“Follow your dreams, move forward.
Life is in front of you, not behind you”
Dr. Maky Zanganeh
Maky firmly believes in the concept of “taking responsibility and the ability will follow.”
about
Dr. Maky Zanganeh
Dr. Maky Zanganeh is a pioneering force in global biotechnology—an entrepreneur, executive leader, and innovator whose visionary approach to business and healthcare has transformed the industry. Renowned for her ability to bridge science and business, Dr. Zanganeh has led breakthrough advancements in oncology, surgical robotics, and patient-friendly therapies across a career that spans continents and industries. She has earned a reputation as one of the most influential figures in biotechnology.
She currently serves as Co-CEO, President, and Board Member of Summit Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company committed to developing patient- and physician-friendly oncology treatments. Under her leadership, Summit is redefining what’s possible in cancer care, delivering novel therapies with global impact.
Previously, Dr. Zanganeh was Chief Operating Officer of Pharmacyclics, where she was a driving force behind the global success of IMBRUVICA®, a breakthrough treatment for blood cancer. Her leadership was instrumental in the landmark $21 billion acquisition of Pharmacyclics by AbbVie—the second-largest transaction in biopharma history.
Doctor Zanganeh also held key leadership positions at Computer Motion Inc., a pioneering company in robotic surgery, which later merged with Intuitive Surgical Inc. in 2003. One of her most notable achievements at Computer Motion was Operation Lindbergh in 2001, the world’s first transatlantic robotic surgery, between New York and France. Operation Lindbergh demonstrated that surgeons could operate on a patient across the Atlantic via robot, a milestone that collapsed geographical barriers in medicine.
Fluent in French, German, Farsi, and English, Dr. Zanganeh holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery and an MBA. Her philosophy—“Take responsibility, and the ability will follow”—underscores her relentless drive to lead with purpose and impact.
She is widely recognized for her unique ability to bridge the gap between science and business, ensuring that innovation translates into real world impact. Her leadership has been acknowledged in numerous accolades including:
- Featured in Business Chief Leadership & Strategy (August 2022) in the article CEO Appointments – 21 Women Who Made CEO in 2022, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in top executive roles. It was noted in this article that “…women represent just 15% of chief executives employed by Fortune 500 companies, equaling 74 female chiefs, while globally, just 5% of chiefs are female.”
- Honored as one the Fierce Biotech “Top Women in Biotech” Award (2013).
- Finalist of the Ernst & Young “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award (2013).
- Honored speaker at the United Nations on February 11, 2022, during the 7th International Day of Women & Girls in Science Assembly Conference.
In addition to her executive leadership, Dr. Zanganeh is a bestselling author. Her memoir, The Magic of Normal: Hope, Love, and Beyond (Forbes Books, 2025), is an inspiring reflection on resilience, purpose, and transformation.
In The Magic of Normal, Dr. Zanganeh shares her inspiring journey as a businesswoman, biotech CEO, and cancer survivor. Amidst the challenges of battling cancer and navigating the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, she found strength in perseverance and the power of the human spirit. Her story is a testament to resilience, chronicling her fight against illness, her achievements in bringing patient-friendly cancer treatments to market, and the inspiring people she encountered along the way.
From the halls of MD Anderson Cancer Center as a patient & care giver to her father battling cancer, to groundbreaking work in medical research, she illustrates how science, innovation, and community can illuminate the path to recovery
From revolutionizing cancer care to empowering the next generation of biotech leaders, Dr. Maky Zanganeh’s journey is far from over. Her work continues to inspire a new era of healthcare—where compassion, innovation, and vision move hand in hand to shape a healthier, more hopeful world. The Magic of Normal serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing life’s challenges, reminding us that with courage and determination, we can all rediscover and embrace the magic of normal.
Learn more about Maky and her story through her memoir, The Magic of Normal
A Life Spread Over Three Continents and Four Countries
Born in Iran in 1970, Dr. Maky Zanganeh has navigated a remarkable journey across three continents and four countries, overcoming profound personal and professional challenges along the way.
