Meet Hesham A. Abdullah

Hesham has more than 20 years of experience leading oncology R&D teams across global pharmaceutical companies. At GSK, he leads oncology research and development, guiding a global team working across precision medicine, novel technologies, and cancer biology to develop new treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet needs.

His leadership has helped support GSK’s renewed focus in oncology, with a pipeline spanning more than 15 clinical-stage assets and research programs. Across his career, Hesham has contributed to the development of 12 novel precision oncology therapies, combining scientific strategy, clinical development, and patient-focused decision-making to advance new options for people with cancer.

“While I have always had a passion for science and medicine, my work took on an even deeper meaning following two cancer diagnoses in my family. After witnessing my father's relentless three-and-a-half-year battle with colorectal cancer, which ultimately led to his passing, another close family member was diagnosed with advanced cancer just two months later. Their physical and emotional challenges with these diseases profoundly impacted me and inspired my desire to have an even greater impact on improving outcomes, quality of life, and care for people with cancer.”