Helena Coutinho

Business Unit Head | Market Access & Commercial Strategy | Oncology, Rare Diseases & GI | Building High-Performing Teams

Lisbon Metropolitan Area

About

Senior pharmaceutical executive with extensive experience in Business Unit Leadership, Market Access and Commercial Strategy across Oncology, Rare Diseases and Hospital care. Proven track record in leading high-performing teams, navigating complex healthcare environments and driving strategic growth, transformation and launch excellence. Passionate about people leadership, talent development and building collaborative cultures where individuals and teams can thrive, grow and deliver meaningful impact. I believe the most successful organizations are built on trust, empowerment and a shared sense of purpose — values that guide my leadership approach every day. As a proud mother of two remarkable young women, I carry the values of independence, resilience and empowerment into both my personal life and professional leadership journey.

Experience

  • Takeda (10 yrs)
    • Business Unit Head GI / RMD / Oncology(a.i.)
      Oct 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

    • Business Unit Head GI / RMD
      Oct 2021 - Mar 2026 · 4 yrs 6 mos

    • Business Unit Head GI / RMD / TX
      Oct 2021 - Jul 2025 · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • Market Access Manager at Bristol Myers Squibb
    Jan 2014 - Jun 2016 · 2 yrs 6 mos

  • Astellas Pharma (Portugal)
    • Market Access Manager
      Jan 2012 - Dec 2013 · 2 yrs

    • Regulatory Affairs Manager
      Jan 2005 - Jun 2012 · 7 yrs 6 mos

    • Drug Safety Officer
      Jun 2004 - Mar 2012 · 7 yrs 10 mos