Alexey Cherchago, SVP, Head of Global Commercial Excellence, Glenmark

Alexey Cherchago is an influential figure in the realm of global commercial excellence. With a rich career spanning over two decades, he has developed a keen expertise in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, specialty chemicals, and IT domains.

Presently serving as the Senior Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Excellence at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Alexey has been instrumental in honing commercial processes since 2022. Prior to this, he displayed exceptional leadership as Head of Sales Excellence Europe at Sandoz, where he improved the effectiveness and efficiency of customer-facing functions across Europe.

His journey is further distinguished by his tenure as a Six Sigma Black Belt certified Project Manager at Clariant, where he led initiatives to augment commercial processes, and as an Associate Director at Grünenthal, where he ensured harmony in field force related business processes across various regions.

Alexey's prowess extends to coaching, training, KPIs, CRM systems, account planning, territory alignment, and designing new commercial models, all of which contribute to his authoritative image in the industry. His profound industry insight, strategic foresight, and hands-on approach to commercial excellence make him an adept leader capable of driving business success.

Anthony Yanni, SVP Patient Centricitiy, Astellas

Anthony Yanni, a veteran healthcare professional, is a transformative leader known for advocating patient centricity in global healthcare practices. As the Senior Vice President and Global Head of Patient Centricity at Astellas Pharma, Anthony has been pivotal in integrating patient perspectives and real-world needs into pharmaceutical innovation and development.

A medical practitioner for 15 years, he held crucial roles such as Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Internal Medicine in the Northeastern US health system. His clinical experience led him to recognize the significance of focusing on the patient, not just the disease, resulting in truly meaningful innovations.

In his previous role at Sanofi, Anthony served as Head of Patient Insights, Solutions and Outcomes, creating an industry-first process for incorporating patient and clinician perspectives into research portfolio decisions. He directed clinical development and introduced translational medicine, enhancing the patient journey by bringing scientific research closer to clinical practice.

Anthony’s current role at Astellas underscores his commitment to integrating patient insights across all functional areas, fostering a patient-centric corporate culture that spans from early research to product utilization. His leadership is set to revolutionize healthcare, foregrounding the person behind the patient at every stage of medical care.

Colin Sims, EVP Strategy / CEO, adthera bio

Colin Sims is a highly accomplished pharmaceutical executive with robust experience spanning clinical pharmacy, R&D, strategy, and commercial leadership in top-tier pharmaceutical and consulting firms. Currently, he serves as the CEO of adthera bio, a company committed to innovation in cell and gene therapy process development and manufacturing.

Colin's healthcare journey started as a Clinical Pharmacist at Westminster Hospital London. Later, he held numerous roles at Novartis, leading Global Commercial Operations and diverse business franchises, driving innovation in areas like biologic agents, transplant, autoimmunity, bone, and pain. His strategic acumen was further honed at Sanofi, where he was Senior Vice President, crafting cross-company corporate strategy. As an Executive Vice President - Strategy at Kyowa Kirin International plc., he was instrumental in operational transformation strategy and new product planning.

At Accenture, he served as Managing Director, leading the UK & Ireland Life Science practice and acting as a Global Client Account Lead for a major pharmaceutical company. Notably, Colin's entrepreneurial spirit shines through in his role as Senior Partner at Delin Ventures and Non-Executive Chairman at Thromboserin Limited, where he provides strategic guidance to bio-pharma startups.

Colin is also an author in workplace psychology and leadership, demonstrating his interest in fostering effective team dynamics and leadership qualities. He holds postgraduate scientific education and executive education from Harvard Business School, which complements his practical industry expertise and strategic vision. This unique combination of skills makes him a force in the pharmaceutical industry, adept at both big picture thinking and detail-oriented execution.

Davidek Herron, Global Head of Digital, Roche

Davidek Herron is a seasoned executive with a passion for bringing medicines to patients in need. As the Global Head of Digital at Roche, he is at the forefront of leveraging healthcare technology to enhance digital marketing, sales, customer experience, e-commerce, and brand launch strategies. With a focus on creating rich customer experiences, Davidek excels at building high-performing global teams and driving innovation in the healthcare industry.

Currently leading the digital transformation efforts at Roche since March 2021, Davidek plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's digital strategy and driving technological advancements in healthcare. Based in Basel, Switzerland, he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. He is responsible for developing and managing digital platforms, operations, and machine learning (AI) capabilities across all of Roche's business units worldwide. His leadership extends to driving customer engagement, optimizing commercial effectiveness, and exploring new go-to-market models in the post-Covid-19 healthcare landscape.

In addition to his role at Roche, Davidek serves as an Advisory Board Member for SOULFIT THEORY, a company focused on wellness and fitness, and Sanara Ventures, an Israeli venture capital firm specializing in healthcare innovation.

Prior to joining Roche, Davidek spent several years at Teva Pharmaceuticals, where he held various leadership positions. As the Head of Global Digital Platforms & Operations, he played a critical role in leading the company's digital transformation efforts, focusing on technology platforms, e-commerce, digital sales, and machine learning capabilities. He successfully built and managed global digital platform expert communities and drove the simplification and consolidation of technologies to support local market needs.

During his tenure at Teva, Davidek also served as the Sr. Director & Head of Outbound Digital Channels, Europe & International Markets, where he led the implementation of core digital platforms and drove digital transformation across specialty, generics, and OTC business units. He spearheaded go-to-market models that delivered significant efficiencies and cost savings by leveraging AI and machine learning to predict future customer behavior and optimize field force and marketing automation journeys.

