Sylvia Kiely
VP Global Supply Chain and Product Strategy Lead for Alexion Operations Ireland
Discover how a pharmaceutical company advocates for women in leadership and leverages diverse backgrounds to drive resilience within the supply chain.
Sylvia Kiely, VP of Global Supply Chain and Product Strategy Lead for Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, is committed to fostering meaningful change and promoting multidisciplinary talent within its global supply chain. Ms. Kiely built her career during a time when few women were promoted into senior supply chain roles. “Women should have the same opportunities as men,” states Kiely. “I’m committed to helping women recognise that their skills and strengths can translate powerfully into the supply chain. People from different backgrounds spark new understanding, helping us predict challenges, improve medication delivery and increase our operational responsiveness.”
Not just a corporate pillar, sustainability and CSR are embedded into Alexion’s culture,
reflected through partnerships with UCC and DCU.
Early career impact
Alexion nurtures next-generation pharma professionals through various initiatives, including female-to-female mentorship and robust internship programmes. “Alexion prides itself on looking at the person and their talent first, supporting individuals to find their place, whether they begin as scientists, technologists, engineers or in finance,” says Kiely. “This people-centred approach broadens opportunities for women and empowers them to carve out a path aligned with their strengths and goals.”
For its recent #GirlsBelongHere2025 partnership with Ibec’s National Manufacturing Day, Alexion invited underrepresented students from Stanhope Secondary School and Dominican Convent High School. “The girls toured the manufacturing site and experienced operations that transform the lives of people living with rare disease,” explains Kiely. “For most, it was their first time inside a corporate environment. They were really impacted by how subjects like maths and science could be applied in meaningful ways.”
Supply chain sustainability
Not just a corporate pillar, sustainability and CSR are embedded into Alexion’s culture, reflected through partnerships with UCC and DCU. Early-career internships and skills-based volunteering opportunities are designed to nurture future talent, creating an inclusive workforce reflective of the diverse patients they serve.
“Our programmes are designed to do more than just train people; they help students and early career professionals understand their strengths, build their professional identity and step into technical roles. They can explore options.”
Sustainability projects are inspiring students to join the company, which has an impressive employment uptake. Alexion is the first company in Ireland to realise a 100% switch to sustainable aviation fuel in partnership with DHL, and a biomethane production facility in Duleek will provide 100% of its heating from renewable gas starting in 2026. “These initiatives not only strengthen Irish communities; they demonstrate that working with us means contributing to meaningful, sustainable solutions,” concludes Kiely.
