“It takes courage to do things that others consider impossible.”
Dr. Maky Zanganeh
Maky has an enthusiasm that is hard to match in the industry, constantly striving to surpass herself and advises others to do the same.
leadership
Leadership Rooted in Vision, Courage and empowerment
Dr. Maky Zanganeh is widely recognized not only for her transformative impact on the healthcare industry but also for her authentic and inspiring leadership style. From pioneering advancements in minimally invasive surgical robotics to delivering patient-friendly cancer therapies, her career has been defined by bold decisions, strategic foresight, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Her guiding principle—“Take responsibility, and the ability will follow”—is more than a philosophy; it is a lived commitment to leading with purpose and accountability. Maky’s leadership is built on a foundation of natural authority, amplified by the rare qualities of courage, humility, and deep respect for others—traits consistently admired by colleagues, collaborators, and friends alike.
Her optimism is infectious, her standards uncompromising. With a relentless work ethic, unwavering honesty, and unmatched tenacity, she sets the tone for excellence and inspires those around her to rise above limitations. Maky brings a level of enthusiasm and drive that is difficult to match, constantly pushing herself—and encouraging others—to exceed expectations and grow beyond boundaries.
What truly sets her apart is her commitment to mentorship and human connection. She leads not as a boss, but as a builder—of people, of culture, and of vision. She believes that true leadership requires listening deeply, recognizing hidden potential, and responding with wisdom and empathy. Her approach is dynamic and intuitive, grounded in the ability to see what motivates others before they see it themselves, and to transfer both knowledge and belief.
Dr. Zanganeh is a catalyst for transformation—one who leads with heart, sharp instinct, and the unwavering belief that with the right guidance, every individual has the power to rise.
The Race for Results: Collapsing Time
One of Dr. Maky Zanganeh’s defining principles in business and leadership is her relentless pursuit of speed and efficiency—what she calls “collapsing time.” A visionary strategist and rapid decision-maker, Maky consistently seeks the shortest path between an idea and its execution. While others may still be formulating a plan, she is already acting on it—bringing clarity, conviction, and contagious energy to every decision. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: results don’t have to wait. Progress accelerates when purpose meets precision.
Pioneering Robotic Surgery with Computer Motion
In 1998, Dr. Zanganeh became President of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for Computer Motion, the world’s first surgical robotics company. Her leadership marked a turning point for the industry and for the future of global surgery.
Maky’s major achievement at Computer Motion came in September 2001, when Professor Jacques Marescaux, Chairman of Digestive and Endocrine Surgery at the University of Strasbourg and Founder of IRCAD (Research Institute Against Digestive Cancer), performed the world’s first telesurgery. Using the ZEUS Robotic Surgical System, a gallbladder operation was conducted on a patient in Strasbourg, France—while the surgeon operated remotely from New York. Computer Motion, in collaboration with French Telecom and professor Marescaux and his team, showed the world that the barriers of space, distance and time can collapse. The signals had to travel over 10,000 miles. This resulted in a delay of approximately one-tenth of a second after the surgeon made an incision before they saw the effects. Signals traveled over 10,000 miles with less than a one-tenth-of-a-second delay. What once seemed like science fiction became a global milestone in medical innovation—proving that when you collapse time, you expand possibility.
Professor Marescaux operating in NY with the robot controlled by Professor Marescaux in Strasbourg, France.
Pharmacyclics: Turning Vision into a $21 Billion Milestone
In 2008, Dr. Maky Zanganeh joined Pharmacyclics, Inc. at a pivotal moment—when the company was grappling with two failed Phase 3 trials and uncertain prospects. As Chief Operating Officer, she played a transformative role, helping lead one of the most remarkable biotech turnarounds of the decade.
In 2011, Dr. Zanganeh spearheaded a landmark licensing deal with Janssen Biotech for the company’s lead compound, ibrutinib. This multi-million-dollar agreement earned the “Best Biotech Transaction” award that year, setting the stage for what would become a revolutionary advancement in cancer therapy.
By 2013, under her operational leadership, Pharmacyclics launched Imbruvica®—a first-in-class, oral therapy for patients with blood cancers. Not only did the drug reach the market in record time, but its efficacy and safety profile gave thousands of patients the chance to return to normal life. Imbruvica quickly became a blockbuster drug and a standard of care in hematologic oncology.
Dr. Zanganeh’s accomplishments earned her widespread industry recognition, including Fierce Biotech’s “Top Women in Biotech” award and a nomination for EY’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2013.
In 2015, she was a key leader in the historic sale of Pharmacyclics to AbbVie Inc. for $21 billion—at the time, the second-largest biopharma acquisition in history. That same year, Imbruvica and the company were honored with the prestigious Prix Galien Award for “Best Pharmaceutical Agent”—the highest accolade in the biomedical industry, recognizing excellence in therapeutic innovation.
Dr. Zanganeh’s work at Pharmacyclics is a testament to her ability to transform potential into performance—and challenges into billion-dollar results.
Pushing the Boundaries: A Relentless Commitment to Curing Cancer
Throughout her career, Dr. Maky Zanganeh has gained profound insights into the resilience of cancer patients and the complexity of their fight for life. One fundamental belief guides her: as long as the body can endure, we must continue to fight—for hope, for healing, for a cure.
She challenges conventional thinking in oncology, emphasizing that even a 2% chance is not zero. To her, that sliver of possibility represents lives worth fighting for. While science has delivered groundbreaking cancer therapies, Maky understands that successful outcomes depend on more than molecules—they hinge on the totality of the human experience: biology, belief, and the body’s unique response.
With this holistic mindset, she brings her bold vision to Summit Therapeutics, where she is committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in medicine. Her mission is clear: to develop transformative therapies that not only extend lives but improve quality of life—offering patients and families a renewed sense of hope.
At Summit, Dr. Zanganeh leads with urgency, compassion, and the unshakable conviction that the future of cancer care demands both innovation and heart.
It Takes Courage to Do Things that Others Consider Impossible
At the 2022 United Nations #February11 Global Movement, Dr. Maky Zanganeh delivered a powerful message about courage, vision, and the transformative power of perseverance.
“Follow your dreams. Move forward. Life is in front of you, not behind you.”
Dr. Zanganeh reminded the audience that changing the world for the better is a bold and demanding journey—one that requires more than ambition. It demands courage to pursue the impossible, patience in the face of uncertainty, and the strength to endure where others may give up.
“Innovation is fueled by curiosity, observation, knowledge, and the willingness to take chances,” she shared. “It’s about caring deeply for the future of life and committing to its progress. It takes hard work, sacrifice, and a relentless drive to turn dreams into breakthroughs.”
She emphasized that lasting impact is never a solo endeavor. Collaboration, unity, and shared purpose are essential to moving humanity forward.
“Together, we can move mountains. I hope you will always continue to dream without limits—to pursue innovation, joy, and progress as if there are no barriers. And through our collective effort, may we create a future defined by harmony, healing, and human advancement.”
