Antoinette Gawin has shaped her career and leadership goals on one guiding philosophy: Each patient, regardless of who they are or where they live, deserves access to life-changing, quality healthcare.

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies — a medical technology company operating in 150 countries and striving to unlock the potential of blood and cell-based therapies — she has made expanding access to the highest standards of care a priority while focusing on continued work and supporting programs that emphasize equal access to education and healthcare.

Under her leadership, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies secured the first FDA Emergency Use Authorization during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the innovation, expertise, and agility the company leverages for impact. From enabling the first bone marrow transplant in Sub-Sahara Africa, to building an infrastructure for novel cell and gene therapies in Asia, to continuing to advance the safety of the world’s blood supply, Antoinette has focused the company’s efforts on helping the global healthcare ecosystem rise to meet difficult challenges that can impede patient care. She also brings that emphasis to her role as Group Managing Executive Officer for the Tokyo-based, 100-year-old healthcare innovator Terumo Corporation (TSE:4543).

 Antoinette’s early insight into patient access issues came from her humble roots, growing up in a rural Northern Michigan farming community. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in economics and English from the University of Michigan, but her mission to make a difference in healthcare led her to return to higher education, achieving a master’s degree in health policy from DePaul University School of Public Service. She also completed an executive program at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

 She is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt with 30+ years of experience managing transformational change at GE and Baxter Healthcare, and an admired board member for healthcare and education groups, such as the Global Blood Fund. She chairs AdvaMed’s Technology & Regulation Committee. Antoinette serves as a Trustee of The Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board (CED). She is also a sought-after speaker who polished her skills at Chicago’s famous The Second City, which helped her master the art of turning quick sparks of imagination into inspiration for progress.

 Antoinette lives in Colorado, where she supports equal access-focused civic organizations and enjoys the outdoors, performing arts, and wine.