Read the Conversation
Meeting highlights:
- India’s Strategic Role: India is positioned as a key strategic market for the company, serving as both a hub for production, global business services and development, capitalizing on the country's strong capabilities.
- Commitment to Access: The company is deeply committed to pioneering equitable access for patients globally, focusing on delivering affordable medicines to those who need them most.
- People & Culture: Organizational culture plays a pivotal role in attracting and retaining top talent, ensuring the right people are placed in the right roles to drive innovation and impact.
- Digitalization in Operations: Advanced digitalization, particularly in manufacturing and supply chain, is central to Sandoz's strategy—enhancing compliance, lowering operational costs, and positioning India as a critical contributor to global operations.
EF: Now that Sandoz is independent, how do you see India's role in the company's global plans, and how will you help make it a leading supplier of pharmaceuticals worldwide?
SB: Since October 2023, we have been operating as an independent company, with a clear mission to expand access to healthcare through affordable medicines. India is central to this goal, serving as a hub for our manufacturing and supply operations. From here, we produce medicines for key markets across Europe, the US, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Our presence includes two FDA-approved manufacturing facilities in Kalwe, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, a development center and a global competency center, based in Hyderabad.
EF: How is Sandoz building up its production to meet demand in both the US and Europe, while also tapping into emerging markets? And how are you making sure your supply chain stays strong?
SB: In India, we play a critical role in Sandoz's global technical operations, focusing on manufacturing and supply. The recent launch of our second facility here is a strategic step towards strengthening our production capabilities and supporting the broader supply needs for the US, Europe, and other key markets. We are fully integrated into the Sandoz global network, and we regularly evaluate our operations to spot any future gaps in capacity. This constant review process ensures we stay ahead of demand and are ready to support growth over the next three to five years. Supply chain security is also a major priority — by expanding our footprint in India, we are adding resilience and flexibility to the entire network.
EF: India has strong capabilities across the pharma value chain. Are you using local R&D to support your global operations?
SB: Yes, India’s capabilities are a major advantage for us. We have a development center in Hyderabad that focuses on creating high-quality generic products for global markets. These products are then manufactured and supplied by our facilities here. By tapping into India’s technical expertise and understanding of complex market dynamics, we are able to develop and deliver affordable medicines that meet international standards. It is a great example of how India supports our purpose of pioneering access for patients.
EF: What are your main focus areas, and where do you see the biggest growth opportunities in terms of therapies?
SB: Sandoz is committed to expanding access to high-quality medicines worldwide, and in India, we play a key role in this mission. Our expertise in oral solid dosage (OSD) forms and our strong generics capabilities enable us to meet the needs of patients globally. Developed and manufactured at our sites across India, these products are delivered to markets around the world, supporting our goal of providing affordable healthcare to those who need it most.
EF: How are you attracting and keeping the best talent at Sandoz in India?
SB: At Sandoz, we take great pride in the culture we've built — it's a key reason talented individuals choose to work with us and stay. What truly sets us apart is the environment we create. We offer autonomy, foster a supportive and respectful workplace, and make sure people are placed in roles where they can thrive. A big part of that experience is our Employee Value Proposition, which includes benefits thoughtfully designed around the real needs of our associates. For instance, our six-month paternity leave is a reflection of how we support our people not just professionally, but personally — helping them balance life and work in meaningful ways. This combination of a strong culture, meaningful work, and people-centric policies creates an environment where associates feel valued and empowered. It’s no surprise, then, that we see some of the lowest attrition rates in the industry — a clear sign that our people not only choose Sandoz but choose to stay.
EF: Where do you see the future of healthcare in India? Beyond being called the "Pharmacy of the World," what new concept or nickname would you give the country?
SB: Digitalization and AI are already reshaping how we work, especially in manufacturing and supply operations. Today, most of our processes — from batch records to quality reporting — are fully digital and paperless. This shift has taken our compliance standards to new heights with real-time monitoring and better data management. All our systems meet global standards, including US FDA and European requirements.
This digital approach has also helped reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, which is crucial in highly disciplined areas like manufacturing and packaging. India plays a central role in this transformation — thanks to its strong foundation in IT, automation, and AI, we’re able to roll out and scale these technologies effectively. India’s future in healthcare will be defined not just as the "Pharmacy of the World," but also as the "Digital Health Powerhouse" — driving innovation and setting new standards for the global industry. Over the past three years, we've seen a major transformation in this space, and it's positioned us well to keep driving our mission forward.
EF: What is your pitch to global headquarters? Why should more investments go to India?
SB: India offers a unique advantage: a strong, supportive ecosystem. Over the past three years, we have made significant investments in India. One of our biggest milestones was setting up a dedicated plant to manufacture and supply anti-cancer medicines. We built this plant in just 18 months — from getting approvals to preparing technical batches — thanks to fast government clearances, a skilled workforce, and easy access to equipment. It is a great example of what is possible when everything comes together.
EF: If you could send one message about why healthcare should be at the top of the agenda, what would it be?
SB: Healthcare is a truly noble profession. I am lucky to work with a team that shows up every day, driven by a real sense of purpose. No matter who you are, at some point, everyone needs healthcare — and knowing that our work can help people feel better and have a better quality of life makes it incredibly meaningful. It is not just a job; it’s something that has a real impact on people's lives. That is what makes me proud to be part of this industry, and why my personal mission is fully aligned with the Sandoz purpose of pioneering access for patients.
EF: Where do you see Sandoz heading in the next five years, and what impact do you hope the company will have on global healthcare??
SB: I see Sandoz making an even bigger impact — not just by growing in size, but by continuing to deliver real value. We want to be the company people rely on when they need high-quality, affordable medicines. Whether it is biosimilars or generics, the focus will stay on making sure patients worldwide have access to the treatments they need. I am confident that our presence will only grow stronger, and we’ll be recognized even more for the trust and reliability we bring to global healthcare.
