Since becoming CEO of Novartis in 2018, Vas has led a strategic and cultural transformation to build a leading medicines company powered by advanced therapy platforms and data science.

Vas has focused his education and career on improving human health and on his personal purpose of inspiring a healthier world. During and after his medical studies, he worked on public health issues such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in India, Africa and South America. He continues to champion access and global health priorities, including through a commitment by Novartis to expand access to innovative medicines in low- and middle-income countries by at least 200% by 2025.
Since joining Novartis in 2005, Vas has held a range of leadership roles, including Global Head of Development for Novartis Vaccines, and Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer. He has overseen the licensing of over 30 novel medicines, including cell and gene therapies and vaccines. During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, he helped lead efforts at Novartis to develop and distribute a vaccine for the world. In recognition of his sustained efforts to improve human health, he is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine in the US.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Vas lives in Basel, Switzerland, with his wife and two sons. A lifelong vegetarian, he is passionate about environmental and wildlife conservation, and is an avid reader on topics including history, leadership and philosophy.