Middle East's
Magnetic Leaders Revamping The Healthcare
Pg.No: 20
Revolu onizing Healthcare Cu ng-Edge Innova ons and Breakthroughs in Healthcare Industry
Pg.No: 28
The Future of Healthcare Unleashing the Power of Technology
Commi ed Mission to Heal and Transform Lives
“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. ”
– Joyce Meyer
Intheever-evolvinglandscapeofhealthcare,visionary
leadersareemergingascatalystsfortransformation. Theirstrategicvisionandinnovativeapproachare reshapingtheindustrytomeetthedemandsofthemodern world.Fromleveragingcutting-edgetechnologiesto advocatingforequitableaccess,theseleadersarepropelling healthcareintoanewera.
Thesetrailblazersunderstandthepotentialoftechnologies likeartificialintelligence,telemedicine,anddataanalytics. ByharnessingAI'sdiagnosticprowessandenhancing remotepatientcarethroughtelemedicine,theyarebreaking barrierstoqualityhealthcare.Simultaneously,their emphasisondata-drivendecision-makingisfosteringmore informedandprecisemedicalinterventions.
Yet,theseleadersgobeyondtechnology.They're championinginclusivity,strivingforahealthcaresystem thatleavesnoonebehind.Byadvocatingforaffordable care,addressinghealthdisparities,andpromoting preventativemeasures,they'reforgingapathtowardgreater healthequity
Inaneradefinedbyglobalchallenges,thesehealthcare leadersinspirehope.InthelatesteditionofTheCIO World-MiddleEast's10SuccessfulMagneticLeaders RevampingTheHealthcareVolII,theirdedicationto innovationandcompassionservesasabeaconforthe industry,demonstratingthatprogressisnotonlypossible butessentialforthewell-beingofsocietyatlarge.
Revolu onizing Healthcare
Cu ng-Edge Innova ons and Breakthroughs in Healthcare Industry
Unleashing the Power of Technology
Issue 01 | August | 2023
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Chidiebere Moses O.
Prashik Bombarde
Adiba Tarade
Art & Design Head
Bella Smith C R E D I T S
Art & Design Assistant Visualiser Co-designer Marke ng Manager
Jaine Woods
Deepanjali Jena
Paul White
Business Development Manager
Business Development Execu ves
Sales Execu ves
Technical Head
Assistant Technical Head
Technical Consultants
Digital Marke ng Manager
Assistant Digital Marke ng Manager
SME-SMO Execu ve
Research Analyst
Circula on Manager
Jane Adans
Lisa Jones
Nancy B., Sarah M.
Michael D., Aaron S.
Prachi Mokashi
David Walker
Lexi Morgan
Renuka Kulkarni
Jason Miller
Lilly Jacob
Sarah Miller
Nicole Smoot
Amir Reichman
Chief Execu ve Officer
BiondVax
Pharmaceu cals Ltd. biondvax.com
Amir is experienced in leading people, building diverse teams, working with interna onal teams, recrui ng and developing talent, ensuring all staff has personal development plans, empowering people, team building, and culture se ng.
Mahmoud Medhat General Manager
Pharmatrade pharmatradeuae.com
Mahmoud is an experienced Medical Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceu cals industry
Skilled in Business Planning, Medical Devices, Management, Capital Equipment, and Healthcare.
David Harel
Co-founder and CEO
Isaac Bentwich
Founder and CEO
James R. President
Ofer Haviv
President & CEO
Evogene evogene.com
Ofer is President & CEO of Evogene, a leading computa onal biology company focused on revolu onizing life-science product development.
David is well rounded business leader with proven strategic thinking and demonstrated execu on in healthcare, technology, and finance. Expert at evalua ng business models, crea ng targeted go-to-market plans, and focusing on the right opportuni es
Mark Levi CEO
Levi Oncology Associates Ltd. levi oncology.com
Mark has speciali es in Medical Oncology, Radia on Oncology Cancer Research, Internal Medicine, Pharmaceu cal R&D, Pharmaceu cal Business Development, Strategy, and Biotechnology CytoReason cytoreason.com
Quris Technologies Ltd. quris.ai
Isaac is a seasoned entrepreneur. Founded and led three successful tech companies that became world-leaders in their fields, leading revolu ons in medicine, gemonics and agriculture.
Rapid Medical rapid-medical.com
James R. is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of fueling growth across mul ple sectors of the medical device industry
Michael Mbchb
Chief Execu ve Officer
Prilenia prilenia.com
Michael is a Scien st, Physician and Entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Prilenia Therapeu cs and a Killam Professor at the University of Bri sh Columbia.
Ryan Fernandes
Head of Marke ng - GCC
Ryan is a seasoned eCommerce and Marke ng professional with over 20 years of experience across Middle East, Africa, UK and India. Featuring
Aster DM Healthcare asterdmhealthcare.com
KAMADA kamada.com
Yuval Harpaz IT Director Yuval has 20 years of total experience, with 7 years as a CIO New Informa on Technologies adopter i.e. CRM applica ons, Cloud based solu on, Cyber security products leader and team player
Mark L. Levitt, MD, PhD CEO
For me, the trick is never to lose sight that helping others is the primary driver not the money.
It’sabravenewworldofcancer!
Youseeiteverywhere:inthe news,onyoursocialmedia feed,andinyourfriends’ lives.Ifyou’renotcareful,youcould becomecollateraldamage—andyou mightevenmissoutontheincredible advancementsthatarehappeningright nowtohelptreatcancerandmakesure thatthosewhoaresickcangetthecare theyneed.
