The National Diversity Council (NDC) has named Astellas to its first-ever ranking of top pharmaceutical companies based on diversity in executive positions and boards of directors.

The list – part of a comprehensive research report on diversity in corporate governance – rated pharmaceutical companies based on inclusivity of women and people of color in leadership. The report also offers recommendations on building and maintaining strong networks with associations that promote the advancement of historically marginalized groups.

"This type of report is long overdue in the pharmaceutical industry," said Dennis Kennedy, founder and chair of the NDC. "Bringing attention to the need for diversity and increasing inclusion efforts in global market leadership will make an immense contribution to overall success in business."

For more, read NDC’s press release here.