About PhRMA
The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) represents the country’s leading innovative biopharmaceutical research companies, which are laser focused on developing innovative medicines that transform lives and create a healthier world. Together, we are fighting for solutions to ensure patients can access and afford medicines that prevent, treat and cure disease. Over the last decade, PhRMA member companies have invested more than $850 billion in the search for new treatments and cures, and they support nearly five million jobs in the United States.
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TOKYO (October 6, 2026) — The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced today that Jonathan Kushner will serve as Japan Representative of PhRMA Japan beginning in October 2026. Kushner has nearly three decades of experience in Asia, primarily in Japan, spanning public affairs, policy, communications, sustainability, marketing and business development.
In this role, Kushner will lead PhRMA Japan’s work with government, industry and other stakeholders to promote policies that strengthen Japan’s environment for biopharmaceutical innovation and help patients gain timely access to new medicines.
“Jonathan brings deep experience navigating Japan’s policy and business environment and building trusted partnerships across the region,” said Stephen J. Ubl, President and Chief Executive Officer of PhRMA. “His leadership will be important as we work with Japanese policymakers to ensure the biopharmaceutical industry remains an important growth driver for Japan’s economy. ”
Kushner joins PhRMA from McDonald’s Japan, where he has led corporate relations since 2017, overseeing communications, corporate social responsibility and government relations. Previously, he served as managing partner for Asia at strategic consultancy Kreab, led communications and corporate affairs for AIG in Japan and Korea, and held corporate affairs and government relations roles with Microsoft in Tokyo and Singapore.
“Japan has extraordinary scientific capabilities and an important role to play in the future of global medicine development,” said Kushner. “I look forward to working with PhRMA’s member companies, stakeholders and partners across Japan to advance policy reforms that drive economic growth and help ensure that Japanese patients can access new treatments without delay.”
Kushner is a member of the Japan Fair Trade Commission’s Antimonopoly Policy Liaison Council and previously served as a vice president and governor of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. He holds a master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a bachelor’s degree from Tulane University.