Georg Schroeckenfuchs: Leading Innovation and Excellence in Global Healthcare

Effective leadership in healthcare is characterized by a dedication to enhancing access to medicines, fostering talent development and driving commercial excellence. It is the passion for making a meaningful impact on patients’ lives and the focus on collaborative growth that continues to shape the future of healthcare.

One such influential figure shaping the Middle East healthcare sector is Georg Schroeckenfuchs, Head of the Gulf & Saudi Country Group at Novartis. His distinguished career includes serving as President & Head of the MEA Cluster before its division into two regions. His tenure in Italy, Greece, Poland & the Baltic countries, Slovenia, and Austria further underscores his extensive experience and strategic acumen in navigating diverse markets and leading transformative initiatives.

Schroeckenfuchs’s passion is reflected in his efforts to enhance treatment access and quality of life for patients. He is equally motivated by witnessing the growth and development of his colleagues, finding inspiration in their achievements and progress.

In his current role, Schroeckenfuchs focuses on several strategic areas: driving commercial excellence, advancing external affairs, and promoting leadership and talent development. His work involves transforming the healthcare ecosystem in the GCC, building local capabilities, and engaging in innovative partnerships to improve healthcare access and delivery.

Schroeckenfuchs’s dedication to advancing healthcare in the Middle East is complemented by his personal interests, including spending quality time with his family and staying informed through podcasts. His forward-looking strategy includes a commitment to early access to innovative treatments, public-private partnerships, and talent development, all aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare delivery in the region.

Indulge into his story for valuable insights on efficacious healthcare leadership!

Background and Professional Journey

Georg Schroeckenfuchs currently heads the Gulf & Saudi Country Group at Novartis, also known as the GCC. Previously, he served as the President & Head of the MEA Cluster before it was divided into two regions.

Before his transition to the MEA region in 2018, he was the CPO Head and Country President of Italy for four years, where he successfully led the portfolio transformation and reinforced the company’s leading position in the pharmaceutical sector. From 2012 to 2013, he served as the CPO Head and Country President for Greece, where, together with his team, he navigated the company through the financial crisis while maintaining its leadership position.

In the years prior, Schroeckenfuchs held roles such as CPO Head and Country President for Poland and the Baltic Countries (2011-2012), General Manager for Slovenia and Head of regional office Ljubljana (2008-2010), and Head of Sales for Austria (2007-2008). He began his career with Novartis in 2001 as Head of General Medicine, Austria.

Before joining Novartis, he was the Marketing Director and a member of the Management Board at GSK Austria, and earlier, he led the Neurology and Respiratory Business Unit. Schroeckenfuchs holds a Degree in Marketing and Sales from Vienna University of Economics and Business, obtained in 1994.

A Career Driven by Purpose

What attracted Schroeckenfuchs to the pharmaceutical industry was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Throughout his 22-year career with the company, one of his primary sources of motivation has been being part of a process that ensures patients have access to the treatments they need. Witnessing the improvement in patients’ quality of life as a result of the team’s efforts provides him with a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. The collective drive to find the right solutions so that patients receive their medication continues to inspire him.

Another significant source of inspiration for Schroeckenfuchs has been observing the growth and development of his colleagues. Watching them acquire new skills, overcome challenges, and reach both personal and professional milestones constantly reminds him of the positive impact their joint efforts create. This observation serves as a powerful motivator and fuels his ongoing engagement in the workplace.

Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas

In his current role, Schroeckenfuchs, along with his team, focuses on several key responsibilities and strategic areas:

1. Commercial Excellence: The emphasis is on driving performance and growth for key brands and the company overall.
2. External Affairs: Schroeckenfuchs’ team plays a critical role in fast-tracking registrations across the GCC region. They are actively involved in transforming the healthcare ecosystem to support economic diversification, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and exploring public-private partnership opportunities.
3. Leadership & Talent: Maintaining a strong organizational culture and high employee engagement is a priority. The team is dedicated to talent development, offering growth opportunities and new experiences through initiatives like GCC rotations. They are committed to gender diversity, particularly in empowering women in leadership roles. Additionally, the team supports localization programs to align with the demographics of GCC countries and engages in strategic workforce planning for the future.

These focus areas underscore their dedication to excellence, growth, stakeholder relationships, talent development, diversity, and future readiness.

Transformative Initiatives in the Middle East

Schroeckenfuchs highlights several ways in which Novartis engages in collaboration:

1. Partnership with Governments: Novartis closely collaborates with governments to align strategies and support healthcare reforms. This involves sharing expertise, shaping policies, and contributing to the development of healthcare ecosystems.
2. Capability Building and Training: Novartis invests in building local capabilities by offering training programs and educational initiatives for healthcare professionals. These efforts focus on enhancing skills and knowledge in areas such as disease management, healthcare delivery, and patient care.
3. Access Initiatives: Novartis works with stakeholders to improve access to innovative medicines and therapies such as supporting reimbursement pathways.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Novartis actively engages in public-private partnerships to tackle healthcare challenges. By collaborating with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders, Novartis aims to develop and scale initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
5. Health Technology Collaborations: Novartis partners with governments and tech innovators to leverage digital and health technology solutions. Initiatives such as telemedicine, electronic medical records, and mobile health apps are designed to improve healthcare delivery and access for patients.
6. Research and Development Collaborations: Novartis collaborates with academic institutions, research centers, and healthcare providers in the Middle East to advance scientific knowledge and develop region-specific research initiatives. These partnerships help address the unique healthcare needs of the local population.
7. Nationalization Program: Novartis is a pioneer in developing and supporting local talent through nationalization programs across the GCC, embracing and promoting local workforce development.

