Jesús Ponce, Novartis Spain CEO, at Esade Matins: “We’re committed to transformative innovation”
“We’re committed to transformative innovation”, declared Jesús Ponce, Novartis Spain CEO at Esade Matins. During his talk entitled “Passion for science and people” Ponce explained that his company had spent more than €44 million revamping the radioligand factory in La Almunia de Doña Godina (Saragossa): an investment that not only increased production but also doubled the export capacity of radioligand therapies and created a considerable number of jobs. “With this enlargement, we’ll have ten times the number of professionals we had when we opened in 2012. We want to bolster our role as partners of Spain’s healthcare ecosystem by means of collaboration”, he added.
Ponce emphasized the company’s commitment to Spain – its headquarters is located in Barcelona and one of its corporate offices is in Madrid – and pointed out that Novartis Spain currently employs 1,495 people and ended the year 2023 with sales of €1.12 billion.
As regards the pharmaceutical sector, Ponce explained that “this industry has a significantly positive impact on Spain in three crucial areas: R&D&i with a focus on patients. “More than 170,000 patients have benefited from clinical trials carried out in Spain, and in 2023, 194 new treatments and therapies were evaluated.” He went on to say that “Spain hosts 174 centers dedicated to pharma production and innovation, which constitutes great export potential and a million-dollar investment. This industry is noteworthy on account of its commitment to salary and labor equality, with 45.2% of management positions held by women, compared to 21.8% in IBEX-35 companies.”
Cornerstones of the company
Ponce also outlined how Novartis has evolved, changing its approach over the years to now being a company committed to the purpose of “rethinking medicine in order to enhance and extend people’s lives.” He highlighted the company’s different stages: from its origin as a chemical company (1750 - 1899), through its evolution as a pharmaceutical company (1900 - 1990), to its transformation into a healthcare science company (1990 - 2023), and its current innovation-driven approach to rethinking medicine.
“At Novartis, we’re driven by three fundamental cornerstones: a well-defined aim of rethinking medicine in order to improve and extend people’s lives; a culture that fosters inspiration, curiosity and integrity; and values that include innovation, quality, collaboration, results, courage and integrity,” he explained.
Esade Matins are forums where the heads of companies and institutions can share their challenges and goals, and discuss their track records. On this occasion, Jesús Ponce, Novartis Spain CEO, was joined by Manel Peiró, professor in the Esade Department of People Management and Organization, head of the Executive Master in Healthcare Organization Management and director of the Esade Institute of Healthcare Management, and Patricia Valentí, director of Esade Alumni.