Furthermore, as the Head of Human Channels, Customer Experience, he played a pivotal role in redefining Teva's field force and engaging customers in new ways. By leveraging communication channels such as the field force, events, social media, and email, he built differentiated customer experiences and successfully launched a digital customer consent management platform, resulting in thousands of new HCP (healthcare professional) customer opt-ins.

With a background in medical device and pharmaceutical sales management, Davidek's career has been marked by his ability to drive digital transformation, enhance customer experiences, and leverage technology to optimize commercial effectiveness. He is a strategic leader with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and a passion for creating positive impact in the lives of patients worldwide.

Tiana Homsani, Global Head of Marketing Excellence, Abbott

Global Head Innovation & Digital Commercial Transformation...

As an Industrial and Mechanical Engineer with 20+ years of global executive experience, I am first and foremost a balanced person...from myself, to my family and the office.

Where Am I Now:

Currently I report to the CMO in a Pharma company, with the dotted line reporting to the Divisional Head of Digital and Strategy.

Who I Am at Work:

An authentic commercial execution leader, focusing on maximizing my impact and creating an environment that people want to be a part of.

I achieve results with my business unit by removing obstacles and empowering each individual, all while striving to be a magnet of abundance, energy and love.

I combine a Pharma and automotive background, which gives me the ability to navigate the complexity of those environments.

The Results I Achieve:

I led a digital transformation and innovation initiative that saved $18M in 12-months, across 120 countries including US, Europe, China, Japan and Latin America.

Sales Leadership in Pharmaceuticals:

I've led cross-functional teams of 100+ and controlled P&L for $800M. In Pharma, I've managed a portfolio of 12BUSD in sales.

My Mottos:

'Every day is a new beginning, so make it better than yesterday.'

'In the moments of decision, my destiny is shaped.'

Emma Sutcliffe, Global Patient Officer. VP, Head of Patient Affairs, Ipsen

Emma Sutcliffe is the Global Patient Officer at Ipsen, a pharmaceutical company. In her role, she integrates the perspective of the patient within Ipsen to ensure the company's future innovative medicines align with patient needs and priorities. Prior to joining Ipsen, Emma held various leadership positions in the healthcare industry.

She was the Founder and Chief Patient Officer at Head—Health—Help, where she provided clinical hypnotherapy and counseling services for health and well-being, specializing in chronic pain management, stress, anxiety, grief, and trauma recovery. Emma also served as the Senior Vice President of Patient Insights and Solutions at Prime Global and Head of Patient Engagement and Partnerships at NexGen Healthcare Communications.

Her experience includes leading patient engagement initiatives, incorporating the patient voice into clinical trials, developing global partnerships for advocacy, and delivering patient support programs. Emma is recognized for her contributions in patient engagement and has received several awards and accolades. She is a prominent speaker, author, and advocate for patient-centric healthcare.

Alex White, Global VP Immunology, AstraZeneca

Alex White is the Global Vice President of Immunology at AstraZeneca. With over 20 years of experience in diverse therapy areas and general management roles, Alex has demonstrated expertise in P&L management, business development, and leadership.

In his current role, he leads the Immunology division at AstraZeneca, overseeing a portfolio of innovative medicines across rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology. Prior to joining AstraZeneca, Alex held leadership positions at renowned pharmaceutical companies.

He served as the Global Head of Dermatology at Novartis, where he led the dermatology therapeutic area and successfully managed key products such as Cosentyx and Xolair. Alex also held executive roles at Roche, Genentech, and GSK, where he led various business units and played a crucial role in commercial strategy, product launches, and portfolio management.

Throughout his career, Alex has demonstrated the ability to lead significant change, drive growth, and form strong relationships. He is known for his personable and empowering management style and has a track record of building high-performing teams and fostering employee engagement.

With his extensive global experience and cultural understanding, Alex has contributed to the success of companies in different regions and played a vital role in the development and commercialization of innovative medicines.

Andreas Gerloff, Global Head of Medical Customer Excellence, Bayer

Andreas Gerloff is the Vice President and Global Head of Medical Customer Excellence at Bayer Pharmaceuticals. With a diverse background in the pharmaceutical and consulting industries, Andreas brings valuable expertise in medical science, strategy, and project management.

In his current role at Bayer, Andreas leads the global medical customer excellence function, focusing on optimizing medical operations and enhancing customer engagement. Prior to this, he served as the Head of Medical Excellence for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region at Bayer, where he played a key role in driving medical excellence strategies and initiatives.

Before joining Bayer, Andreas worked as a Deputy Director of Global MSL Excellence, where he contributed to the development and implementation of global medical science liaison (MSL) strategies. He also gained experience as a Strategy Consultant at Accenture, specializing in research and development process optimization, project management, and change management.

Andreas holds a postdoctoral fellowship from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he conducted biomedical research. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong background in scientific communication, thought leader management, and project management.

Markus Kropf, Global Head, Alliance Management Healthcare, Merck

Markus Kropf is a seasoned executive with over 21 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Currently, he serves as the Global Head of Alliance Management at Merck Healthcare, where he is responsible for managing strategic partnerships and collaborations. Prior to this role, Markus held various leadership positions at Merck, including Chief Business Officer for Healthcare New Businesses, Global Head of Strategy & Operations for General Medicine & Endocrinology, and Global Head of New Franchises & Immunology.

Markus also brings extensive experience in the oncology field, having served as the Head of Oncology Commercial Europe for ten years. He has a strong background in commercial strategy, operations, and general management. Additionally, Markus has a background in consulting, having worked as a Project Manager at Strategy& (part of the PwC network).

