Boehringer Ingelheim GM tapped for global role following major successes in ANZ

Leadership & Management: Boehringer Ingelheim Australia and New Zealand’s General Manager, Dirk Otto, will assume the role of Head of Strategy and Development at the company’s global headquarters in Ingelheim, Germany, effective 1 January 2025.

Otto’s promotion follows a transformative two-and-a-half-year tenure in ANZ, where his strategic leadership catalysed notable growth and positioned both markets for enduring success.

Under Otto’s stewardship, the company earned Global Top Employer status from the Top Employers Institute for a third consecutive year, an accolade attributed to his focus on developing talent and strengthening team capabilities.

Reflecting on his leadership philosophy, Otto remarked, “Nothing beats the feeling of knowing that the people you lead and work with have shared purpose, values and commitment. Therein lies the meaning of family for Boehringer Ingelheim in Australia and New Zealand.”

In addition to steering business operations, Otto emerged as a strong advocate for healthcare reform as a board member of Medicines Australia*, emphasising the need for broader patient access to innovative therapies. His passion was recognised at the Health Industry Hub Awards 2023, where he won the Visionary Leadership award.

Calling for a mindset shift in reframing health as an investment, he stated in a recent interview, “When once a year the Treasury puts together the budget, health shouldn’t be the biggest headache or the budget entry that they just see as a cost. It is an investment because every dollar invested in it gives a payback for the productivity of this country.”

During his tenure, Boehringer Ingelheim expanded its portfolio in Human Health with new medicines addressing heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and childhood type 2 diabetes, while solidifying its Animal Health division.

Lisa Price, Head of Human Resources ANZ, praised Otto’s contributions, saying, “Dirk has been an exceptional force with his unwavering dedication to customers and advocacy for healthcare reform. Our team has greatly benefitted from his visionary approach, which he will carry forward into his new role.

“Boehringer’s robust talent pipeline and commitment to fostering talent locally, regionally, and globally position us as a top employer.”

Otto voiced his appreciation for the talent within the ANZ family, noting, “I am extremely grateful to have worked alongside such talented colleagues across our Australian and New Zealand teams over the past two and a half years. The desire to embrace innovation and the dedication of these teams have been a great source of inspiration for me personally.”

Confident in the ongoing momentum within the ANZ markets, Otto shared, “Our businesses in Australia and New Zealand are well positioned to drive future growth and success led by strong leadership teams and backed by a world-class pipeline.”

He added, “I have loved every moment of my time in Sydney and know that the lessons learned on both sides of the Tasman will hold me in good stead for this exciting global role.”

The appointment of Otto’s successor is expected soon.

*Dirk Otto has resigned from the Medicines Australia Board following his promotion. This has created an additional (sixth) vacancy on the Medicines Australia Board which will be filled through the current election process and announced at the AGM today.

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