Weunderstandthattherearenumerous approachestothechallengeof improvingcancertreatmentsand assistinghumanity.Butonethingis certain:ifwearetoeffectchangeand ensurethatpeoplewithcancerhave accesstobettertreatments,wemust firstensurethatbettertreatments becomeavailableandthateveryone understandswhattherighttreatments fromtherightdoctorsare.
Inordertoimproveuponthecurrently availabletreatments,Dr.MarkL. Levitt,MD,Ph.D.,establishedLevitt OncologyAssociatesLtd.tohelp advancenewtreatmentsintheir developmentandspeedtheavailability ofsuchtreatmentstopatientsinneed.
Heisamanofsciencewithapassion forhelpingothers.Hewasdrivento makeadifferenceintheworldandto helpthosewithcancerbymakingsure thatcancertherapyresearchand developmentwouldadvanceand providenewandbettertreatment options.
Markwasdeterminedtobealeaderin cancerresearchandtreatments,andhe wasinspiredbytheadvancesbeing madeinthemedicalfield.He dedicatedhimselftofindingwaysto improvethetreatmentsavailableto cancerpatientsandtomakesurethat thosesufferingfromthediseasecould
benefitfromthebestpossible treatments,ascurrenttherapeutic optionsleavemuchtobedesiredand alsocomewithagreatcostintoxicity forthepatient.
Mark’shardworkanddedicationhave madeanimpactinthefightagainst cancer.Hehasbothperformedresearch andadvisednumerouscompaniesto helpdeveloptreatmentsthatprovide moreeffectiveandcompassionatecare forthosesufferingfromcancer.
Mark’sdedicationandcommitment havebeenanexampleofhowasingle personcanmakeapositivedifference intheworldandhaveinspiredmany otherindividualstocontinuethefight againstcancerandtomakesurethose sufferingfromthediseasecanaccess thebesttreatmentsavailable,making himabeaconofhopeinthefight againstcancer.
As we illuminate Dr. Levitt’s accomplishments and discover how his ambition is changing lives, let’s comprehend his remarkable path.
ResearchLeadership:AJourneyto HelpMankind
Whenaskedabouthiscareerpathand howhispassionforhelpingpeople helpedhimbecomeagreatoncologist, Marksaid,“IdecidedthatIwantedto beanoncologistwhenIwasstillin collegebecausecancerwastheleading causeofmorbidityandmortality amongdiseases,andIwantedto dedicatemylifetohelpingmankind.”
Hedecidedtodevotehiscareerto researchinordertocreatenew treatmentsforcancerpatientsafter realizingthattheavailableoptions—all chemotherapyatthetime—were insufficientandextremelyhazardous.
HecompletedanMD-PhDprogram andaninternalmedicineresidency ThesestepsbroughthimtotheNIH, andafellowshipinmedicaloncology, beginninghiscareerasalungcancer researcher.
Aftercompletinghiseducation,he obtainedapostattheUniversityof Pittsburghandcontinuedhisresearch atAlleghenyUniversityasamember ofthefirstgenerationoftranslational cancerresearcherswithafootinthe labandafootintheclinic.Heroseto prominenceinhisfieldintheUSand laterrealizedalongstandingambition byreturninghisfamilytoIsraelafter twomillenniaintheDiaspora.He continuedhisacademiccareeratthe ShebaMedicalCenter,oneofthetop tenhospitalsintheworld,whilealso servingasanadjunctprofessoratthe UniversityofPittsburghforanumber ofyears.
Hestartedhistransitiontotheindustry duringthatperiodwithanumberof start-ups,followedbyatermatTeva Pharmaceuticalsasthecompany’s HeadofOncologyintheGlobal BusinessDevelopmentdivision.He establishedLevittOncologyAssociates,Ltd.in2013toprovideconsultancyservicesfordrugdevelopment fromtargetidentificationtoclinical development.Thus,torealizehisaim ofprovidingcancerpatientswith improvedmedicines,henowaids numerousbusinessesengagedinall facetsofcancerdrugdevelopment.
Inordertosupportstart-upsandsmall companiesinclinicaldevelopment, businessdevelopment,andstrategy, LevittOncologyAssociates,Ltd.was establishedin2013usingtheenormous experiencethatMarkhadacquiredin
For the last decade, Dr. Mark Levitt has been a driving force in the pharmaceutical industry, launching groundbreaking research projects and developing new treatments.
academicandbiopharmaceutic oncology.However,inashortperiod oftime,thefocuswidenedtoinclude preclinicaldevelopment,target discovery,NASDAQ-listedcompanies, and,occasionally,BigPharma.
Geographicallyspeaking,hisinitial objectivewastosupportthedevelopmentofoncology-focusedbiotechnologyinIsrael,butLevittOncology currentlyservesclientsalloverthe world.Themajorobjectiveisstillto contributetothecreationofbetter cancertreatments.
SinceLevittOncology’sbeginning,he hasservedasitsownerandCEOand hastakenonnearlyalloftheprojects himselfbecausemostofhisclients specificallyrequesthimforthe contractthathasbeenagreedupon.
Markthinksthesecretliesinhowto approachpromisingprojects.He discoveredthatinordertoadvancein thetreatmentofdisease,onemustbe abletoseethebiologyofadiseaseand theclinicaldiseaseentityasone coherentprocess.Helearnedthisasa first-generationtranslationaloncology physician.The“facts”oftoday shouldn’tbetakentooseriously, though,becausemanyofthemwillbe replacedbynew“facts”tomorrow
Asscienceadvancesandisableto delvedeeperintothebiologyof disease,newunderstandingswill enablethecreationofnewand improvedtherapies.Ofcourse,inorder tobenefitfromfreshinformation,one needstomaintainanopenmindandbe willingtoexamineideasthatarenot necessarilypopularrightnow.
