Muscardo tapped to steer Novartis ANZ stepping up following Zeller’s resignation

Novartis has announced the appointment of Marco Muscardo as interim Country President, ANZ, following the resignation of Matt Zeller earlier this week.

Muscardo, who has spent the past decade with the company, most recently led the Cardiology, Renal and Metabolic business. His team was behind the recent launch of Lipid Plan in a Box in primary care, an accredited resource designed to drive quality improvement (QI) initiatives and strengthen care for patients living with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). It was developed in partnership with a multidisciplinary steering committee of primary care experts, specialists and patient advocacy leaders.

Judith Love, President of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMA), said “Marco is an inclusive leader who brings deep experience and a strong understanding of the business. I’m confident he and our ANZ leadership team can maintain the positive trajectory through this transition.”

The leadership handover comes as Zeller departs to pursue an external opportunity. His exit takes effect immediately.

Zeller joined Novartis ANZ in December 2023 from his role as Country President of Novartis Europe Central Cluster and Hungary. Despite his short tenure, he oversaw a series of high-profile initiatives – unlocking private prescription access via a new digital platform, striking a research partnership with HMRI to accelerate bench-to-bedside translation, launching the Heart Health Collective, and building a strategic collaboration with Monash University and Monash Health in cardiovascular disease.

His leadership was also recognised beyond the organisation. Zeller claimed the Visionary Leadership award at the Health Industry Hub Awards 2024 and earned Interview of the Year, acknowledging the most-accessed interview across Health Industry Hub’s broad readership.

Reflecting on his impact, Love sai: “Matt’s leadership has been instrumental in the turnaround of our ANZ business. Together with his leadership team, he has driven clear strategic focus and a meaningful shift in mindset, laying the foundation for a strong, resilient organisation.

“We have an incredible ANZ team, with a strong sense of purpose, that is well positioned to continue the positive momentum toward our goals.”

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