Lilly appoints Tayllit Aherdan to lead its operations across the UAE, Qatar and Kuwait as the region advances healthcare innovation agenda

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has appointed Tayllit Aherdan as Vice President and General Manager to lead the company’s business across the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar.

The appointment comes as Gulf countries continue to accelerate ambitious healthcare transformation agendas, with growing emphasis on innovation, prevention, earlier intervention and access to advanced treatments. Aherdan will lead Lilly’s strategy across the three markets, strengthening the company’s contribution to these evolving healthcare priorities while advancing its mission to make medicines that help people live longer, healthier and more active lives.

Aherdan brings more than 20 years of international biopharmaceutical leadership experience spanning North Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and other geographies outside of the United States. She most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for Lilly China, where she spearheaded the development of industry-leading digital transformation of commercial strategy in one of the world's most competitive healthcare ecosystems.

Earlier, as Vice President, International Oncology, she oversaw pre-launch and launch strategies across more than 100 markets spanning Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including China and Japan, helping accelerate patient access to breakthrough medicines across diverse healthcare systems.

“The Gulf is demonstrating extraordinary ambition in how it is reimagining the future of healthcare, and Lilly has an important role to play in supporting that journey,” said Tayllit Aherdan, Vice President and General Manager (UAE, Qatar and Kuwait), Lilly.

“Our opportunity extends beyond bringing scientific innovation to the region. It is about working alongside governments, healthcare leaders and partners to help translate innovation into meaningful impact for patients. I look forward to building on Lilly’s strong foundations here, investing in our people and partnerships, and contributing to healthcare systems that are increasingly focused on better outcomes and long-term value.”

Under Aherdan’s leadership, Lilly will continue to advance its presence across cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology and immunology, while working with stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to support patient access, scientific exchange and sustainable healthcare innovation.

Her appointment reinforces Lilly’s long-term commitment to the Gulf and its ambition to be a trusted healthcare partner as the UAE, Kuwait and Qatar continue to invest in the future of health.