Before joining Merck, Markus worked as a Finance Manager at Procter & Gamble. His diverse background in finance, strategy, and management has contributed to his success in leading and driving growth in the healthcare industry.

Cristiana Calderelli, VP, International Omnichannel Customer Engagement, Lilly

Cristiana Caldarelli is a highly accomplished senior leader with a diverse background in driving business performance and implementing process changes. Currently serving as the Vice President of International Omnichannel Customer Engagement at Eli Lilly and Company, Cristiana has a proven track record of success in sales and marketing. She is skilled in strategic thinking, developing innovative solutions, and building effective executive relationships across different cultures.

Cristiana's specialties include strategy and business plan development, multi-channel marketing, organizational change management, business process design and improvement using Lean Six Sigma, and inspiring and motivating teams. She is also experienced in IT service management and project management.

Throughout her career, Cristiana has held various leadership roles at Eli Lilly and Company, including Associate VP of International Omnichannel Customer Engagement and International Commercial Transformation and Operations Senior Director. She has been responsible for developing and executing key marketing and sales capabilities at the international level, leading customer analytics initiatives, driving digital marketing strategies, and overseeing European marketing and business unit operations.

Cristiana's passion for driving organizational transformation and delivering exceptional customer experiences has been evident throughout her career. She has a strong focus on achieving measurable results and has received industry recognition for her contributions, including an award for the best organizational transformation project.

Cyril Mandry, Senior Director Global Digital Marketing & Omnichannel Customer Engagement - Pharmaceuticals, Merck

Cyril Mandry is a senior marketing director with a strong track record of success in leading global digital marketing and omnichannel strategies. With over 20 years of experience in blue-chip companies such as Unilever, MSD, Coca-Cola, and Pernod Ricard, Cyril brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

Known for his strategic and energizing leadership style, Cyril has a proven ability to grow business units and brands while driving digital transformation and change management. He excels in identifying new business opportunities and developing omnichannel communication strategies to achieve P&L targets. His experience spans various industries, including pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, and wine & spirits.

Currently serving as the Senior Director Global Digital Marketing & Omnichannel Customer Engagement at MSD, Cyril is based in Switzerland. In this role, he plays a key role in shaping the company's global digital marketing initiatives. He possesses significant expertise in digital transformation, omnichannel marketing, data and analytics, customer experience design, new product launches, and social media.

Prior to joining MSD, Cyril held senior positions at renowned companies such as Unilever, Coca-Cola, and Pernod Ricard. At Unilever, he served as the Business Unit Lead & Marketing Controller for Europe, where he was responsible for the sauces and condiments portfolio. Cyril successfully led the division's growth efforts, achieving strong topline growth and market leadership. He developed regional portfolio strategies, brand plans, and executed innovative product launches, resulting in market-leading innovations and effective communication campaigns.

During his tenure at Coca-Cola, Cyril held the position of Senior Brand Manager in the UK, where he led the successful turnaround of the Lipton tea & ice tea brand. He revamped the brand's strategy, repositioning it as "healthy refreshment" and delivering double-digit value growth year after year. Cyril developed new ad campaigns, media plans, and spearheaded brand activations such as the "Refreshing London" experience, combining outdoor office spaces with digital elements.

At Pernod Ricard, Cyril served as a Global Brand Manager for Malt Whiskies, overseeing brand equity, strategy, marketing mix, and communication for renowned brands such as The Glenlivet and Glen Grant. His leadership resulted in double-digit growth, successful brand relaunches, and the development of impactful global communication campaigns.

With 15 years of European and global marketing experience, Cyril Mandry has cultivated a strong international exposure. His skills include marketing strategy, team management, cross-functional team leadership, digital marketing, international marketing, integrated marketing, data analytics, customer experience, and team leadership. Cyril continues to make a significant impact in the digital marketing landscape, driving business growth and delivering exceptional results in today's rapidly evolving business environment.

Chad Stewart, Senior Director Culture & Integration, Astellas

Chad Stewart is an experienced professional with expertise in innovating healthcare strategy and culture to improve people's lives and well-being. With a focus on evolving business strategy, people strategy, leaders, and organizational ecosystems, Chad brings specialized skills in human capital strategy and management, strategic organization development, talent management and development, sustainable corporate strategy, and HR evolution.

Currently serving as the Senior Director of Culture & Integration at Astellas Pharma in Tokyo, Japan, Chad is responsible for driving culture and integration initiatives within the organization. His previous roles include Director of Talent, Performance & Change Management - International Markets, Associate Director of Talent Management, Performance Management & Change, and Associate Director of HR, among others. Throughout his career, Chad has demonstrated his ability to co-create talent management models, lead organizational development projects, and develop strategies for leadership and organization development.

Chad's passion for sustainable corporate strategy and his expertise in CSV/SDG/ESG projects contribute to his success in driving positive change within organizations. He is skilled in designing and delivering leadership development programs, facilitating post-merger cultural integration, and enhancing executive and organizational performance through OD initiatives.

With his diverse background and experience in both the healthcare industry and consulting, Chad Stewart continues to make significant contributions to improving healthcare strategy and creating positive organizational cultures that prioritize the well-being of individuals.

Heléna Bargiel, I2I G2M Operational Excellence Lead EU, UCB

Experienced Leader in Business Transformation, Sustainability, and Commercial Excellence

Heléna Bargiel is a results-driven leader with a passion for sustainability and a track record of driving business growth and transformation. With a career spanning over a decade, Heléna has successfully led international teams and implemented innovative projects in various markets.

