Dafni is currently the SVP and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development at Astrazeneca. She is leading a global network in eight countries and 16 locations of more than 1,200 innovative science and technology professionals who design, develop and commercialise new medicines and provide continuous improvement across the product life cycle.

With more than 25 years of experience in pharmaceutical development and technology at AstraZeneca and other large biopharmaceutical companies, she has repeatedly overseen product and process innovation and quality improvements that accelerated the development and delivery of medicines to patients faster and more efficiently.

Since joining AstraZeneca in 2016, Dafni has been instrumental in building a highly innovative technical organisation that has accelerated new medicine launches with robust processes into manufacturing, new drug synthesis and formulation platforms. She has pioneered a Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC)-focused innovation group that delivers value through transforming drug delivery, process and analytical technologies, packaging and devices. Her organisation has also made significant contributions to sustainability with a number of projects advancing AstraZeneca’s Ambition Zero Carbon.

Dafni is passionate about talent management and building high performing organisations.  She has a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and drives equity and inclusion.

Dafni holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Rochester, NY, and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens.

My career roles have offered a unique vantage point bridging between R&D and manufacturing and creating value across the clinical and commercial supply chain. I have learned that influence comes from knowledge, courage and passion.

Dafni Bika Senior Vice President and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), Global Operations

Influential Women in Manufacturing 2020 Honoree

Recognised as one of the most Influential Women in Manufacturing with a record nine nominations

AstraZeneca CEO Award 2021

For maintaining business continuity of delivering supply of all medicines during the pandemic

AstraZeneca CEO Award 2019

For drug delivery innovation of mRNA medicine (CVRM)

AstraZeneca CEO Award 2018

Recognised for implementing sustainable cold chain clinical packaging

AstraZeneca CEO Award 2017

Recognised for innovative and patient centric Oncology drug formulation

CURRENT ROLE

Senior Vice President and Global Head of Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), Global Operations

Innovation Strategies and External Liaison

Created the first-of-its kind open innovation process and organisation with focus on Chemistry and Manufacturing Controls (CMC) areas to support the advancement of the pipeline and improve existing products, processes and methods. Delivered more than 22 approved business cases in full implementation and actively manages more than 60 projects in various stages of the innovation process (2017 – present)

Product robustness program

Introduced a first-of-its-kind program to evaluate medicine quality and manufacturing controls that re-shaped pharmaceutical industry standards in alignment with regulatory expectations for Continued Process Verification (2016 - present)

Prepare for increasing patient demand

Ensured the uninterrupted supply of clinical materials and oversaw the global submissions, approvals, validation and launches of 10 new medicines within five years. (2016-2021)

Featured publications


Product Robustness: A Comprehensive Product Quality Strategy.

Product Robustness: A Comprehensive Product Quality Strategy. Dafni Bika, Jenn Walsh, Tara Nestor and Carl Allenspach. American Association of Pharmaceutical Standards Newsmagazine, Cover article, 2015: pp. 14-19.

Strength and morphology of solid bridges in dry granules of pharmaceutical powders.

Strength and morphology of solid bridges in dry granules of pharmaceutical powders. Bika, D. & Tardos, G.I. & Panmai, Santipharp & Farber, Leon & JN, Michaels. (2005). Powder Technology. 150. 104-116. 10.1016/j.powtec.2004.11.024.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032591004004899

Mechanical Properties of Agglomerates.

Mechanical Properties of Agglomerates. Bika, Dafni & Gentzler, Michael & Michaels, James. (2001). Powder Technology. 117. 98-112. 10.1016/S0032-5910(01)00318-7.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032591001003187