Vanessa Akpore

Vanessa Akpore is based in Zurich and specializes in capital project portfolio management. Within Takeda, she currently oversees the capital portfolio for the Small Molecule & Oncology Operating Unit (SMO OpU), spanning manufacturing sites across Europe, Asia, and South America. Vanessa has a proven track record of translating enterprise strategy into execution, having implemented a portfolio management framework that achieved robust project prioritization and improved spend and schedule adherence. As Chair of the SMO OpU CAPEX Council, she has strengthened governance practices and reduced portfolio risk year-over-year through structured prioritization and disciplined investment decision-making. Her work focuses on aligning strategy, data, and governance to improve transparency, decision velocity, and value realization across capital investments. Vanessa has also contributed to network strategy development, including Make vs. Buy assessments to enhance resilience and long-term competitiveness. She previously advised Takeda’s executive leadership through the Next Generation Advisory Board and is recognized for her ability to drive cross-functional alignment and operational excellence in complex, global environments.