Lonnel Coats is president and chief executive officer of Eisai Inc. He provides administrative oversight to all operating companies in the U.S., including Morphotek, Inc. and Eisai Machinery U.S.A. Previously, Coats was responsible for the strategic direction of the U.S. business.
Coats’ venture into the pharmaceutical industry was born while at home studying for the LSAT and fighting off a major case of cabin fever. He was seeking a profession with excitement—but with meaning.
“When I was given the opportunity to get into the pharmaceutical industry, I became even more inspired. Here a person’s life work comes back to being able to create patient value day in and day out. I don’t know of anywhere else that I can get that kind of reward.”
Lonnel Coats knows personally the positive impact mentorship can have on a career and he aspires to give the same to future healthcare leaders.
“I hope to be able to inspire the next generation of leaders in this industry,” he said. “The future of the industry will be what they make it. And no matter how challenging the times may be, or seem, the opportunity to contribute to patients and families far outweighs everything else. If that message can come across to every generation that comes into this industry, then I think we will always be able to provide value for patients.”
Mr. Coats holds a B.S. in Public Administration from Oakland University in Michigan.
Congratulations, Mr. Coats, for being a “BlackDoctor.org Top Blacks in Healthcare” 2014 honoree!