Leaders

The healthcare and pharmaceutical industry is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifting patient needs, requiring professionals to remain adaptive and forward-thinking. Legal and compliance roles are essential to meeting evolving standards and maintaining ethical practices in this sector. In this complex, and highly scrutinized and regulated environment, leadership is key to maintaining operational excellence. A seasoned legal professional, Sumita Ray, JD, has built an impactful career in the intersection of healthcare, legal, compliance, corporate governance, and business operations.

As the Chief Legal, Compliance & Administrative Officer, Sumita Ray, JD brings extensive expertise in legal, compliance, and corporate governance, ensuring the company meets the highest ethical standards and complies with global regulations while driving strategy and operations. In addition to overseeing global legal, compliance, and regulatory law matters, as Chief Administrative Officer, Sumita manages key General & Administrative units such as HR, IT, Facilities, and Program Management, ensuring smooth corporate operations. As Corporate Secretary, she is a liaison that facilitates seamless communication between the board of directors, management, and key company stakeholders. Her leadership fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture, empowering her team to thrive and navigate the complexities of the healthcare sector while driving both organizational success and positive social impact.

Below is an excerpt of Sumita Ray's exclusive interaction with Women Entrepreneurs Review magazine.

Give us a glimpse of your professional journey as an attorney. What are your key areas of expertise in terms of regulatory, compliance, fraud & abuse attorney?
I am a lawyer by training, graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law, and have a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Arizona. With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare, biotech, and life sciences sectors, my career began with pharmaceutical litigation in private practice at a large Philadelphiabased law firm, working on the landmark FenPhen case. I then transitioned to legal, regulatory, and healthcare compliance roles in both large and emerging pharmaceutical and biotech companies. As my career progressed and my legal role became more centered in management, corporate strategy, and corporate governance, I expanded into the role of Chief Administrative Officer, overseeing corporate and business operations. Holding leadership positions such as Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer, I have led vital administrative functions, covering legal, compliance, privacy, contracts, and core corporate operations, driving organizational success. My expertise spans regulatory frameworks, compliance, fraud and abuse prevention, and risk mitigation, ensuring robust governance in complex industries.

What inspired you to pursue a career in legal and compliance?
Coming from a family deeply rooted in medicine, with parents, grandparents, and a sibling who are all physicians, healthcare has always been a part of my life and identity. While realizing that medicine wasn’t my calling, exposure to healthcare and life sciences led me to obtain a scientific background in micro and chem, and my analytical skills shaped my journey into the law. To me, there was nothing more exciting than entering the healthcare field during a transformative period for pharmaceutical compliance, in which the government began to scrutinize the pharmaceutical industry in an unprecedented way and impose strict regulations on the relationships between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. This path allowed me to merge my upbringing and expertise into a meaningful career.

What are the key roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Chief Legal, Compliance & Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary?​
As the Chief Legal, Compliance & Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary, I oversee board governance and manage legal, compliance, privacy, human resources, IT, facilities, and corporate operations. My role ensures regulatory alignment, fosters operational excellence, and supports strategic decision-making while working closely with the CEO, C-suite executives, and the Board of Directors.

Additionally, I serve as an independent board member for Biomea Fusion (NASDAQ: BMEA), an angel investor and advisor to Biotrillion, and run a consulting practice, providing regulatory and compliance expertise to companies and CEOs.

What has your success mantra been over the years?
My success mantra has always been rooted in continuous learning and meaningful leadership. I believe growth comes from staying curious and embracing challenges. Even after decades of working in my field, I actively seek opportunities to evolve and expand my expertise. Equally important is being a trusted advisor and mentor by supporting CEOs, guiding boards, and empowering teams. By fostering growth in others, offering mentorship, and nurturing talent, I aim to inspire confidence and drive collective success while ensuring personal and professional development remains a cornerstone of my journey.

How do you leverage technology to enhance legal services for yourself and your clients?
Technology plays a crucial role in modern legal and business operations. Over the past 25 years, the legal landscape has evolved significantly. In the past, litigation involved manual processes like bait stamping paper documents, but now, electronic document management and e-discovery systems streamline legal workflows, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Beyond legal processes, technology enhances various operational functions. Cybersecurity measures safeguard sensitive data, while digital platforms optimize human resources management, compliance tracking, and program oversight. The shift from paper-based to digital systems has revolutionized how legal and corporate functions operate. By leveraging these advancements, I ensure streamlined operations, enhanced security, and better resource allocation, ultimately improving overall efficiency and service delivery in the legal and corporate sectors.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst the demands of your profession?
Balancing work and personal life is an ongoing journey, especially as a single mother to a six year old son. For me, prioritization and setting boundaries are essential. I value both my professional responsibilities and my family, striving to stay present for my son and close-knit family. Remote work has brought flexibility but also blurred boundaries, so I rely on structured routines and lists to organize my commitments. As a leader, I emphasize empathy, ensuring my team has the space for personal needs while maintaining accountability. Ultimately, work-life balance requires constant effort, adaptability, and a constant focus on what truly matters.

What are your future plans, both for yourself as a leader and for your company?
Looking ahead, my primary focus is on navigating the changes within the companies that I am engaged with, ensuring that we make strategic decisions that align with our long-term vision. I'm committed to supporting my CEO and the board in every transition phase, fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and collaboration. As a leader, I aim to continue building trust with my team by creating an environment where open communication and mutual support thrive. I believe in shared success. If my team succeeds, so do I, and I take full accountability for the challenges we face together. 

Sumita Ray, JD, Chief Legal, Compliance & Administrative Officer & Corporate Secretary
Sumita Ray, JD is a seasoned executive with vast experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. As Chief Legal, Compliance & Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary, she oversees legal, compliance, corporate governance, and operations. She has led diverse functions, including regulatory affairs, human resources, IT, and program management. Sumita also serves on corporate boards, leveraging her expertise in global healthcare law, compliance, and strategic corporate leadership.

Advice For Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs / Business Leaders:
• Following your passion is essential. Often, self-doubt holds us back more than actual limitations. It’s important to step up and embrace opportunities, even when you’re unsure of your capabilities. In my experience, one of the key differences between men and women in the workplace is confidence. Women tend to second guess themselves, hesitate to take on new challenges, and underestimate their readiness for leadership roles. Meanwhile, men are more likely to step forward, even without complete certainty. I have been fortunate to have male mentors who encouraged me to take on roles I initially doubted myself in. Their belief in me helped me push past my uncertainties, reinforcing that sometimes, others see our potential before we do.