These collaborative efforts underscore Novartis’ commitment to improving access, quality, and affordability of healthcare, ultimately benefiting patients in the region.

How is Novartis Driving Innovation in the Middle East?

Clinical trials: Novartis conducts clinical trials in collaboration with healthcare institutions and research centers in the Middle East. These trials are designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel therapies and interventions, addressing specific medical needs and enabling patients in the region to access innovative treatments.

In clinical trials: By integrating AI and machine learning algorithms, Novartis is conducting breast cancer research aimed at quantifying the annual recurrence risk, identifying the patterns and types of recurrences, and ultimately stratifying patient risk to provide individualized treatment in a timely manner.

Digital health initiatives: Novartis embraces digital health technologies to enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. For instance, telemedicine programs have been implemented to connect patients in remote areas with healthcare professionals, enabling access to quality care. Additionally, Novartis invests in mobile health applications and tools that support disease self-management and medication adherence.

Diagnosis and management of complex diseases using new technologies: Through the InnovaDetect platform, Novartis has formed a groundbreaking collaboration with healthcare institutions to tackle challenges in the diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis. This platform streamlines MRI analysis, enabling early detection and precise diagnosis with its user-friendly interface and advanced algorithms.

Disease awareness and education: Novartis is committed to raising disease awareness and educating healthcare professionals, patients, and the public about various medical conditions. Initiatives like symposiums and awareness campaigns aim to improve early diagnosis, proper management, and patient outcomes. Examples include the “Unblocked Movement” for cardiovascular health across the Middle East, a podcast series on multiple sclerosis (MS) misconceptions in the UAE, and the “Women in Pink” breast cancer awareness campaign in collaboration with the Emirates Oncology Society and Friends of Cancer UAE.

Collaborations and partnerships: Novartis collaborates with local stakeholders, including governments, healthcare providers, and patient organizations, to develop tailored solutions for the Middle East. These collaborations help identify specific unmet medical needs and develop innovative approaches to address them effectively.

Access programs and managed entry agreements: Novartis works closely with governments and healthcare authorities in the Middle East to enhance patient access to its innovative treatments. This includes developing managed entry agreements, patient support programs, and working towards regulatory approvals to ensure that patients can affordably access the medications they need.

By driving innovation through clinical research, leveraging digital health solutions, raising disease awareness, collaborating with local stakeholders, and facilitating access to treatments, Novartis is actively addressing unmet medical needs and contributing to improved patient outcomes in the Middle East.

Strategy, Approach and Personal Passion

Novartis recognizes the importance of understanding the specific healthcare challenges and needs of the Middle East region. The company has shifted toward a more focused approach, developing tailored therapies and solutions to address prevalent diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, breast cancer, and prostate cancer in the region, as well as advancing cell and gene therapies.

In addition to his professional achievements, Schroeckenfuchs has a deep passion for personal interests and activities that bring joy and fulfillment to his life. One of these passions is spending quality time with his family, engaging in activities like hiking and bicycle riding. Exploring nature together and experiencing the beauty of the outdoors not only allows them to create wonderful memories but also promotes a healthy and active lifestyle for all.

Another interest of his is listening to podcasts. He finds great value in immersing himself in various topics and discussions through this medium. Podcasts offer a unique opportunity to broaden his knowledge, gain new perspectives, and stay up to date with current trends across a wide range of subjects. It is a source of inspiration and continuous learning for him.

These activities contribute to his personal growth and well-being, allowing him to connect with his family and the world around him in meaningful ways.

Formulating Strategies for the Future

Novartis will continue to focus on several key areas:

1. Early access to innovative treatments: Novartis is committed to bringing innovative treatments to the Middle East at an early stage, ensuring that patients in the region have timely access to breakthrough therapies.
2. Public-private partnerships with stakeholders: Collaborating with stakeholders remains a priority for Novartis to ensure the introduction of innovative treatments at the right time and enhance patient outcomes.
3. Access as a focus area: Novartis will maintain a strong emphasis on access by implementing patient support programs and patient affordability programs to ensure that innovative treatments reach patients across the region.
4. Clinical trials and real-world evidence generation: Recognizing the importance of clinical trials and real-world evidence, Novartis is committed to conducting studies in the Middle East. These efforts will provide valuable insights into the safety, effectiveness, and value of their treatments in real-world settings, supporting informed decision-making in patient care.
5. Talent export and import through capability-building programs: Novartis will continue to focus on exporting and importing talent into the region, enhancing skills and expertise through capability-building initiatives.

Advice to Aspiring Healthcare Professionals

Schroeckenfuchs emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and goal. He advocates for being passionate about one’s work and ensuring that the right team is in place to achieve these objectives. He also stresses the value of authenticity, noting that it builds trust, fosters collaboration, and encourages growth within teams.

Furthermore, Schroeckenfuchs advises that while one should continuously learn and develop—embracing a growth mindset and acquiring new knowledge, skills, and experiences—it is crucial to empower and develop others as well. Recognizing their potential, providing mentorship and guidance, and creating opportunities for growth are key. Investing in the development of others not only contributes to their success but also enhances the overall success of the organization.