Theabilitytobecontrarianandtake bigrisksisfrequentlyrequiredfor
identifyinganddevelopingpotentially disruptivetechnology.Science advancesthroughquantumleaps,with lesscreativeresearchfillinginthefiner detailsbetweeneachleap.Hebelieves thatLevittOncologyiswell-positioned totakeadvantageofthisphilosophy, givenhisbackground,whichincludes substantialexperienceworkingasan oncologistandcancerresearcherin universityandbiopharmasettings. Moreover,theabilitytoconstantly reinventoneselfandone’sbusinessis essentialforremainingattheforefront ofinnovation.
Navigatingtheoncologylandscapecan beacomplexanddauntingtask.With thehelpofcutting-edgetechnology, oncologistscanstayaheadofthecurve andstayinformedaboutthelatest treatments,therapiesandclinicaltrials. Fromcloudcomputingandtelecommunicationplatformstoadvanced databases,oncologistscanmakeuseof thelatestadvancementsintechnology tostayuptodateonthemosteffective treatmentsandtogivetheirpatientsthe bestcarepossible.
Byleveragingthemostinnovativeand cutting-edgetechnologies,onecanstay aheadofthecurveandmakesureto havethebestchanceofdeveloping successful,life-savingtreatmentsfor patients.Marksays,“Thetrickisnot havingthetrendiesttechnologybut gettinginvolvedwithcompaniesthat areworkingonnoveltechnologiesof thefuture,forcingmeoutofmy comfortzoneandkeepingmyskillsat thecuttingedge.”
Thebiotech/biopharmasectorisquite intriguing.Developmenttakesyears, andtheresultsarefarlessguaranteed
thanwithhigh-tech.Inorderto succeedinthisfield,severalchallengingissuesmustberesolved.For instance,corporateexecutivesand scientists/cliniciansmayhavedifferent perspectivesonthecompany’s objectivesandfrequentlydon’tfully comprehendoneanother(evenifthey thinktheydo).Evenworseare instancesinwhichbusinesspeople mistakenlybelievethemselvestobe scientistsorviceversa.
Apersonwithexceptionaltalentin bothfieldsisuncommon.Although therearenumerousaspectsthat influencesuccess,notallofthemare withinone’scontrol.Heisalways surprisedtofindtheattitudethata well-runbusinessisfirstpriority,ahead ofscience.Whileitistruethatan administrativelyandfinanciallysound companyiscrucialtothesuccessofa product,itisevenmorecrucialthatthe researchissound,supportsthe product’sdisruptivepotential,andis emphasizedthroughoutthedrug’s development.Whileaproductwith solidscientificbackingcansucceed evenunderinadequatecorporate management,eventhebestadministrationcannotovercomeaproductthat doesnotwork.
TherecentCOVID-19pandemic,inhis opinion,wasinstructivebecausea largeportionofthegovernmental leadershipfollowedtheirpreconceived notionsofwhatwouldwork,andasa result,theyhavefewdrugsthatare actuallyveryeffectivedespite enormouseffortsandhundredsof billionsofdollarsinvested.Hecalls thisphenomenonthe“Lemming effect,”inferringpeoplewouldrather failconventionallythantakechances goingagainstconventionalwisdomto succeedsimplybecauseitissaferto followthecrowdfromacareer perspective.Hestatedthatfollowing theherdneverresultsinaquantum leapforward.Thismeansexploiting
strongandnovelsciencewithrigorous scientificdisciplinetobringtrue improvementsinthetreatmentof disease.
Thebiotechandbiopharmaspaceis constantlyinastateofflux,evolving fasterthanaspeedingbullet.Keeping upwiththelatesttechnologiesand sciencecanbeadauntingtask,butit’s nottheonlychallenge.Thevaried needsofclientsalsoposeaproblem,as therequirementsofthejobareeverchanging,andtheexpectationsare constantlyrising.Thishasforcedhim tostayonhistoes,alwayslookingfor thenextbigopportunityandcontinuallyre-inventinghiscareer.Hesays, “It’sathrillingbutchallengingride, butultimately,it’sajourneyIwouldn’t tradeforanythingelse.”
Jugglingthecomplexneedsofbiotech andbiopharmaclientswhilestaying truetohisidealismhasbeenaconstant challengeforDr.MarkLevitt.Working inarapidlyevolvingfieldandstriving tofindabalancebetweenthefinancial bottomlineandservingasaforcefor goodhasbeennosmallfeat.Butashe hascometoarealization,thedriveto curethosediseaseswiththedirest consequencescanalsobeasourceof financialrewardforinvestorsand companies.Throughoutyearsof pushinghimselfoutofhiscomfort zoneandre-inventinghiscareer,hehas remaineddeterminedtostayfocused onhelpingothers—nomatterthecost.
Hesays,“Forme,thetrickisneverto losesightthathelpingothersisthe primarydriver—notthemoney.”In recentyears,wehaveseeninoncology thatthosenewtherapiesthatofferthe mostbenefittopatientsaretheones thatbecomemega-blockbusters, substantiatingthephilosophythat helpingothersbydevelopingbetter
treatmentsis,intheend,awin-winfor allofthestakeholders.
Forthelastdecade,Dr.MarkLevitt hasbeenadrivingforceinthe pharmaceuticalindustry,launching groundbreakingresearchprojectsand developingnewtreatments.Now,he’s lookingahead,establishingafundto supportearly-stageoncologyprojects thatmaybehigh-riskbutcouldleadto disruptivetechnology.Hisclients rangefromtheUnitedStatestoIsrael, Australia,andbeyond.He’sonan ambitiousmissiontochangethefield
ofoncology.Withthesecutting-edge investments,hehopestobringthe therapiesofthefuturetothoseinneed whilealsopropellingfurtherprogress inthefightagainstcancer
Mr.RyanFernandes HeadofMarketing-GCC
AsterDMHealthcare
We take immense pride in our commitment to ensure that our customers, and in particular our patients, are at the core of our operations.
