As Vice President & General Counsel, Kenita leads Otsuka's Laws, Regulations & Business Optimization (LRBO) organization and serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and secretary of the OAPI and OPDC Boards. In this role, she provides strategic leadership across legal, regulatory, compliance, and business matters, helping advance enterprise priorities while supporting Otsuka's mission to improve patient health worldwide.
Since joining Otsuka in 2013, Kenita has held positions of increasing responsibility across the legal organization. She was appointed Deputy General Counsel in 2021 and most recently served as interim General Counsel. Throughout her tenure, she has played a key role in shaping legal and regulatory strategies that support business growth, product launches, and commercialization efforts across the enterprise.
With more than 20 years of experience spanning the biopharmaceutical industry and other FDA-regulated sectors, Kenita is recognized for her strategic perspective and ability to navigate complex legal, regulatory, and business challenges. She is valued for building strong cross-functional partnerships and providing practical counsel that balances innovation, risk management, and business objectives.
Passionate about Otsuka's mission and culture, Kenita is committed to fostering collaboration, developing talent, and strengthening the organization for the future. She believes diverse perspectives and strong partnerships are essential to advancing innovation and delivering meaningful outcomes for the patients and communities Otsuka serves.
I believe leadership means bringing clarity to complexity, building trust through meaningful partnership, and creating an environment where people can thrive. By pairing responsible stewardship with the courage to innovate, we empower our teams to act decisively in pursuit of Otsuka’s mission. Together, we can make a meaningful and lasting impact, improving outcomes for patients and strengthening the communities we serve.