Corporate Affairs takes on a more strategic role in the pharma industry, says Sanofi leader

The increased public scrutiny and shifts in stakeholder expectations have raised the profile of reputational risk management and how it supports business activities in the pharma industry.

Rupert Hugh-Jones, Head of Corporate Affairs, Sanofi ANZ joined Health Industry Hub to discuss the key learnings for corporate affairs teams and the industry since the start of the pandemic.

He examined how the responsibilities of Sanofi’s corporate affairs function evolved in the last few years and why the role of corporate affairs is becoming more embedded in driving strategy development and influencing at senior leadership level.

Rupert highlighted the shift in soft/hard skills required to align with these transformations and the innovative digital channels that are strengthening communication efforts with external stakeholders.

Finally, he reflected on the key trends that will influence the future function and structure of the corporate affairs teams.

In addition to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), corporate affairs can expand its value on Environmental, social and governance (ESG) and social impact. Rupert said “That is an area that is perfect for the [corporate affairs] skills – the hard skills and soft skills, the analytics and the influence that we can bring to proceed with good governance and ensure that we’re not greenwashing and we’re doing the right thing all the time.”

In reimagining healthcare, Health Industry Hub^TM is the ONLY one-stop-hub uniting the diversity of Pharma, MedTech, Diagnostics & Biotech sectors to inspire meaningful change. The exclusive leadership and influencer podcasts and vodcasts offer unparalleled insights and add immense value to our breaking news coverage.

The Health Industry Hub^TM content is copyright protected. Access is available under individual user licenses. Please click here to subscribe and visit T&Cs here.