Dr Christina Xinos
Dr Christina Xinos is a senior pharmaceutical and medical affairs leader with more than twenty years of experience across the Australian and New Zealand healthcare sector. She currently serves as the Medical Director for Australia and New Zealand at Ipsen, where she leads medical strategy across specialty and rare disease portfolios, with responsibility for medical governance, pharmacovigilance, and building high-performing, values-driven teams.
Dr Xinos’ career has been shaped by a deep belief in the power of science to improve lives when combined with thoughtful leadership and collaboration. In her current role, she works at the intersection of clinical practice, research, and industry, partnering with clinicians, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams to translate scientific evidence into meaningful outcomes for patients.
Prior to joining Ipsen, Dr Xinos held senior leadership roles at global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies including Gilead Sciences, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Canopy Growth. Across these organisations, she developed broad therapeutic expertise spanning oncology, virology, cardiovascular disease, and specialty medicines. She also played a key role in advancing medical excellence, ethical engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.
Dr Xinos’ strong academic foundation was built during her undergraduate Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees, and Pharmacology Honours at Monash University, where she developed a passion for scientific inquiry and critical thinking. She later completed a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology at RMIT University, further strengthening the scientific rigour that continues to underpin her leadership approach today. She is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and encourages graduates to remain open to evolving career paths that may not always be linear, but are deeply rewarding.
Based in Melbourne, Dr Xinos is passionate about mentoring emerging leaders, supporting diversity in science and healthcare, and creating environments where people can do their best work. She is honoured to address Monash University graduates and to celebrate the next generation of professionals who will shape the future of health, science, and society.