Cuku succeeds Pawel Tokarzewski, who had led the organization since 2023.
A qualified pharmacist, Cuku previously headed Lilly’s operations in Hong Kong and Macau, a role she took on in April 2025. She brings more than a decade of international experience spanning scientific, commercial and leadership positions.
Cuku earned her pharmacy degree at the University of Florence and later completed an Executive MBA at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan.
She began her Lilly career in oncology, initially working as a medical adviser and then as a brand manager. She subsequently took on broader responsibilities in marketing, sales, commercial operations and management, including international brand management and business leadership roles.
In her new role, Cuku will place particular emphasis on health literacy and prevention. She believes pharmaceutical innovation can deliver meaningful benefits when people understand what new knowledge and treatments mean for their own health.
“It is a great honor for me to join Lilly’s team in Hungary. Hungary has strong scientific traditions, outstanding healthcare professionals and significant clinical research potential. My goal is to work together with our partners to further strengthen the role of innovation, research and solutions that create meaningful value for patients in healthcare,” says Hera Cuku.
“We need to talk not only about individual diseases, but also about how we can encourage people, healthcare professionals, decision-makers and stakeholders across society to think and work together. This requires a strong scientific foundation, clear communication and genuine dialogue.”
Lilly has operated in Hungary for 35 years. During that period, its medicines have contributed to the treatment of approximately 2 million patients, according to the company.
Its Hungarian activities include research coordination and pharmaceutical wholesaling, with therapeutic areas spanning diabetes, obesity, oncology, immunology, pain management and neurodegenerative diseases.
The company said Tokarzewski had played an important role in strengthening its Hungarian presence, professional relationships and partnerships. Cuku will build on that foundation while bringing fresh perspectives from her international experience.
Lilly said the appointment reinforced its long-term commitment to Hungary. Its priorities remain supporting access to innovative medicines, developing clinical research and strengthening professional and public dialogue to help more patients benefit from modern therapies.
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