Transformational Leadership: Rhonda Peebles at UCB

As Vice-President & Head of US Dermatology at UCB Pharmaceuticals, Rhonda Peebles exemplifies transformational leadership, guiding UCB to the forefront of dermatology with visionary strategies, innovative initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to patient-centric values. With over two decades of experience in healthcare, Rhonda has led initiatives that redefine industry standards, leaving a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape and dermatology community.

Rhonda’s leadership is deeply rooted in both her personal dedication and UCB’s mission, focusing on being inspired by patients and driven by science. She and her team are committed to providing solutions that improve the lives of individuals facing the challenges of dermatological diseases. Rhonda empowers her team by fostering a culture of creativity, autonomy, and growth, which has revolutionized UCB’s interconnection strategy, uniting everyone under a shared mission to enhance patients’ lives.

In the span of 13 months, Rhonda led highly successful dermatology indication launches for BIMZELX® (bimekizumab-bkzx), treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis, and most recently, moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa in November 2024. These launches exceeded expectations, outperforming previous product launches globally and surpassing performance projections in the US market. BIMZELX’s success has disrupted competitors and led to a growing trajectory for UCB, as reflected in the company’s increasing stock price.

Rhonda’s career is marked by significant contributions at organizations such as AstraZeneca, Novartis, and Johnson & Johnson, where her strategic insight garnered recognition and success. At UCB, Rhonda’s leadership marks a second milestone in her dermatology career, following her success with the relaunch of Cosentyx® (secukinumab) at Novartis.

Beyond her organizational accomplishments, Rhonda is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM, encouraging women to pursue careers in pharmaceuticals. Through her involvement in the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) and National Sales Network (NSN), Rhonda works tirelessly to promote gender equity and empower the next generation of leaders.

Rhonda Peebles is a true catalyst for change, embodying inspirational and innovative leadership that continues to redefine dermatology and positively impact the healthcare landscape for years to come.