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Frederic Simoes
Division CFO - Customer & Technology Solutions at Novartis
Frederic R. Simoes is the Division Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Customer & Technology Solutions at Novartis, a position he has held since transitioning from his previous role as CFO of Novartis in Spain. With a career spanning over 17 years at Novartis and 8 years at General Electric, Simoes has developed a strong background in finance and business leadership, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and organizational change within large corporations.12
Professional Background
- Career Start: Simoes began his professional journey at General Electric, where he worked in both industrial and financial services divisions.
- Novartis Tenure: He joined Novartis 17 years ago, taking on various roles that have allowed him to lead financial operations across different countries, including Spain, which he considers home despite his French and Portuguese heritage.2
- Leadership Style: He is known for his focus on driving change, overcoming ambiguity, and fostering a culture of empathy and transparency within teams.2 Simoes advocates for understanding the unique strengths of team members to effectively lead diverse functions.2
Current Role and Responsibilities
As the Division CFO at Novartis, Simoes oversees financial operations related to customer and technology solutions. His responsibilities include:
- Financial Strategy: Developing financial strategies that align with the company's goals in digital innovation and business transformation.
- Organizational Change: Leading initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and driving growth through digital solutions.12
- Crisis Management: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized the need for agility in decision-making and maintaining business continuity through digital connectivity.1
Personal Insights
Simoes views finance not just as a discipline but as a language of business, highlighting the importance of tying financial initiatives to specific business problems to demonstrate their value. He believes in creating an environment that encourages innovation and supports intrapreneurship within organizations.2
In summary, Frederic R. Simoes is a seasoned finance leader with a robust track record in driving transformation within large organizations, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. His leadership approach combines financial acumen with a deep understanding of organizational dynamics, making him a pivotal figure at Novartis.

