member of the Site Leadership Team, leading the Business Excellence function, comprised of Strategy, OpEx, Program Management Office (PMO) and Technical Learning. 

Prior to this, Connaughton held the role of Operations Manager - Packaging at Takeda Bray, Compliance Manager and Project Manager, as well as Validation Engineer.

"Throughout these roles, Connaughton has further strengthened her understanding of the operations and requirements of the Takeda Bray site", the company said.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Connaughton, said: “I’m excited to take on the role as Head of Takeda Bray.

"Having worked with Takeda for over 18 years, I’m proud of what the Bray site has accomplished in its nearly 30-year tenure.

"I’m a firm believer that a successful site like ours is a product of the team, so I will continue to ensure Takeda is a place where career aspirations are met, alongside developing lifesaving treatments for oncology and gastroenterology patients.” 

Connaughton holds a Chemical Engineering degree from University College Dublin, an Advanced Diploma in Project Management from Dublin Business School, is Six Sigma Green and Yellow Belts Accredited (HETAC), as well as holding several Executive Education Leadership Program Certificates including; Leading and Managing Globally from Yale School of Management, Leading through Financial Excellence from MIT Sloan School of Management and Leading Innovative Change from UC Berkely Haas School of Business.