She began her education at Jeanne d’Arc School in Tehran, where she received a Franco-Iranian academic foundation. Driven by resilience and ambition, she continued her studies in Germany, earning her high school diploma before joining her two sisters in Strasbourg, France. There, she obtained her Doctorate in Dental Surgery. Her sisters pursued medicine at the renowned Louis Pasteur University, becoming a cardiologist and a gynecologist, respectively.
“Our mother taught us to choose a profession that would allow us, as women, to help others—and to always remain both financially and socially independent, no matter where life would take us,” recalls Dr. Zanganeh.
After several years in pediatric dentistry, where she treated critically ill and vulnerable children, Dr. Zanganeh came to a powerful realization: the world needed a broader, systemic change. “I knew I had to take on something bigger—something that could truly move the needle for humanity,” she shares. This calling led her to leave clinical practice, pursue an MBA at Schiller International University, and in 1998, begin her transformative career in the healthcare and biotech industries.
Inspiring & Empowering Women: A Journey of Resilience, Leadership, and Purpose
Dr. Maky Zanganeh understands firsthand the complexities of being a woman in business—balancing entrepreneurship, leadership, and motherhood. Reflecting on one of the most meaningful milestones in her life, she shares, “In 2005, when I became pregnant with my son Shaun, I discovered the true meaning of motherhood. It is the most challenging yet rewarding role one can experience—rooted in unconditional love.”
Maky’s story resonates with many women who hesitate to pursue demanding careers out of fear they cannot manage both family and professional obligations. “From long meetings and sleepless nights to school drop-offs, homework, sick days, and household responsibilities—it can seem impossible. But I’ve learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. Children change your entire perspective on life. You simply tell yourself: keep going.”
Her life took an unexpected turn in December 2019 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After years of working in oncology and supporting cancer patients, Maky found herself on the other side—this time, as a patient. “It was one of the most painful, humbling experiences of my life. I came to understand the vulnerability, the uncertainty, the physical and emotional pain, and the power of hope. Hope is everything—it gives us the strength to face the unknown and the courage to heal.”
Her cancer journey unfolded during the global COVID-19 pandemic, compounding an already difficult chapter. By the summer of 2020, she completed her treatments, though the road to recovery brought its own trials. “I had to rebuild myself, both physically and emotionally. I had to embrace my reflection with no hair, no eyelashes or eyebrows—then later, accept a new version of myself, one with short hair and a renewed sense of purpose.”
In November 2020, Maky joined Summit Therapeutics as Chief Operating Officer. Less than two years later, in July 2022, she was appointed CEO & President. Today, she leads with empathy, courage, and conviction—committed to transforming the medical field, enhancing quality of life, and saving lives.
Maky’s journey is not just about survival—it’s about strength, transformation, and using adversity as fuel to drive impact. She stands as a powerful example of what it means to lead with both heart and resilience, inspiring women around the world to rise, persevere, and redefine what’s possible.
Transforming the Healthcare Industry: A Vision Rooted in Courage, Compassion, and Cure
Throughout her career, Dr. Maky Zanganeh has learned one profound truth from cancer patients: their will to live is unbreakable. She has witnessed firsthand that fighting cancer requires more than treatment—it demands vision, persistence, and the courage to aim for a cure, no matter how slim the odds. “A 2% chance is not a 0% chance,” she often says. “We fight until the body can no longer carry us—and never give up.”
As Co-CEO and President of Summit Therapeutics, Maky is leading with purpose. Her goal: to transform care, improve outcomes, and ensure that innovation serves not just the few—but the many. “We are here to make a difference. To improve quality of life. To save lives. That is our commitment.
Following Your Dreams
Dr. Maky Zanganeh lives by the belief that “curiosity, compassion, hard work, and the willingness to sacrifice are essential to achieving our purpose in life.” Her journey—shaped by resilience, bold decisions, and a relentless pursuit of impact—has led her to meet and collaborate with many extraordinary individuals across the world.
This photo gallery is a visual tribute to that journey. It celebrates the inspiring people she’s had the honor to work with, and captures personal moments that reflect her passion, perseverance, and purpose throughout the years.
Every image tells a story—of progress, connection, and the power of following your dreams.