Driving Marketing Excellence and Revitalizing Brands for Sustainable Growth!
Thehealthcareindustryisacomplexandever-
evolvingfieldthatplaysacrucialroleinour society Withadvancementsintechnology,changes inregulations,andshiftingdemographics,itisasectorthat requiresconstantattentionandadaptation.
RyanFernandes,withhisextensiveexperienceand achievements,standsoutinthisindustry.Havingworkedin theMiddleEast,Africa,theUK,andIndiaforover20 years,Fernandeshasbecomeahighlyskilledprofessional ineCommerceandMarketing,leavingalastingimpacton theindustry
Asarenownedmarketinganddigitalstrategyexpert, Fernandeshasaproventrackrecordoffostering interculturalteamworkandfosteringgrowthforFortune 500firmsacrossarangeofindustries.Hisknowledge coversmultipleindustries,includingFMCG,consumer technology,healthcare,andretail.Thisallowshimto successfullynegotiatechallengingenvironmentsand produceoutstandingoutcomes.
Inadditiontobrandbuildingandtransformation,customer loyaltyandCRM,customeranalytics,innovationand productdevelopment,digitaltransformation,anddigitaland performancemarketingaresomeoftheareasinwhich
Fernandesexcels.Everyaspectofthesubjectiscoveredby hisall-encompassingapproachtomarketing,resultingin completestrategiesthatpromotelong-termgrowthand achievemarketdominance.
Withadeepunderstandingofbothbusinessandconsumer dynamics,Fernandesexcelsincommunication, collaboration,teammanagement,andstakeholder engagementatalllevelsofanorganization.Hisstrategic visionandabilitytobuildstrongcross-functionalteams havepropelledhimtothepositionofHeadofMarketing, Branding,andCommunicationsintheGCCforAster Hospitals,Clinics,Retail,andDigitalHealth.
Heoverseesagroupofover50employeesto45atAster DMHealthcarewhoareinchargeofimplementing effectivemarketingstrategiesacrossvariousindustries, boostingbrandrecognition,anddrivingrevenuegrowth.
Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey!
Pleasebriefusaboutyourselfandyourbackground beforeyouenteredtheHealthcareSector.
IamaseasonedMarketingandDigitalStrategy professional,bringingmorethantwodecadesofsuccessin spearheadinggrowthforFortune500companiesacross diversesectors,includingHealthcare,Retail,Consumer Technology,andFMCG.Myproficienciesencompassan arrayofareas,includingbrandbuildingandtransformation, customerrelationshipmanagement,customeranalytics, productdevelopment,digitaltransformation,andgrowth leadership.Overtheyears,I’vehonedmycommunication, collaboration,andteammanagementskills,allowingmeto successfullyengagewithstakeholdersatalllevelsofan organization.
BeforemycurrentroleastheHeadofMarketingforthe GCCatAsterDMHealthcareGroup,Iheldaseriesofhighprofilepositionsacrossleadingorganizations.Notable amongstthesewasmytenureasVP–Marketing& eCommerceatPantaloons(AdityaBirlaFashionRetail Ltd),whereIledBrandStrategy,Campaigns,Digital, Social&InfluencerMarketing,CRM&Loyaltyprogram, ConsumerAnalytics&Research,andPR,whilealsohaving P&LaccountabilityforPantaloonsD2CeCommerce business.
BeforePantaloons,IservedatHMDGlobal(NokiaPhones) astheGlobaleCommerce>MLead,overseeingthe GlobaleCommercestrategy&business.Myresponsibilities
extendedtodefiningandbuildingtheorganizationalstructure, budget,businessprocesses,andplatformarchitecture.Ialso playedacrucialroleinexecutingtheeCommerceplatforms acrosscountriesandleadingtheGo-To-MarketProgramfor Nokiamass-marketsmartphonesglobally
Earlierinmycareer,IheldstrategicrolesatMicrosoftand NokiaintheareasofMarketingPlanning,Operations,and Analytics.Intheseroles,Iwasinstrumentalinmaintaining regionalprofitabilityabovetargetlevelsandlaunchinghigh-end smartphonessuccessfully
MyearlyprofessionaljourneyalsoincludestenuresatGSK ConsumerHealthcareIndiaLtdandNestleIndiaLtd,whereI contributedtotherelaunchofkeybrands,achievingmarket leadershipinspecificcategoriesandinitiatingprofitable strategies.
IholdanMBAfromtheIndianInstituteofManagement (IIM),Calcutta.Additionally,Ihavefurtheredmy knowledgeandskillsthroughcertificationprograms suchas‘OnlineBusinessStrategyandFinancial Acumen’byMicrosoft-INSEADand‘Management& Leadership’bytheNokia-WhartonVoyagerProgram.
Overall,myjourneybeforeventuringintothehealthcare sectorhasbeenmarkedbycontinuallearning,impactful leadership,andasteadfastcommitmenttodriving growththroughinnovativemarketingstrategies.Iam excitedtoleveragetheseexperiencesasIcontinueto contributetothehealthcareindustry
Pleasebriefouraudienceaboutyourcompany,its USPs,andhowitiscurrentlypositionedasa prominentnameinthisindustry.
AsterDMHealthcareisalargemultinationalhealthcare servicescompanywithhospitals,clinics,andpharmacies inIndia,theUnitedArabEmirates,Qatar,Kuwait, Bahrain,SaudiArabia,andOman.Itwasfoundedin 1987byDr AzadMoopenandisheadquarteredin Dubai,UAE.
