It only takes a quick glance at Oliver’s accomplishments at Daiichi Sankyo to see that he is not one to settle for the status quo. His career has been marked by vision, innovative thinking and the ability to turn ideas into action through the power of teamwork and collaboration.
This potent combination is particularly evident in the leadership decision he made in 2017 that he considers the most impactful of his career. While serving as Managing Director of Daiichi Sankyo Germany, Oliver recognized the untapped potential of digital technology to revolutionize the company’s ability to engage with customers and stakeholders, as well as to deliver new medicines to patients. Working closely with his team, he spearheaded the implementation of new digital engagement strategies for key stakeholders.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and organizations were scrambling to upgrade systems, Oliver’s team was ahead of the curve with a robust digital ecosystem in place. They were able to stay connected with customers and partners and execute the only successful primary drug launch in Germany during the lockdown. The digital engagement strategies became transformational to the company’s ways of working.
This accomplishment was enabled by the collaborative spirit that Oliver emphasizes within his team and across Daiichi Sankyo. He reflects on the importance of working closely with colleagues in the launch of a new cardiovascular medicine now available to millions of patients worldwide.
“All that success was made possible only by the strong collaboration within our outstanding cross-functional team, all united by our shared vision and strategy,” Oliver explains.
He considers the launch to be one of his proudest moments at Daiichi Sankyo, as it underscores both the power of teamwork and the company’s commitment to patient care.
As Daiichi Sankyo evolves into a global organization, Oliver remains committed to creating a culture of continuous innovation. “My top priorities for the coming years are centred around growth, innovation, and enhancing patient care, in line with the company’s global vision.”
He stresses that to stay at the forefront of healthcare, organizations must align their innovations with the needs of patients as well as partners and healthcare systems. “At Daiichi Sankyo our contributions in specialty areas signify our ongoing impact on healthcare innovation. We are enhancing our innovation and adopting GenAI use cases to boost efficiency, creativity, and our knowledge base.”
Daiichi Sankyo has also been making substantial investments in research and development, including in the EU. Oliver points to the recent one-billion-euro investment to transform the Pfaffenhofen manufacturing site into an international innovation centre by 2030, creating up to 350 new jobs for international researchers and specialists.
“The investment reaffirms Daiichi Sankyo's commitment to improving global quality of life, building and enhancing our cardiovascular successes, and becoming a leading oncology company,” comments Oliver. “It also emphasises the importance of reducing bureaucratic barriers and enabling swift improvements of the conditions for research and production in Europe.”
“We must actively listen to our stakeholders, co-develop solutions, and collaborate with patient and industry organizations to deliver meaningful solutions that meet their daily needs,” he explains. “A key step in this direction has been the establishment of our Patient Engagement and Governmental Affairs function and supporting events like the World Health Summit, which also reinforces our commitment and contribution to social responsibility across Europe and globally.”
Oliver keeps a pulse on digital technology advancements, believing that the use of generative AI already underway in the EU and across Daiichi Sankyo will enable the company to contribute even more significantly to the well-being of society and patients as a trusted healthcare partner.
Leadership & Trust
Oliver's focus on innovation is tightly connected to his leadership philosophy, which is centred around trust and collaboration. “In healthcare, trust is the cornerstone that ensures patient adherence to life-saving medications and treatments,” says Oliver. “This principle is non-negotiable because it directly impacts the effectiveness of care for patients and our reputation as a company.”
“The principle of building and protecting trust shapes my approach to leading the Specialty Business in Europe and supports my efforts to help healthcare be viewed as an investment in society rather than a cost,” he adds.
This approach also guides Oliver’s internal leadership style. “I believe that building trust and encouraging open dialogue among colleagues is key to successful collaboration and honest discussion,” he explains. “Trust your colleagues and leadership to make the right decisions and collaborate closely with your teams and peers.”
Oliver views his role as a leader as one that provides vision, strategy, and a supportive framework. “This means actively listening to my team, understanding their challenges, and offering the best support possible.”
Oliver`s Journey at Daiichi Sankyo
Oliver joined Daiichi Sankyo Europe in 2007 after ten years with a major pharmaceutical company and said his decision was driven by a promising pipeline, the size of its organisation, and the distinctive Japanese culture.
Oliver’s journey with Daiichi Sankyo is not just about professional success; it’s also about the personal growth and opportunities he’s experienced along the way. What keeps him at Daiichi Sankyo is the nurturing environment and the opportunity to grow continually.
“Daiichi Sankyo believes in its people, offering diverse roles and global exposure. Every few years, I was offered, and found myself embracing, new opportunities. I’ve been able to contribute to meaningful projects that drive real success, and I never felt the need to seek out new opportunities elsewhere.”
“Daiichi Sankyo is not just a workplace; it’s a community where we grow, innovate, and inspire each other every day,” he concludes.
Leadership Beyond Horizons
A recent family trip to Thailand
Oliver has a deep love for travel because it expands his horizons, which he says is important to both himself and his family.
“Exploring different cultures and learning new things enriches my mindset and understanding,” he explains. “This curiosity fuels my leadership style, helping me see things from various perspectives and make more inclusive and well-rounded decisions.”