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Susanne Schaffert
President of Novartis Oncology
Susanne Schaffert, Ph.D., is a prominent figure in the pharmaceutical industry, currently serving as the President of Novartis Oncology, a position she has held since January 2019. With over 20 years of experience at Novartis, she has made significant contributions to the company's oncology division and has been instrumental in various leadership roles.
Educational Background
- Ph.D. in Chemistry: University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
- M.Sc. in Chemistry: University of Erlangen, Germany.
- Executive Leadership Programs: Harvard Business School.
Career at Novartis
- Joined Novartis: 1995 as a sales representative.
- Key Positions:
- President, Novartis Oncology (2019 - present): Oversees a global oncology business with approximately $15 billion in annual sales and a workforce of about 10,000 employees across 85 countries.
- Chairperson and President, Advanced Accelerator Applications (AAA) (2018 - 2019): Led the integration and operations following Novartis's acquisition of AAA.
- Head of Region Europe, Novartis Oncology (2012 - 2018): Managed oncology operations across 37 European countries.
- Global Head of Investor Relations (2010 - 2012): Responsible for communication with institutional investors.
Achievements and Impact
Dr. Schaffert has been recognized for her leadership and influence in the industry. She has been listed among the Fortune Most Powerful Women in Business and was included in the PharmaVOICE 100 list. Her focus on improving patient outcomes and advancing cancer treatment options underscores her commitment to transforming oncology care.
Board Memberships
In addition to her role at Novartis, she serves on several boards:
- Novo Holdings: Board Member since May 2023.
- Galapagos NV: Non-executive independent Board Member since June 2023.
- Other positions include roles at Incyte Corporation and Vetter Pharma.
Dr. Schaffert's extensive experience and dedication to oncology make her a key leader in the fight against cancer, continually working towards innovative solutions for patients worldwide.



