2025 Annual Conference - Bios

Ajay Chandwani

Head, Market Research and Advanced Analytics, Takeda Oncology

Ajay currently heads Global Oncology Strategic Market Research and Advanced Analytics at Takeda Pharmaceutical, where he has successfully integrated market research with advanced analytics. Ajay has over 25 years' experience in this space across a broad spectrum of initiatives from expediting clinical trial execution and business development to driving brand performance and sales execution across US and international markets.

Ajay holds multiple master’s degrees in business and engineering from respected institutions, reflecting strong analytical and strategic expertise.

Ayush Chauhan

Decision Analytics Manager, ZS Associates

Ayush is an Analytics Consultant with over 7.5 years of experience in delivering AI/ML and RWD-driven solutions for life sciences clients. He specializes in deriving insights from real-world healthcare data to inform commercial and medical engagement strategies. He works as an AI advisor, to help clients solve complex business problems by enabling cutting-edge and state-of-the-art advanced data science techniques and guides teams in adopting an AI-driven analytical mindset.

Emily Chee

Former General Manager - Americas; Novartis Gene Therapies (Retired)

Emily has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, she was General Manager at Novartis Gene Therapies overseeing this dynamic business in the US, Canada and Latin America. Early in her career she led a Management Science team at Novartis and also worked at ZS Associates. Emily enjoys traveling and earlier this year visited 7 countries in Asia.

David Corsaro

VP, Escalent

For the past 25 years, David Corsaro has been the "go-to"​ guy in the business world when it comes to thinking outside the box on creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, David is an accomplished magician and mentalist, performing in 4 different off-Broadway magic shows in NYC and even appeared on the hit TV show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us”....and yes, he fooled them. Through the lens of magic, David will teach innovative ways to tackle your toughest business challenges.

Clara Gabbay

Consultant, ZS Associates

Clara is a consultant with over seven years of experience in the commercial pharmaceutical space, supporting clients across the full spectrum of marketing challenges from pre-launch planning to post-launch strategy. She specializes in healthcare provider (HCP) and patient market research, with a focus on applying innovative approaches to generate deeper insights that drive actionable, strategic outcomes.

Yan Hu

Director - Data Science, Novo Nordisk

Yan Hu, PhD in Computer Science, is the Director of the AI Innovation and Data Science team at Novo Nordisk, where she leverages her expertise in AI and machine learning to develop predictive models and GenAI solutions that support the company's digital transformation. With nearly a decade of experience in healthcare, she has led initiatives such as Patient/HCP identification, Patient Journey analysis, Sales Forecasting, and HCP Targeting, all aimed at enhancing patient outcomes. Yan's commitment to data-driven solutions empowers organizations to make informed decisions and achieve their business objectives.

Ewa J. Kleczyk, PhD

Senior Executive, Target RWE

Dr. Ewa J. Kleczyk is a distinguished healthcare analytics leader, currently serving as a senior executive at Target RWE. She has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including the PMSA's Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and the Top 50 Women in Healthcare Technology Leaders (2024). She actively publishes, speaks at conferences, and mentors aspiring leaders. She strongly advocates for STEM education, supporting initiatives that empower women in analytics and technology. Dr. Kleczyk received her Doctorate Degree in Economics from Virginia Tech.

Igor Rudychev

Johnson & Johnson

Igor Rudychev have 30+ years of AI.Data, and Analytics experience and 25 years of pharma AI experience. Igor is leading Data Strategy, Partnerships, and Innovations with Johnson & Johnson. Previously. Igor was heading Analytics & AI with Amgen, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer. Igor has a PhD in theoretical physics and MBA in Analytical Finance and Marketing from University of Chicago.

Rachel Silvestrini

Vice President, Business Insights and Analytics

Rachel Silvestrini, Ph.D. is the Vice President of Global Business Insights and Analytics (BI&A) at Eli Lilly and Company. In this role, Rachel leads a high-performing team of data engineers, data analysts, data scientists, ML engineers, and business integrators. Together, they deliver analytical insights and cutting-edge AI solutions that drive impactful business decisions in the commercial space. Before joining Eli Lilly and Company, Rachel was an Associate Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY. She holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Arizona State University, and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University.