There’s no shortage of motivations for leaders in pharma. With the goal of improving the lives of patients always a part of a company’s ethos, executives are offered a clear mission and purpose to guide their leadership approach.
That doesn’t mean that the job doesn’t come with significant challenges. In the last few years in particular, executives throughout the industry have faced a bevy of headwinds. Smaller companies have been rocked by a turbulent investment market, while Big Pharma is staring down one of the biggest patent cliffs of the last decade. Staffing shortages also remain a hurdle in many corners of the industry. And while the push to adopt emerging technologies has created new efficiencies and opportunities, it’s also forced leaders to adjust the way they do business.
The pioneering leaders on this year’s PharmaVoice 100 list haven’t just adapted to these shifts — many have developed their own unique strategies amid the turbulence for driving success for their companies.
They are also the kinds of leaders who go above and beyond boardroom requirements to mentor the next generation, push for diversity and inclusion, and strive to create a workplace that nurtures and develops their teams.
They have a proven track record of success in pharma, and generally, their impact is far from over. Here are the 2023 PharmaVoice 100 standout execs.
Robert Ang
“Leaders serve as role models, and it is vital for their words and actions to align. This is especially important for the CEO.” Read more ➔
Dr. Marcelo Bigal
“Defining strategy shouldn’t be a lonely job since strategy needs to be matched with proper execution and tactics.” Read more ➔
Jeffery Bluestone
“My tagline would be: ‘Do kick-ass science, collaborate like hell and make a difference.’” Read more ➔
Dr. Paul Burton
“Having a strong mission and vision, and articulating that clearly, is essential.” Read more ➔
Stewart Campbell
“It is important to care for employees so that they can care for patients.” Read more ➔
Vlad Coric
“Our industry is at its best when we take the big swings that aim to achieve transformational change for patients.” Read more ➔
Dr. Cedric Francois
“Because of my science background, I love analyzing data and coming up with the next great idea for Apellis.” Read more ➔
Matthew Hawryluk
“We believe that our approach could be a step change for the field and potentially change the standard of care.” Read more ➔
John Jacobs
“I’m encouraged by the shift from treatment to prevention. It’s a paradigm shift for the industry.” Read more ➔
Mahesh Karande
“This ‘century of biology’ will enable pioneering, transformative, curative medicines for many human diseases, creating possibilities that we can only dream of today.” Read more ➔
Doug Langa
“Collaborating and working alongside my incredible colleagues is what keeps me coming into work every day.” Read more ➔
Christine Miller
“I believe in creating a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered.” Read more ➔
John Oyler
“BeiGene believes in common-sense policies that lower barriers to access without negatively impacting innovation.” Read more ➔
Andrea Pfeifer
“At the cutting edge of therapies against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, [we] know we could have a huge impact on patients’ lives and global economics.” Read more ➔
Dr. Kirk Taylor
“I motivate my team by providing opportunities for development and growth, inspiring them to attract other talented colleagues to the organization.” Read more ➔
Michelle Werner
“I strive to be as authentic of a leader as possible and with that comes a desire to always be the best version of myself.” Read more ➔
Lisa Yañez
“[Yañez was] never constrained to a template or playbook.” Read more ➔