Throughout her career, Heléna has been recognized for her ability to increase sales and secure approval by changing employees' mindsets. She has achieved impressive sales growth ranging from 53% to 250% and has successfully rolled out sustainable business solutions in 27 countries. Her leadership has extended to three regions and over 40 markets, where she consistently challenges the "not invented here" mindset to drive success.

Heléna is known for her expertise in transforming organizations by changing work processes, building new teams, and implementing new technologies. She has a proven track record of increasing quality for customers through the design and rollout of employee performance programs in various regions, including China, Russia, Brazil, and Egypt. By leveraging data insights and business intelligence, she has streamlined cross-functional operations and driven sales growth by changing employees' mindsets.

In her previous roles, Heléna has served in key leadership positions at companies such as UCB and LEO Pharma. At UCB, she currently holds the position of I2I G2M Operational Excellence Lead EU, where she focuses on digital transformation, new ways of working, and launches. At LEO Pharma, she served as the Head of Commercial Excellence for the International region, leading initiatives related to business intelligence, global performance programs, and due diligence. Her strategic leadership and commitment to excellence have resulted in significant achievements, including increased sales, improved profitability, and the establishment of a business intelligence mindset.

As a recognized industry expert, Heléna has been invited to speak and participate in panel discussions at prestigious events such as OEB Berlin, the 70:20:10 Summit in Eindhoven, and the Digital Pharma Conference in London. She has shared her insights on topics such as value-based learning and development, the strategic role of learning and development, and the future of sales representatives in the pharmaceutical industry.

Heléna's passion for mentorship and guiding others is evident in her ongoing role as a mentor and sounding board for numerous former employees. She has built a reputation for taking innovative projects and teams from concept development to sustainable business in local markets.

With a strong focus on market and sales strategy, leadership, and achieving exceptional results, Heléna Bargiel continues to make a significant impact in driving business growth, implementing sustainability practices, and leading successful transformations in international organizations.

Carole Scrafton, Patient Advocate and CEO & Co-Founder, Fibroflutters

Carole Scrafton is the Director and Co-Founder of Flutters & Strutters, also known as FibroFlutters / ZebraStrutters, a patient advocacy organization and online community support network. She has been actively involved in patient advocacy and health support for over nine years. Carole is dedicated to raising awareness about chronic, invisible, and rare illnesses like fibromyalgia, chronic pain, EDS/Hypermobility, mental health, and chronic fatigue/ME. She has transformed FibroFlutters into a comprehensive social media network and chronic illness portal, providing information, support, advice, and news from various sectors of the medical healthcare industry. Carole is passionate about promoting patient engagement, collaborating with pharmaceutical companies, and driving a patient-focused culture in healthcare. She has served as a Patient Ambassador for PatientsLikeMe and a Patient Expert for WEGO Health. Carole has also contributed to research projects and initiatives related to patient engagement, medicines development, and clinical trials. With her extensive experience and expertise, she continues to advocate for patients, inspire others, and raise awareness for better treatment options and research opportunities.

Thilo Kölzer, CEO, Antwerpes

Thilo Kölzer is a highly accomplished and influential figure in the realm of digital healthcare marketing. With an impressive 21-year track record in the industry, Thilo has been at the forefront of digital transformation, witnessing its evolution since the early days of the internet.

Currently serving as the CEO of antwerpes ag, a leading full-service communications agency specializing in healthcare and pharma marketing, Thilo is a driving force behind innovative strategies that enhance the digital presence of brands and healthcare organizations. With a focus on creating digital ecosystems and delivering seamless communication and marketing experiences, Thilo is dedicated to leveraging the power of technology to transform the healthcare landscape.

Thilo possesses a diverse range of skills, including forward thinking, digital strategy, medical advertising, user experience, advertising, and search engine marketing. His deep expertise and holistic approach enable him to navigate the complexities of the digital realm with confidence and precision.

Beyond his role at antwerpes ag, Thilo also serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of DocCheck AG, where he oversees the service business of the corporate group. Additionally, as a member of the Supervisory Board of DocCheck Guano AG, Thilo actively explores new and promising business models in the healthcare sector.

Thilo's passion for driving digital transformation is evident through his active involvement in industry events and workshops. He has hosted notable events like MESH Mission, a design thinking workshop for the pharma industry, and moderated discussions on the benefits of digitalization for patients. Thilo's engaging and collaborative approach has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the healthcare marketing arena.

Deirdre BeVard, SVP, R&D Strategic Operations, CSL Behring

Deirdre BeVard is a highly accomplished and solution-oriented professional in the field of strategic operations, particularly within the realm of research and development (R&D) in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of R&D Strategic Operations at CSL Behring, Deirdre is dedicated to optimizing the way new medicines are developed while prioritizing the patient experience.

With over 4 years of experience at CSL Behring, Deirdre has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that enhance collaboration and operational efficiency within the R&D process. Her expertise lies in clinical development operations, clinical trial management, data management, clinical outsourcing, and clinical document control. By leveraging advanced healthcare informatics and fostering strong partnerships, Deirdre aims to increase patient access to clinical trials, ultimately accelerating the development of new therapies and benefiting patients worldwide.

Deirdre's visionary leadership and strategic mindset have made her a key contributor to the success of organizations in the pharmaceutical industry. Her strong focus on patient-centric approaches and her commitment to streamlining operations have made a significant impact on the development of new medicines. With her extensive experience and expertise, Deirdre continues to drive the industry forward, creating a more efficient and patient-focused landscape for R&D in the pharmaceutical sector.