AsterDMHealthcarehasanetworkofover885 healthcarefacilities,including32hospitals,127clinics, 521pharmacies,and205labs&PECs.Thecompany providesawiderangeofhealthcareservices,including inpatient,outpatient,diagnostic,andpreventivecare.
AsterDMHealthcareiscommittedtoprovidinghighquality,affordablehealthcaretoitspatients.The companyhasbeenrecognizedforitsqualitystandards byseveralorganizations,includingtheJointCommission International(JCI),theNationalAccreditationBoardfor Hospitals&HealthcareProviders(NABH),andthe HealthcareInformationandManagementSystems Society(HIMSS).In2022,AsterDMHealthcarewas namedoneofthetop100companiesinIndiabyFortune India.
Thecompanywasalsorankedasthe4thbesthospital chaininIndiabytheNationalPatientSatisfaction Survey.LinkedinranksAsteramongstthetop5 preferredemployersinUAE.
AsterDMHealthcareisaleadingproviderofhealthcare servicesinIndiaandtheMiddleEast.Thecompanyis committedtoprovidinghigh-quality,affordable healthcaretoitspatientsandisconstantlystrivingto improveitsstandards.
Whatmotivatedyoutopursueacareerinthehealthcare industry?
Followingtwodecadesofoccupyingstrategicleadership rolesinMarketing,Go-to-Marketstrategies,andDigital Transformationwithinconsumer-centricindustriessuchas FastMovingConsumerGoods(FMCG),Telecommunications, andRetailFashion,Ifoundmyselfembarkingonan unpredictablejourney,profoundlyimpactedbytheCovid19pandemic.Theglobalhealthcrisisilluminatedtheneed foraparadigmshiftinhowweperceivehealthand wellness,underscoringtheirimportanceandshapingthem astopprioritiesforeveryindividual.
Whilescrutinizingthehealthcaresector,Iobservedthatits modusoperandihastraditionallybeenclinicallydriven-its primaryobjectivebeingtorestorehealthtoailingpatients ratherthanespousingaholisticapproachtohealthand wellness Moreover,inthespectrumofdigitaltransformation, thehealthcareindustryhasbeenlaggingincomparisonto itsconsumer-facingcounterparts.Acomparativelackof emphasisondigitalprogression,pairedwithalower investmentquotientforenhancingdigitalconsumer experiences,wasquiteevident.
Perceivingtheseelements,Iidentifiedasignificant opportunityforgrowthandchange.Irecognizedthatthe industrywasatacriticaljuncturewhereitwasreadyto transitionfromapredominantlyclinicalfocustoamore holisticwellnessmodel,necessitatingtheapplicationof modernmarketingstrategiesanddigitaltransformation methodologies.Therein,Ifoundmyinspirationtoventure intothehealthcaresector.Theprospectofleveragingmy expansiveexperiencetodrivethispivotaltransformationin anindustrysocrucialtothewell-beingofmankindisa challengethatIambothexcitedaboutandpreparedto undertake.
Currently,AstheHeadofMarketing,Brand&Communication intheGCC,Ileada45-memberteamatAsterHospitals, Clinics,Retail&DigitalHealthfortheMarketingprograms anddemandgrowthacrosstheBusinessUnits.
Howhaveyourekindledfocusaroundpatientcarein yourorganization?
Withtheexpansionofanorganization,itisnotuncommon toobserveagrowingemphasisonproceduralefficiencyand operationalstandardization,whichmayinadvertentlycause adeclineinpatient-centeredcare.However,atAster,we takeimmenseprideinourcommitmenttoensurethatour
customers,andinparticularourpatients,areatthecoreof ouroperations.
Wehaveundertakenaseriesofstrategicinitiativesto rekindleandaugmentthefocusonpatientcare.Oneof theseinvolvedempoweringourCustomerCareandService Excellencepersonnelwiththeauthorityandencouragement togobeyondtheroutineprocedurestodelightourcustomers. Thiswasachievedthroughcomprehensiveinternal capability-buildingexercises.Theseexercisesledtothe institutionofinternalrewardandrecognitionprograms designedtocultivateandmotivatethestafftoconsistently prioritizepatientcare,therebyensuringanorganizational culturethatputspatientsfirst.
Simultaneously,weembarkedonanextensivebrandbuildingcampaignunderthepowerfulandresonating slogan,“CareisjustanAsterAway.”Thiscampaignwas aimedatreassuringourpatientsofourunwaveringcommitment totheircarewhilealsoshowcasingourexpansivehealthcare networkacrosstheUAE Ourcampaignactivationsspanned variousmediaplatformssuchasOut-of-Homeadvertising (OOH),transportation,print,digital,Below-the-Line(BTL) advertising,andvariousevents.
Ahallmarkofthiscampaignwasleveragingtheoccasionof Aster’s35thAnniversarytoprojectourmessageofcare ontothefaçadeoftheiconicBurjKhalifa,theworld’s tallestbuilding.Thiseventnotonlysignificantlyenhanced ourbrandvisibilityandsaliencybutalsoinstilledastrong senseofpridewithinourorganization,renewingour collectivecommitmenttolivinguptothispromiseof ensuringthat“CareisjustanAsterAway.”
Inessence,bycreatinganorganizationalculturethatvalues patientcareaboveallandprojectingthiscommitment throughourstrategicbrand-buildingcampaign,wehave reinvigoratedourfocusonpatientcarewithintheAster organization.
