About Kyowa Hakko USA
Improving Lives with Health Science
Kyowa Hakko USA serves as the North and South American headquarters for Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd., a global pioneer in specialty ingredients within Kirin Holdings’ Health Science group. Building on over 75 years of fermentation innovation and Kirin’s 100+ year legacy of fermentation excellence, Kyowa delivers premium, science-backed branded ingredients to the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, functional food, beverage and wellness industries. The portfolio features branded solutions like Cognizin® Citicoline, Setria® Glutathione, Pantesin® Pantethine and Eyemuse® Lacticaseibacillus paracasei KW3110. Committed to quality, sustainability, and creating shared value, Kyowa empowers partners to create transformative health solutions, advancing Kirin’s vision of improving health and well-being.
Management philosophy
Rooted in over 75 years of biotech innovation and Kirin Holdings’ century-long fermentation legacy, Kyowa Hakko Bio is committed to transforming global health and wellness. Through advanced fermentation and biotechnology, we pioneer premium specialty materials that empower our partners and communities to thrive. Guided by science and sustainability, we advance Kirin’s Health Science mission to enhance health and well-being and create shared value, creating a healthier, more vibrant future.
Kyowa Hakko Bio strives to lead the global specialty materials industry, delivering world-class science-backed functional ingredients for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, functional food, beverage and wellness sectors. Fueled by our proprietary fermentation expertise and Kirin’s Health Science innovation, we drive breakthroughs in cognitive health, immune support, and overall comprehensive well-being. By setting new benchmarks in biotechnology excellence, we aim to shape a sustainable, health-focused world, fulfilling Kirin’s vision of enriching lives across all stages.
Leadership Team
Gerard leads Kyowa Hakko USA’s vision, strategy, and growth initiatives, driving innovation and organizational performance. He holds law and business degrees from the University of Technology, Sydney. An avid music enthusiast, he enjoys discovering new artists and genres in his free time.
Dr. Citrolo oversees operations while ensuring scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, and product safety. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and a background in biochemistry from NC State. She is passionate about translating science into trusted, high-quality products.
Karen leads global brand strategy and marketing, leveraging 30+ years in nutrition and dietary supplements. She holds an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a BS in both Scientific Nutrition and Food Science & Technology from Texas A&M University. As a Registered Dietitian, she builds science-backed, high-performing brands.
Chris leads sales strategy, revenue growth, and customer partnerships across Kyowa Hakko USA. He holds a BS in Chemistry from St. Mary’s University. With extensive industry experience, he builds high-performing teams and delivers customer-focused solutions that drive sustainable growth.
Teru leads corporate strategy, planning, and performance management, including budgeting, forecasting, and KPI oversight. He holds an MBA from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Keio University, and is a CPA (Illinois). He brings deep global experience across Kyowa’s portfolio and operations.