Emma Booth, Executive Director, R&D Strategy & Operations, Amgen

Emma Booth is a professional with a strong focus on transforming research and development (R&D) through the Human Data Initiative. She is known for being trustworthy, balanced, and solution-focused, with the ability to thrive in a constantly changing environment. Emma excels in team development, skills building, and organizational design and implementation, emphasizing a people-focused approach. With extensive experience in systems design, technological solutions, and process development, she is a collaborative cross-functional partner, working closely with teams in commercial, value and access, legal, compliance, HR, and IS.

Currently, Emma holds the position of Executive Director Global Business Process and Insights Lead, R&D Strategy and Operations at Amgen. In this role, she leverages her broad experience in brand planning, medical affairs activities and tactics, and development of commercial materials to drive efficiency and optimize operations. She is skilled at managing and connecting multiple global and regional initiatives, ensuring smooth rollouts and minimizing disruption.

Emma's career at Amgen spans over 15 years, during which she has held various leadership positions, including Director and Head of EU Medical Capabilities and European Medical Head of Strategy and Operations. She has successfully integrated the medical capabilities of acquired companies and led strategic initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness. Emma has also played a crucial role in scientific publications, serving as a Senior Medical Writer and Scientific Publications Manager.

With her wealth of experience and expertise, Emma Booth is making a significant impact on the R&D landscape, driving innovation and optimizing processes through the Human Data Initiative. Her collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and ability to navigate complex environments make her a valuable asset in transforming the way R&D is conducted and delivering impactful healthcare solutions.

Susie Barnes, VP, Global Medical Affairs, GSK

Susie Barnes is a seasoned professional in the field of medical affairs, specializing in specialty care. Currently, she holds the position of Vice President, Global Medical Affairs, and Head of Specialty Care at GSK. With extensive experience spanning over 8 years at GSK, Susie has made significant contributions to the organization.

Susie's career journey at GSK has seen her take on leadership roles across different countries. She served as the VP and Country Medical Director in Japan, where she was responsible for leading the development and execution of medical strategies. In Canada, she held the position of Vice President and Country Medical Director, overseeing medical affairs activities and providing strategic direction.

Prior to joining GSK, Susie worked at Servier, where she held the role of Director of Medical Affairs. Her responsibilities included developing and implementing medical strategies and managing medical affairs operations.

With her extensive experience in medical affairs, Susie Barnes is a trusted leader who brings valuable expertise in specialty care to GSK. Her strategic mindset, leadership skills, and deep understanding of the healthcare industry contribute to the success of medical affairs initiatives. Susie's passion for improving patient outcomes and her ability to collaborate cross-functionally make her an asset in the field of medical affairs.

Patrick Markt-Niederreiter, VP, Digital Excellence, Daiichi Sankyo

Patrick Markt-Niederreiter is a strategic professional with a passion for customer experience, digital innovation, and agile transformation. Currently serving as the Vice President of Digital Excellence at Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH, Patrick is dedicated to driving seamless and convenient end-to-end customer experiences for medical doctors and patients.

Throughout his career, Patrick has led various strategic initiatives to enhance customer engagement and improve business performance. He has successfully established partnerships and digital innovation hubs, fostering solution selling and advancing digital transformation within the organization. Patrick's expertise in advanced analytics, data governance, and omnichannel marketing has enabled him to drive customer segmentation, optimize call plans, and deliver bespoke, on-demand content.

In previous roles, Patrick has held leadership positions in strategic and commercial excellence, as well as market insights and business analytics. He has provided holistic support to senior management, developed forecasting models, conducted market research, and facilitated risk analysis.

Patrick's commitment to customer-centricity, digital innovation, and organizational development make him a valuable asset in driving growth and transformation within the pharmaceutical industry. His extensive experience and expertise in customer engagement and digital strategy position him as a trusted leader in advancing the healthcare landscape.

Mostafa Taha, VP, Head of Global Business Transformation, Merck

Mostafa Taha is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in strategic leadership. As the Vice President and Head of Global Business Transformation at Merck Healthcare, Mostafa is responsible for driving excellence, innovation, and transformation initiatives.

Throughout his career, Mostafa has held various leadership positions, including Chief Transformation Lead, Global Head of Business Analytics & Solutions, and Director of Insights & Analytics for the EMEA region. He has successfully led strategic insights, business analytics, and forecasting efforts across Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Mostafa's expertise in oncology and his experience as a product manager have allowed him to make valuable contributions to the pharmaceutical industry.

Prior to his roles at Merck, Mostafa worked at Roche and GlaxoSmithKline, gaining experience in product management, project management, and medical representation. His diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and the ability to drive transformative change.

With his strong track record in business transformation and his focus on driving innovation and excellence, Mostafa is a trusted leader in the field, making significant contributions to global business growth and success.

Stefan König, CEO, Merz Therapeutics

Stefan König is an accomplished global healthcare leader with extensive expertise in biologics, immunology, specialty care markets, business strategy, and P&L management. Currently serving as the CEO of Merz Therapeutics, Stefan is passionate about building patient-centered organizations. He has a proven track record of leading global, clinical-stage drug development and business development initiatives, including company acquisitions.

Prior to his role at Merz Therapeutics, Stefan served as the Chief Executive Officer of George Medicines, a late-stage drug development company focused on improving the management of non-communicable diseases. He led the company through clinical phase III development of their lead candidate for high blood pressure treatment.

Stefan also held various leadership positions at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, including Vice President and General Manager of the Global IBD franchise, where he propelled the franchise to become a blockbuster. He successfully established global asset strategies, executed global intellectual property and manufacturing strategies, and led cross-functional teams across R&D, Medical Affairs, and Commercial functions.

Before Takeda, Stefan served as the General Manager of Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Austria and the Region Head for the Alpe-Adria cluster. He led the post-merger integration and transformed the business into an agile specialty care provider.

