Angela Hwang

As the head of Pfizer’s sprawling biopharmaceutical unit, Hwang can take a hefty slice of the credit for its booming COVID-19 vaccine sales, which the drugmaker projects will hit $33.5 billion in 2021. Leading a team of some 26,000 people across seven commercial drug divisions that generated $42 billion in 2020 sales, Hwang is often mentioned as a strong contender for the company’s top perch. Her influence within Pfizer goes beyond her P&L; Hwang has been recognized by outside organizations for her efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at the pharma powerhouse. She’s overseen donation efforts for groups that support the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and pushed for passage of the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act to combat the rise of anti-Asian discrimination and violence seen during the pandemic. President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law in May.

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