Umi Chong

Senior Director, Finance

Primary Responsibilities:

Ms. Chong is responsible for effective management of Takeda San Diego's (TSD's) financial resources, corporate planning, and financial reporting. She works closely with global Takeda finance operations to insure accurate reporting and effective planning of financial matters for the site. In her role, Ms. Chong oversees the finance, accounting, purchasing, shipping and information technologies departments.

Experience:

Ms. Chong has over 20 years experience in auditing, SEC reporting, international consolidations, corporate accounting and finance, and operations management. Prior to joining TSD (then Syrrx) in 2000, Ms. Chong served as Associate Director of Corporate Reporting for SICOR, Inc., a generic multi-national pharmaceutical company where she developed and implemented international consolidation and reporting processes. Prior to SICOR, Inc., Ms. Chong served in various financial analyst positions for IVAC Medical Systems, Inc., a multi-national medical device company. Ms. Chong began her career at Ernst & Young after graduating college.

Education:

• B.S. in Accounting from Indiana University
• Certified Public Accountant

Accomplishments/Awards:

Ms. Chong established and built the TSD's accounting department. Following the acquisition by Takeda, she was promoted to Sr. Director of Finance where her responsibilities were expanded to management of the company's finance, purchasing, and IT departments. She has been instrumental with post-merger integration of business processes and reporting.

In my own words:

• Aspirations for the Group I Lead:

  • Continuous professional growth and learning is critical and I make this a priority for the group I lead. I work hard to instill proactive and strategic thought in my group so we can function as respected business partners for our clients. This is especially important given TSD's small size and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Why I Chose My Profession:

  • In high school, I realized while taking an accounting course that accounting is essentially the universal language for business. Working as an auditor gave me a great opportunities to be exposed to the operations of different industries. I find the dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry energizing and rewarding. It is greatly satisfying to know that the goal of my company's products is to save lives and reduce suffering from disease. This ultimately led me to Takeda where I have been for over 10 years.

• Favorite Quote:
  • Live as if you were to die tomorrow, and learn as if you were to live forever. — Mohandas K. Gandhi

    This quote reminds me of two foundational elements of my life: living life to the fullest and seeking out new learning experiences and growth opportunities. It makes my work and home lives fulfilling.

• The Other Side of Me:

  • I enjoy spending time with my husband and two young children outside of work. Most things are still new and fresh to my children and it is great to see the world through their eyes. My son, husband, and I recently began learning how to play the guitar together—it is a great bonding experience.