A Global Journey to Empowering Innovation at MSD Germany

My journey with MSD has been a global adventure, spanning 27 years and several continents. From the UK and US to Asia, and now Germany, each experience has profoundly shaped my understanding of leadership and the power of human connection. I've learnt that true success isn't solely about profit margins; it's about building a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents.

At MSD, we're passionate about fostering this kind of inclusive environment, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it drives innovation and enables us to tackle complex challenges with a broader perspective.

Leading a team of more than 1.200 talented individuals here in Germany is a genuine privilege. I'm constantly inspired by their dedication, professionalism, and the genuine warmth they bring to our shared mission. The team's different perspectives and approaches help me to make better decisions. Innovative ideas and groundbreaking insights emerge when individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to collaborate. We need diversity in all its dimensions, whether it's gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, social background, physical or mental abilities, age, or religion. It is essential that we approach everyone without unconscious bias, particularly in our interactions with colleagues. We place great value on diverse teams at MSD and actively promote equity and inclusion. Our Next Generation Network, for example, brings together employees from various generations to foster new perspectives and enhance inclusion, thereby strengthening our business and leadership capabilities.

The energy and commitment within our DE&I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Board and our Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) – the Rainbow Alliance, Women’s Network, Capability Network and Next Generation Network – and the many individual acts of service I witness, deeply resonate with the mission of our organization to save and improve lives. ?We are not just coworkers; we are a community working together to enhance economic and social contributions to our industry, striving to create a fairer, more inclusive, and connected (business) environment.

The Beauty of Diverse Perspectives

My global journey has taught me that the most effective leadership comes from a place of empathy and belonging. It involves truly listening to others, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential, and fostering an environment of open and honest communication. By embracing diverse viewpoints and promoting constructive discussions, we not only cultivate innovative ideas but also strengthen the connections within our teams. Exceptional ideas and exemplary work are always the result of collaboration, not isolation, relying on the expertise of remarkable colleagues.

I have had the opportunity to live and work across several countries, enriching my perspective with a truly international view that profoundly shapes my approach to both challenges and opportunities. Embracing an open mindset is essential when addressing difficulties, questioning assumptions, and not taking anything for granted. Every situation requires specific solutions, best discovered through collaborative discussion.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned during my 27 years at MSD is that, in every country, the creativity and ingenuity of its people are the most valuable assets. What makes Germany unique for me? Here I find solution-oriented people and outstanding scientific expertise. Germany is a key market for our company, and I am really looking forward to working with my team to further contribute to its successful development.

Contributing to Germany's Economic Strength and improving Patients' Lives: Our Shared Mission

Compared to other industries, employment in German pharmaceutical industry is notably productive and makes a significant contribution to value creation. MSD in Germany contributes over €2.6 billion to the GDP and directly and indirectly supports more than 20,000 jobs within the German economy.

In 2023 alone, we provided innovative medicines and vaccines to over 3.5 million patients in Germany. Ultimately, it is our commitment to diversity and inclusion as a team that enables us to concentrate on what truly matters: enhancing and prolonging patients' lives. This purpose is the cornerstone of our work at this company, and I am profoundly grateful to be on this journey with such an extraordinary team here in Germany. ?