Kick Starting 2022

2021 was a whirlwind year for the world. After the onset of the pandemic in 2020, the arrival of vaccines in 2021 and the impact of variants, including the recent Omicron surge, I’m sure many would agree that they needed a chance to recover.

I am no different to anyone else, and as we kicked off the new year last month, it was important for me to reflect on 2021.

In June I took on a new role heading up EMD Serono, the US biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This is a fantastic organisation within a larger global company, at a really interesting time in its development. There is momentum, powered by newly launched products and with a solid foundation. We are focused on oncology, neurology, fertility and HIV-related diseases and a strong pipeline. Put it all together, you have a place with a great future.

As with any new job, there was a learning curve that pushed me out of my comfort zone…something I like. I have spent my time with customers, other stakeholders and really getting to know the organization. What I have found is that we have a terrific team of talented, capable, committed people  at EMD Serono which is the most exciting part of working in this business.

At the end of January, we fully wrapped up our company’s annual “Kick Start” meeting, which was an opportunity for us all to gather (virtually, for now) and start the year off in the best possible way by ensuring alignment on our goals and priorities.

We focused on the “Power of WE” – the idea of working together to instill consistency, stability, momentum and results. We saw some great presentations and insights into our priorities and expectations, along with best practices that will continue in 2022. And the “Power of We” couldn’t have resonated more with this group. Despite being virtual at “Kick Start,” I could sense the energy through the digital interaction and comments.

I am excited about the year ahead and the opportunity to realize our goals. I know we can do this, because we are part of a strong, global company, with products across multiple therapeutic areas.  Above all, we have a team of passionate, driven, talented employees aspiring to create, improve and prolong life for patients impacted by serious illnesses.

We have everything we need for a terrific 2022!