Throughout his career, Stefan has demonstrated a strong ability to combine deep analytics and insights with inspiring leadership. He has a track record of driving innovation, establishing organizational capabilities, and delivering sustained growth. With his strategic mindset and leadership skills, Stefan continues to make significant contributions to the global healthcare industry.

Maja Beilmann-Schramm, Director Global Field Medical Excellence & HCP Exchange, Merck

Maja Beilmann-Schramm is a dedicated professional specializing in medical science liaison (MSL) roles. She is the first and only mentor and advisor for MSLs in the German-speaking world, offering programs designed specifically for MSLs and MSL managers through her company MSL-Excellence.de. Her mentoring services aim to help MSLs excel in their roles, gain clarity on their responsibilities, understand the needs of physicians and colleagues, and achieve their goals more efficiently.

Currently, Maja holds a significant role at Merck KGaA in Darmstadt, Germany, as the Director of Global Field Medical Excellence & HCP Exchange. She is responsible for leading the global field medical excellence initiatives and facilitating exchanges between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the company. Prior to this, she served as the Director of Global MSL Excellence at Merck.

Maja has also gained experience in the pharmaceutical industry through positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb and Shire Pharmaceuticals. Her diverse background includes roles such as Lead Medical Science Manager in Oncology, Director of Medical Scientific Strategy in Global Medical Affairs, and International Medical Science Liaison.

With over a decade of experience, Maja has developed a deep understanding of the MSL role and has contributed to the advancement of medical scientific strategies and field excellence. Through her mentorship and advisory services, she continues to support MSLs in their professional development, helping them navigate the agile pharmaceutical environment and achieve success in their careers.

Goran Martinovic, Global Medical Affairs Head of Innovation Hub, Boehringer Ingelheim

Dr. Goran Martinovic is a seasoned professional with extensive experience across pharma. He currently holds the position of Global Medical Affairs Head of the Innovation Hub at Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, based in Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany. In this role, he leads the innovation hub within the Global Medical Affairs department, driving initiatives to foster innovation and advance medical affairs practices.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Martinovic held various positions at Boehringer Ingelheim, including Regional Head of Medical Affairs in Vienna, Austria, and Head of Medical Affairs in Bracknell, UK. He has also worked as a Clinical Research Manager at Merck and a Medical Scientific Liaison at UCB Pharma, gaining experience in clinical research, medical information, and scientific liaison.

With a background in both sales and the medical field, Dr. Martinovic brings a wealth of expertise to his roles. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing medical affairs practices, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry.

Jennifer Villagarcia, Global Medical Affairs, Vaccines, Sanofi

Jennifer Villagarcia is an experienced professional in Global Medical Content and Engagement Strategies with a passion for communicating science. With over 20 years of international experience in the vaccines industry, she currently serves as the Global Medical Engagement Strategy and Content Lead at Sanofi, based in Lyon, France.

In her current role, Jennifer leads a team responsible for developing engaging medical content for vaccines. With the pandemic highlighting the importance of infectious disease protection, her team's work carries a strong purpose. She excels in people management and prioritizes team growth and development.

Jennifer has a BSc and an MBA, which she leverages to implement innovative communication solutions in today's fast-paced and information-heavy world. Working in an international and multicultural environment at Sanofi Global, she values diversity and the diverse ideas that it brings.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has held various leadership positions, including Global Marketing, Director of Pediatric Vaccine Marketing, Director of Japan Office, and Global Brand Manager for Rabies and New Technologies. She has successfully led transversal projects, managed global launch activities, and developed strategies for market expansion.

Jennifer's skills encompass team leadership, strategic communications, social media marketing, immunization, content development, storytelling, project management, and transversal management. She is known for her ability to adhere to strategies, effectively communicate, and drive business success.

Andrew Binns, Head of Digital and Innovation, AstraZeneca

Andrew Binns is a senior commercial-minded strategist with a strong background in sales, design, marketing, and account management. He has a proven track record of success in creating marketing campaigns that drive brand development, market expansion, and profitability for clients. With excellent communication skills and an intuitive approach, Andrew is adept at building and maintaining relationships with clients, partners, and business associates. He has led sales and marketing teams to achieve exceptional results in complex and highly competitive markets.

As a creative strategist, Andrew is a strong advocate for utilizing behavior change frameworks to create impactful campaigns that are tangible, contextual, empathetic, and activating. He stays at the forefront of the marketing sector as a Board Member for the Chartered Institute of Marketing, where he remains up-to-date with the latest techniques and developments, particularly in digital marketing.

Currently, Andrew holds the position of Head of Digital and Innovation at AstraZeneca. He was previously a Marketing Strategy Consultant on a freelance basis, bringing his expertise to various industries such as retail, sports, tourism, public sector, and healthcare. Throughout his career, Andrew has developed skills in segmentation and behavior change, marketing and campaign planning, digital transformation, content creation, and pitch and bid development.

Jonas Cosendai, Commercial Head Switzerland, Sanofi

Jonas Cosendai is an experienced and results-oriented professional with a deep understanding and knowledge of the healthcare systems and businesses, particularly in Switzerland and Austria. He has a strong track record of driving teams and motivating individuals to challenge themselves and achieve success. With a background in sales, marketing, and commercial leadership, Jonas has successfully led various roles within the healthcare industry.

Currently, Jonas holds the position of Commercial Head Switzerland General Medicines at Sanofi. In this role, he is responsible for the sales, marketing, digital, and data orchestration of the Swiss affiliate. He is focused on redefining the commercial organization to better serve customers and patients in the fields of Cardiolipids and Diabetes.