Thehealthcareindustryhasbeen
witnessingaremarkabletransformation inrecentyears,drivenbycutting-edge innovationsandbreakthroughtechnologies. Theseadvancementsarerevolutionizingthe wayhealthcareisdelivered,improvingpatient outcomes,andenhancingtheefficiencyof medicalpractices.FromAI-drivendiagnostics topersonalizedmedicine,thehealthcare landscapeisundergoingaparadigmshiftthat holdspromiseforahealthierandmore sustainablefuture.
TheRiseofArtificialIntelligencein Diagnostics
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)hasemergedasa game-changerinhealthcarediagnostics.AI algorithms,fueledbyextensivedatasetsand machinelearning,areenablingfasterandmore accuratediagnosisofdiseases.Forinstance,AIpoweredimageanalysisisenhancingthe accuracyofmedicalimaginginterpretations.
Radiologistsandpathologistsarenowaidedbyalgorithms thatcandetectsubtleanomaliesthatmightbemissedby humaneyesalone.Thisnotonlyexpeditesthediagnostic processbutalsoreducesthechancesofmisdiagnosis.
Thefieldofgenomicshaspavedthewayforpersonalized medicine,tailoringtreatmentplanstoanindividual's geneticmakeup.Theabilitytosequenceanindividual's genomehasledtomoreprecisediagnosis,treatment,and preventionstrategies.Withgenomicinsights,doctorscan predictapatient'ssusceptibilitytocertaindiseases,identify themosteffectivemedications,anddeveloptargeted therapies.Thisapproachnotonlyimprovespatient outcomesbutalsominimizesadversedrugreactions, ultimatelyleadingtoamoreefficienthealthcaresystem.
Telemedicinehastranscendedgeographicalbarriers, enablingpatientstoaccessmedicalexpertiseregardlessof theirlocation.TheCOVID-19pandemicfurtheraccelerated theadoptionoftelemedicine,allowingpatientstoconsult healthcareprofessionalsvirtually.Beyondconsultations, remotepatientmonitoringdevicesarenowcapableof continuouslytrackingvitalsignsandhealthmetrics.This real-timedataempowersphysicianstointerveneproactively andmakeinformeddecisions,reducinghospital readmissionsandimprovingchronicdiseasemanagement.
Robotictechnologyhasrevolutionizedsurgicalprocedures, makingthemlessinvasiveandmoreprecise.Robotic-
assistedsurgeriesoffersurgeonsenhancedvisualization, greaterdexterity,andtheabilitytoperformcomplex proceduresthroughsmallerincisions.Thistranslatesto reducedpain,shorterhospitalstays,andquickerrecovery timesforpatients.Asroboticsystemscontinuetoevolve, theboundariesofwhatispossibleintheoperatingroomare expanding,pavingthewayforevenmoreintricateand delicateprocedures.
Blockchaintechnologyisaddressingtwocriticalchallenges inhealthcare:datasecurityandinteroperability Blockchain'sdecentralizedandtamper-resistantnature ensurestheprivacyandintegrityofpatientdata, safeguardingitfrombreaches.Moreover,itenablessecure sharingofmedicalrecordsacrossdifferenthealthcare providers.Thisinteroperabilityenhancesthecontinuumof carebygivinghealthcareprofessionalsaccessto comprehensivepatienthistories,resultinginbetterinformeddecisionsandcoordinatedtreatments.
Theapplicationsof3Dprintinginhealthcareareasdiverse astheyarerevolutionary.Customizedimplants,prosthetics, andanatomicalmodelscannowbefabricatedwith remarkableprecisionusing3Dprintingtechnology Surgeonscanusethesemodelstoplancomplexsurgeries andpracticeintricateproceduresbeforeenteringthe operatingroom.Inaddition,3D-printedorgansandtissues arebeingexploredasasolutiontotheorgantransplant shortage,potentiallyrevolutionizingthefieldof regenerativemedicine.
Nanotechnologyisunlockingnewpossibilitiesindrug deliveryandtreatmentstrategies.Nanoparticlescanbe engineeredtocarrymedicationsdirectlytospecificcellsor tissues,minimizingsideeffectsandmaximizingtherapeutic impact.Thistargeteddrugdeliveryapproachimprovesdrug efficacywhilereducingthedosagerequired.Nanomedicine isparticularlypromisingincancertreatment,whereit allowsfortheprecisiondeliveryofchemotherapyagentsto cancercells,sparinghealthytissuesandmitigatingadverse effects.
VirtualReality(VR)ismakingstridesinmanagingpain andanxietyduringmedicalprocedures.Byimmersing patientsincalmingandengagingvirtualenvironments,VR distractsfromthediscomfortandstressassociatedwith medicalinterventions.Ithasproveneffectiveinreducing painperceptionduringwounddressingchanges,dental procedures,andevenlabor Additionally,VRisbeingused forphysicaltherapyandrehabilitationexercises,enhancing patientengagementandadherencetotreatmentplans.
Thecomplexprocessofdrugdiscoveryanddevelopmentis beingstreamlinedbybioinformatics,themarriageof biologyanddatascience.Advancedcomputationalmodels analyzevastdatasetstopredicthowpotentialdrug compoundswillinteractwithbiologicalsystems.This acceleratestheidentificationofpromisingdrugcandidates andexpeditestheresearchtimeline.Bycombining
molecularbiologywithdata-driveninsights,bioinformatics iscatalyzingthediscoveryofnoveltreatmentsforvarious diseases.
Whilethesecutting-edgeinnovationsholdimmense potential,theyalsobringforthchallengesthatneedtobe addressed.Ensuringdataprivacyandsecurityinan interconnectedhealthcareecosystemisparamount. Regulatoryframeworksmustadapttotherapidlyevolving landscape,maintainingabalancebetweeninnovationand patientsafety.Furthermore,equitableaccesstothese advancementsremainsaconcern,asnotallcommunities maybenefitequallyfromthesebreakthroughs.
