Words by Jade Williams
Eli Lilly and Company has appointed Thomas J. Fuchs as its inaugural chief AI officer, to spearhead the strategic direction and leadership of AI initiatives across the organisation.
Fuchs’ responsibilities in his new position will encompass a focus on enhancing drug discovery, clinical trials, manufacturing, commercial operations and internal functions, with additional responsibilities around the development and management of AI and machine learning solutions aimed at improving patient access.
“In this new era of technology, the potential for artificial intelligence and machine learning to revolutionise health care is immense,” remarked Diogo Rau, Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Digital Officer, Eli Lilly, in a press release. “Dr. Fuchs will contribute to Lilly’s breakthroughs in AI, aiding in the discovery and development of new medicines while enhancing patient outcomes. We are committed to leveraging these cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation and make a meaningful impact on lives around the world.”
Prior to joining Lilly, Fuchs served as the dean and inaugural department chair for AI and Human Health at Mount Sinai. He was also the director of the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health and held the Barbara T. Murphy professorship for AI and computational pathology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, held positions at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and many more prestigious appointments.
Fuchs expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating that “Lilly is at the forefront of health care innovation,” and that he is tremendously excited to join the team at such a pivotal time in technological advancement. “Joining Lilly will allow me to expand this mission worldwide on an amazing scale”, he continued. “Building AI to benefit millions of patients is profoundly humbling.”
