In its August edition the American journal draws attention to the international pharmaceutical industry's foremost managers with respect to qualities such as the ability to display personal conviction, be creative and think unconventionally, and the ability to lead staff and organisations on to new heights.

The 100 foremost managers have received their recognition through readers who have witnessed how in their work their managers have been able to enthuse and inspire people, and have displayed excellent leadership qualities, and even the ability to influence the industry into making positive developments by virtue of their own good example.

An open mind

Anders Ekblom, formerly Vice President of the Respiratory & Inflammation Therapy Area in the Development organisation, but recently appointed to the new position as VP, Strategy, Portfolio & Alliances in Global Discovery, says to PharmaVOICE that he believes the pharmaceutical industry has to get even better at utilising innovation. You need to grasp the opportunities of the 'biological revolution' of recent years much faster and more effectively, and to be able to benefit from efficient collaboration between preclinical and clinical research.

Anders Ekblom believes in effectively combining traditional personal meetings and contacts with the latest technology for exchange of knowledge - both for spontaneous brainstorming and for strategy set-up. To be efficient and show results, teams need both technology and the human dimension.

Important sources of inspiration for Anders himself are working with and learning from colleagues and employees who are creative and dedicated to their duties and simultaneously devoted to achieving results. Those who work with Anders appreciate him for his pragmatic and enthusiastic leadership style and for the time and energy he puts into personal relationships and into coaching and furthering others, says PharmaVOICE in its August interview with Dr Ekblom.

Voice of reason

Barry Arnold, Vice President of Clinical Drug safety at AstraZeneca is recognised for his rare ability to stand back and see the big regulatory picture.

PharmaVOICE comments on his clarity and decisive response to any question immediately, and points out that this shows not only his understanding of the issue but also how a regulatory initiative fits into the specific needs of his company’s business, as well as the global pharmaceutical industry.

Barry Arnold stresses that regulatory solutions should be simple and practical, and should cover the needs of both industry and regulators. Being engaged in this matter, Dr. Arnold is chairman of the pharmacovigilance working group for the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industry Associations. This group reviews new regulations and gives comments to help regulators understand practical implications. Other activities in this field includes the management board for the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities and contributing to the International Conference on Harmonisation. He says to PharmaVOICE that his goal is to help unravel the “knotted twine”of drug safety regulation.

In his role as VP of Clinical Drug Safety at AstraZeneca and through participation on various global regulatory committees, Dr Arnold is widely acknowledged as the “voice of reason” throughout the industry, observes PharmaVOICE.

Published 9 September 2005