Thehealthcareindustryisundergoingaprofound transformationfueledbycutting-edgeinnovations.From AI-drivendiagnosticstopersonalizedmedicine,these breakthroughsareredefiningpatientcare,treatment strategies,andtheoverallhealthcareexperience.As technologycontinuestoevolve,collaborationamong healthcareprofessionals,researchers,andtechnology expertswillbekeytorealizingthefullpotentialofthese innovations.Byovercomingchallengesandembracing opportunities,thehealthcareindustryispoisedto revolutionizehealthcaredeliveryandimprovethewellbeingofindividualsworldwide.
Theworldfacesnumerouschallenges,including biodiversityloss,deforestation,wastedisposal,air pollution,waterinsecurity,toxicloads,plastic pollution,globalwarming,andclimatechange.These issuescontributetoincreasinginequitiesandsocial stressors,leadingtoaperilousfutureforcivilization.The UnitedNationsGeneralAssemblyapproved17goalsin 2015toaddressglobalconcerns,suchaspoverty, inequality,energy,peace,andclimatechange.The17 SustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)areinterrelated andachievingonewillresultinachievingtheothers. Nanotechnology,aninterdisciplinaryfieldinvolving researchersfromvariousfields,hasthepotentialto transformindustriesandopennewavenuesforinnovation anddiscovery,therebycontributingtotheachievementof the17SDGs.
Nanotechnologyhasthepotentialtorevolutionizeourlives, includinghealth,environment,andinfrastructure.By collaboratingwithexperiencedteamsandleveraging nanotechnology,wecanworktowardsachievingthese goalsandpromotingamoresustainablefutureforall. Nanotechnologycanenhancedrugdelivery,diagnostics, medicalimaging,medicaldevices,andtissueengineering. Nanorobotscanbeusedfortargetedmedicineadministration orminimallyinvasivesurgery,whilenanoparticlescan encouragecellgrowthandregenerationininjuredtissues. Nanotechnology-basedfilterscaneliminatewater pollutants,whilenano-porousmembranesfilteroutsaltand otherpollutants.Nano-sensorscanmonitorwaterqualityin real-time.
Additionally,Nanotechnologycanenhanceinfrastructure, advancerenewableenergysources,andimprove
manufacturingtechniques.Itcanalsoincreaseefficiency andreducewaste,leadingtomoreenvironmentallyfriendly andeconomicallyviableproductiontechniques. Nanotechnology-basedwatertreatmenttechnologiescan reducewasteandincreasewatertreatmentplants'efficiency
Nanotechnologycanalsohelpcitiesandcommunitiestobe moresustainablebyimprovinginsulation,watertreatment, airpollutionreduction,andreal-timeinfrastructure monitoring.Itcanalsoimproveurbantransportation networksbycreatingself-healingbuildingmaterials, improvinginsulation,coatings,andenergyproduction. Nanotechnology-basedmaterialscanalsobeusedfor responsibleconsumptionandproduction,making manufacturingprocessesmoreenergyefficientandreducing waste.
Nanotechnologycanalsohelptoconserveocean,sea,and marineresourcessustainablybycleaningwaterbodiesof pollutantsanddetectingwaterpollutionlevels.
Nanostructuredmaterialslikegraphene-basedsorbentsor carbonnanotubescaneffectivelyabsorboilfromwater surfaces,whereasgrapheneoxidemembranesorcarbon nanotubescanfilteroutsaltionsfordrinkingandirrigation purposes.Nanoparticlescanalsoenhancedrugdelivery systemsformarineorganisms,protectingcoralreefsand promotingcoralgrowth.
Nanotechnology-basedmaterialscanalsobeusedto remediatecontaminatedsoils,improvesoilquality,and monitorenvironmentalfactorsinreal-time.These technologiescanalsobeusedtodevelopnewconservation technologiesthatprotectendangeredspeciesandboost biodiversity
Furthermore,nanotechnologyhastheabilitytoenhance infrastructure,promotesustainableconsumptionand production,reducepoverty,promotezerohunger,and assureinclusiveandequitablequalityeducation. Nanotechnologyhasthepotentialtocontributetovarious goals,includingenhancinglearning,promotinggender equality,promotingeconomicgrowth,reducing inequalities,andpromotingpeace,justice,andstrong institutions.Itcanbeusedinvarioussectors,suchas healthcare,agriculture,andeducation,toprovidetargeted drugdeliverysystems,earlydetectionmethods,and personalizedtreatments.Nanomedicinecanrevolutionize healthcarebyprovidingtargeteddrugdeliverysystems, earlydetectionmethods,andpersonalizedtreatments, addressingchallengesrelatedtomenstrualhealthand hygiene.
Inagriculture,nanotechnologycanimprovecropyields, soilfertility,andpestcontrolmethods,empoweringwomen farmersandincreasingtheirproductivityandincome.Inthe energysector,nanotechnology-basedsolutionslikesolar cells,energystoragedevices,andefficientlightingsystems canprovidesustainableenergyalternatives,reducingthe timespentonenergy-relatedchores.
Nanotechnologycandriveeconomicgrowthandcreatenew jobopportunitiesinvarioussectors,suchasresearchand development,manufacturing,energy,healthcare,and agriculture.Thedevelopmentofnanotechnology-based productsrequiressignificantresearchanddevelopment, creatingjobsinthemanufacturingsector.Additionally, nanotechnology-basedmedicaldevicesandtherapiescan improvehealthcareoutcomesandcreatejobsinthe healthcareindustry.