Prior to his current role, Jonas served as the Commercial Lead Switzerland Diabetes and National Sales Manager Cardiolipids at Sanofi. He successfully led the Swiss commercial structure, coached sales teams, and achieved outstanding results in product launches and sales performance.

Jonas has also held positions at Unilabs as the Marketing & Communication Manager CH and as a Product Manager in specialties such as genetics and IVF. Furthermore, he has experience as a franchisee and company owner, as well as in sales and marketing management roles at Johnson & Johnson.

With his strong leadership skills, strategic mindset, and focus on results, Jonas is able to drive teams and navigate complex healthcare markets to achieve growth and success.

Christoph Koenen, Head of Clinical Development and Operations, Bayer

Christoph Koenen is a proven leader with over 25 years of pharmaceutical experience. He combines scientific innovation with a strategic approach to business development, regulatory navigation, and global patient access solutions. Throughout his career, Christoph has been driven by the impact on patients' lives and has found reward in working with diverse, talented teams to achieve better health worldwide.

Currently, Christoph holds the position of Head of Clinical Development and Operations at Bayer. In this role, he oversees the clinical development and operations, contributing to the advancement of innovative treatments. Prior to Bayer, he served as the Executive Vice President-Chief Medical Officer at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.), where he played a key role in shaping the medical strategy and driving successful clinical programs.

Christoph has also held senior leadership positions at Bristol Myers Squibb and Novo Nordisk, where he led cardiovascular development and medical affairs teams, contributing to the development and launch of important therapies. His experience spans various therapeutic areas and includes strategic leadership, global development planning, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

With his extensive experience and strategic mindset, Christoph has made significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, driving innovation, and improving patient outcomes.

Charlie Hopkins, Director, Commercial Excellence, Strategy & Innovation, GSK

Experienced Commercial Excellence Director

Charlie Hopkins is an accomplished professional with a strong background in commercial excellence and business strategy. With a proven track record of delivering results, Charlie has successfully led teams and implemented strategies to drive business growth and improve operational efficiency.

Currently, Charlie holds the position of Director of Commercial Excellence at GSK, where she is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to enhance commercial performance and effectiveness. Her expertise in optimizing business processes, market analysis, and strategic planning has been instrumental in driving GSK's success.

Prior to joining GSK, Charlie served as a Principal at Kx Advisors, a Kaiser Associates partner company. In this role, she provided strategic consulting services to clients in the healthcare industry, leveraging her deep industry knowledge and analytical skills to drive strategic decision-making and value creation.

Charlie's experience also includes working at IQVIA, a leading global healthcare data and analytics company. During her time at IQVIA, she held the positions of Global Product Manager for SMART and FlexView Business Intelligence platforms, as well as Associate Director of Commercial Technology & Services. In these roles, she led the development and launch of innovative business intelligence platforms and provided strategic guidance to help clients optimize their commercial operations.

Before joining IQVIA, Charlie worked as a Senior Consultant at IMS Health, where she provided insights and analytics solutions to healthcare organizations. Her expertise in market research and data analysis played a key role in helping clients make informed business decisions.

Charlie began her career at PwC Australia, where she worked as a Manager, specializing in healthcare consulting. Her role involved advising clients on business strategy, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Throughout her career, Charlie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, analytical acumen, and a strong commitment to driving commercial excellence. She has a proven ability to navigate complex business challenges and deliver innovative solutions that generate measurable results.

Charlie holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from a reputable institution and has continually enhanced her skills through professional development programs. She is recognized for her strategic mindset, customer focus, and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

With her extensive experience in commercial excellence and a deep understanding of the healthcare industry, Charlie Hopkins continues to make a significant impact on organizations, helping them optimize their commercial operations and achieve sustainable growth.

Drew Macgregor, Vice President, Head of Medical Affairs Excellence & Sustainability, Bayer

Drew Macgregor is a highly accomplished leader with over 20 years’ experience in pharma, medical affairs and research. With strong experience in local, regional and global roles, Drew has consistently demonstrated strategic thinking, innovative problem-solving, and a commitment to excellence.

Currently, Drew holds the position of Vice President, Global Head of Medical Affairs Excellence & Sustainability at Bayer. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to enhance medical affairs effectiveness and drive sustainability within the organization.

Prior to his current position, Drew served as Vice President, Head of Global Medical Affairs Strategy & Operational Excellence, Pulmonology and Established Products at Bayer, where he played a pivotal role in developing and executing global medical affairs strategies.

Drew's experience also includes working at B-MS and GSK, starting in the industry as a Medical Science Liaison and growing into roles with increasing leadership responsibilities at local and regional level.

Drew holds a D.Phil in Cardiac Pharmacology and Masters degree in Physiological Sciences from Oxford University and has continually pursued professional development opportunities to enhance his skills and knowledge. He is recognized for his strong leadership capabilities, deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and dedication to driving excellence in medical affairs.

Lutz Bonacker, SVP and General Manager, Commercial Operations Europe, CSL Behring

Experienced Commercial Operations Leader

Lutz Bonacker is a seasoned executive with an impressive career spanning over 17 years in the pharmaceutical industry. With a strong focus on commercial operations, Lutz has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive business growth, lead high-performing teams, and deliver results.

Currently, Lutz holds the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Operations Europe at CSL Behring. In this role, he oversees the commercial operations across Europe, driving the company's growth strategy and ensuring the successful execution of business plans. Lutz's strategic vision, market insights, and leadership have played a pivotal role in expanding CSL Behring's presence and driving revenue growth in the European market.

