Organon to foster innovation through diverse leadership team

Pharma News: Increasing the diversity of leadership teams leads to more and better innovation and improved financial performance. Just four months since its launch as the only global company of its size focused on women’s health, Organon Australia continues to invest in people to deliver on its focus on women’s health through its portfolios of women’s contraception and fertility, biosimilars and established brands.

In facilitating cognitive diversity, the company’s unique approach has been to attract people from outside of the traditional pharma sector for fresh eyes and fresh ideas. In this short period, Organon has grown its employee founder base with six senior positions filled from diverse industries including the construction, FMCG, medical devices, automotive and political sectors.

Nirelle Tolstoshev, Managing Director, Organon ANZ, said “We have brought in external people that are non-pharma, and already we’re seeing new perspectives, new reference points and new approaches – opening our lateral and strategic thinking. We embrace the different insights and energy and we’re saying don’t wait to settle in, we want to hear your ideas now.”

In attracting the best people to support Organon’s strategy to lead and evolve as a progressive, future fit and dynamic organisation, the company welcomes two additions to the Organon Leadership Team, with Sophie Althans commencing as HR Director and Mark Coleman taking the role of Strategy and Organisational Development Lead. 

Sophie is a member of both the ANZ Leadership Team and the Regional HR Leadership Team. She told Health Industry Hub “While the pharma sector is unique and has specific requirements, there is much that can be learned from other industries and markets, particularly FMCGs which are dynamic and innovative in their approach, especially putting our people and our customers at the forefront of our culture. Organon’s agility as a start-up compliments swift, inclusive decision making and translating strategies into actions with pace.”

She will oversee the continuing development of Organon ANZ’s people and culture of engagement to support short term business execution and long-term transformation. Sophie has a wealth of experience in supporting organisations to achieve their business priorities through driving effective talent strategies. As well as expertise in the pharmaceutical sector, Sophie has also worked in medical devices, supply chain and FMCG.

Mark Coleman joins in a novel role specifically designed to lead Organon’s organisational development strategy. “I am fortunate to have the depth of experience in the pharma sector. Organon is at the very start of an exciting and rewarding journey, and my experience in working in a number of roles both in the UK and ANZ allows me to apply a future-focused, people-oriented growth mindset to achieve our vision of a better and healthier every day for every woman,” he said.

Mark has over 20 years’ experience in healthcare, and is passionate about helping teams thrive through creating environments that enable learning, reflection and growth. In an early indication of the commitment to a culture of people first, entrepreneurship and a mindset focused on future requirements, Mark will support the organisation to realise the company vision and values.

“With their deep expertise in people, processes to foster learning, business excellence, and continuous improvement for growth, I am confident that Sophie and Mark will make great contributions to our business,” said Nirelle Tolstoshev. 

Organon in Australia is one of the few markets globally to have all three core pillars of Women’s Health, Biosimilars and Established Brands.