CHSS Distinguished Alumni - Sociology and Anthropology

Christopher Stokes

BA Sociology '03

Christopher Stokes is president and general manager (GM) of Eli Lilly and Company UK, Ireland, and Northern Europe, and was appointed to the role in July 2024. Stokes leads Lilly’s commercial business operations in six countries, across the company’s current and emerging portfolio in diabetes, oncology, immunology and neuroscience.

Stokes joined the UK team from his previous role as general manager at Eli Lilly and Company Korea, where he led the Korean affiliate to strong business results driven by new product growth. His 15-year career at Lilly includes roles as GM of Eli Lilly and Company South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as chief operating officer of Lilly USA. Stokes has built a reputation for expertise in the global pharmaceutical landscape and an unfaltering commitment to patient access to innovative medicines to enhance health and enrich patient quality of life. He has a “better to best” mindset and brings a focus on delivering results while building and engaging strong teams with high integrity.

Stokes holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason, where he was also a track and field all-American athlete. He also holds a master’s in public administration from Indiana University-Bloomington. Stokes, his wife Lauren (whom he met a George Mason), and their family currently reside in the United Kingdom.