Prior to joining CSL Behring, Lutz held the position of Vice President and General Manager Western Europe, Commercial Operations. In this role, he was responsible for leading the commercial operations in Western Europe, overseeing sales, marketing, and market access activities. Lutz's strong business acumen and customer-centric approach contributed to the success of the region and the achievement of commercial objectives.

Lutz has also held significant leadership roles at ratiopharm, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Roche. At ratiopharm, he served as the Managing Director of ratiopharm direct, where he successfully led the business operations and drove sales growth. During his tenure at Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lutz held the position of Business Unit Director Specialty Care, where he was responsible for managing the specialty care portfolio and driving market share growth. At Roche, he served as a Product Manager, gaining valuable experience in product management and strategic marketing.

Throughout his career, Lutz has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. He is known for his ability to build high-performing teams, foster a culture of innovation, and drive operational excellence.

Lutz holds a degree in business administration and has continuously pursued professional development opportunities to enhance his skills and knowledge. He is recognized for his strong business acumen, customer focus, and track record of delivering sustainable business growth.

With his extensive experience and proven leadership, Lutz Bonacker continues to make significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, driving commercial success, and ensuring the delivery of innovative healthcare solutions to patients across Europe.

José Ma. (Chema) Guido Avila, Global Patient Experience Lead, Respiratory, Sanofi

Experienced Pharmaceutical Executive | Customer Engagement Transformation | Marketing Strategist

José Ma. (Chema) Guido Avila is a highly accomplished executive with over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. His expertise spans various therapeutic areas, including Oncology, Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis, and Consumer Healthcare. Chema has a strong background in marketing, digital marketing, customer engagement, market research, and sales effectiveness.

Currently, Chema holds the position of Global Dupixent Patient Experience Lead Respiratory at Sanofi, where he spearheads initiatives to enhance the patient experience and drive positive outcomes in respiratory care. Prior to this, he served as the Customer Engagement Transformation Lead, driving the transformation of HCP engagement in the evolving healthcare landscape. Chema's strategic leadership and agile approach have contributed to his recognition as a finalist in the Reuters EU Pharma Awards 2020 for the Most Promising Agile Transformation.

Chema's industry experience also includes roles at Boehringer Ingelheim and Novartis. At Boehringer Ingelheim, he served as the International Digital Manager and International Product Manager in the Oncology division, where he led digital marketing efforts and contributed to the launch of new products. At Novartis, Chema held several positions, including Communication Manager for Gilenya and Oncology Business Intelligence Coordinator. In these roles, he demonstrated his ability to develop impactful marketing campaigns, coordinate brand events, and utilize market research to drive business growth.

Throughout his career, Chema has been recognized for his achievements, including winning the 2nd prize in the 2011 LatAm Best Practice Award for the establishment of a Business Intelligence measurement system. He is known for his ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, driving collaboration and achieving exceptional results.

Chema holds a strong passion for transforming healthcare through innovative strategies and technologies. He is committed to becoming an inspirational leader at the forefront of HCP engagement in the new normal. With his diverse skill set, industry knowledge, and track record of success, Chema Guido Avila continues to make significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry, driving customer engagement, and improving patient outcomes.

Kate Bradford, Head of Launch & Field Excellence, Medical International & Japan, Alexion

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Jayne Gershkowitz, Chief Patient Advocate, Amicus Therapeutics

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Adela Schulz, Rheumatology Strategy & Ops Omnichannel Lead,

Adela is a result oriented, dynamic change leader with 10+ years’ experience in driving strategic cross-functional and cross-divisional programs at cross country level with demonstrated ROI. She has a proven record of deploying and driving adoption to new forms of engagement / business models/ data driven decision making. She is skilled in establishing rapport, credibility and influence in highly matrixed structures, facilitating change management and internal and external stakeholder engagement. Adela has a can-do, entrepreneurial mentality combined with an analytical, consultative approach. She is Six Sigma Green Belt certified as well as a professional Scrum Master and Scrum Product Owner certified.

Michael Vorbrink, Chief Branding Officer, antwerpes

Michael Vorbrink has been with antwerpes ag since September 2014 and has retained his unbiased view of the industry: back then, he created a booklet entitled "So You Think You Have a Pharma Brand" and noted down his observations on pharmaceutical marketing there.

His motto is: Always exploring. Never established.

He sees supposed boundaries as opportunities. And he has always had the courage to push the boundary lines. Under his aegis, a number of outstanding healthcare campaigns have emerged, drawing on his experience working with T-Mobile, Nestea and iconic brand Braun.

He holds the position of Chief Branding Officer and is a lecturer in brand management at the Rheinische Fachhochschule in Cologne, Germany, and his contributions aim to show the scope for healthcare brands.

Alex Artyomenko, Global Patient Affairs Director, Rare Diseases, Ipsen

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Caoimhe Vallely-Gilroy, Director, Strategy, DayOne Basel Area

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Erasmus Holm, Director, Pharma & Commercial Operations, MSD

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Haider Alleg, General Partner, Allegory Capital

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Jessica Shull, Director of Digital Therapeutics, Vicore Pharma

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Kevin Dolgin, Co-Founder, Observia

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Lorna Pender, Global Patient Engagement Lead, Clinigen

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Richard Habis, Chairman, Ashemadrid

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Rina Newton, Co-Founder, Code Clarity UK

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Robert Hite, Director of Business Development, Aptar Digital Health

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Sjaak Vink, Founder, Everyone.org

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Tamara Hussong Milagre, President, EVITA

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Teresa Ferreiro, Founder & CEO, Soul Reconnect

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