Reducinginequalitiesisanothergoalforsustainable development,asitaimstoensureequalaccesstoresources, opportunities,andbasicservices.Nanotechnology-based medicaldevicesanddiagnostictoolscanhelpbridgethe gapinhealthcareaccess,providingaffordableandportable solutions.Nanomaterialscanbeemployedtodevelop efficientwaterpurificationsystems,self-cleaningsurfaces, andantimicrobialcoatingsforsanitationfacilities, improvinghygienestandards.
Ineducation,nanotechnology-basededucationaltoolsand materialscanprovideengagingandaccessiblelearning experiencesforallstudents.Low-costeducationaldevices andplatformscanenableremotelearningopportunitiesfor underservedpopulations.Inenergy,nanotechnology-based solutionscanpromoteaccesstocleanandaffordableenergy
sources,empoweringcommunitiestogeneratetheirown cleanenergyandreducingenergypoverty.
Thus,nanotechnologyhasthepotentialtohelpachieve thesegoals,promotingpeace,justice,andstronginstitutions forsustainabledevelopment.Nanotechnologyhasthe potentialtosignificantlyadvancetheUnitedNations'17 SustainableDevelopmentGoalsbycontributingtoforensic science,promotingpeace,andenhancingsecuritymeasures. Forensicinvestigationsplayacrucialroleinensuring justiceandmaintaininglawandorder.Nanosensorsand nanoparticlescanenhanceforensicanalysis,while nanomaterialscanenhancesecuritysystemsanddata security.Nanotechnologycanalsoaddressenvironmental challengesbyprovidingsustainablealternatives,suchas waterpurificationandwastewatertreatment.Nanotechnologyenabledsensorscanmonitorairquality,soilhealth,and waterpollution,enablingearlydetectionandpreventionof environmentalhazards.
Furthermore,nanotechnologycansupportaccesstojustice byimprovinglegalprocessesandenhancingforensic capabilities.Nanoscalematerialscanbeusedforevidence preservation,analysisofcomplexlegaldocuments,andthe developmentofsecureandtamper-proofidentification systems.Partnershipsbetweenacademia,industry,and governmentagenciescandriveeconomicgrowthandjob creation.Nanotechnologycanalsopromoteglobal partnershipsforsustainablemanufacturingpractices, reducingcarbonfootprintsandminimizingenvironmental impact.
Inconclusion,nanotechnologyhasthepotentialto significantlyadvancetheUnitedNations'17Sustainable DevelopmentGoalsbycontributingtothedevelopmentof cost-effective,accessible,andenvironmentallyproductsand materials.However,itiscrucialtoconsiderpotential negativeeffectsontheenvironmentandhealth.Responsible developmentandregulationareessentialtoensurethe secureandlong-termapplicationofnanotechnologyin achievingthesegoals.
Thehealthcareindustrystandsonthecuspofa
transformativeeradrivenbytherelentless advancementoftechnology.Fromprecision medicinetotelehealth,theseinnovationsarereshapingthe landscapeofhealthcare,promisingbetterpatientoutcomes, enhancedefficiency,andimprovedaccessibility Aswepeer intothefuture,it'sclearthattechnologywillplayan increasinglypivotalroleinrevolutionizinghealthcareaswe knowit.
Oneofthemostpromisingadvancementsinhealthcareis precisionmedicine,anapproachthattailorsmedical decisionsandtreatmentstotheindividualcharacteristicsof eachpatient.Thisentailsanalyzinganindividual'sgenetic makeup,lifestyle,andenvironmentalfactorstodesign personalizedtreatmentplans.Withtheadventofgenomics andadvanceddataanalytics,doctorscanpredictdisease susceptibility,selectthemosteffectivetherapies,andeven anticipateadversereactionstomedications.Precision medicinenotonlyincreasestreatmentefficacybutalso reducestheriskofsideeffects,makinghealthcaretruly patient-centered.
Telehealthhasrapidlygainedtraction,especiallyinrecent times,withtheCOVID-19pandemicacceleratingits adoption.Thistechnology-drivenapproachenablespatients toconsultmedicalprofessionalsremotely,breakingdown geographicalbarriersandenhancingaccesstohealthcare services.Telehealthencompassesvirtualconsultations, remotemonitoringofvitalsigns,andevendigital prescriptions.Patientsinruralorunderservedareascan nowreceiveexpertmedicaladvicewithouttheneedto travellongdistances,whilehealthcareproviderscanextend theirreachbeyondtheirphysicallocations.
TheInternetofThings(IoT)hasintroducedanew dimensiontohealthcarebyenablingthedevelopmentof wearabledevicesthatcontinuouslymonitorvarioushealth metrics.Fromsmartwatchesthattrackheartrateandsleep patternstoglucosemonitorsfordiabetesmanagement, thesewearablesprovidereal-timedatatousersand healthcareproviders.Thisreal-timedataempowers individualstoproactivelymanagetheirhealthanddoctors tomakemoreinformeddecisions.Wearablesnotonly
facilitateearlydetectionofhealthissuesbutalsopromote preventivemeasures,reducingtheburdenonhealthcare systems.
IntelligenceandMachine
EnhancingDiagnostics
ArtificialIntelligence(AI)andMachineLearning(ML) algorithmsarerevolutionizingthediagnosticprocessin healthcare.Thesetechnologiescananalyzevastamountsof data,rangingfrommedicalimagestopatientrecords,to identifypatternsandanomaliesthatmightbeimperceptible tohumaneyes.AI-powereddiagnostictoolsarebecoming increasinglyaccurateindetectingdiseasessuchascancer, enablingearlierinterventionandimprovedtreatment outcomes.Moreover,thesetechnologiescontinuouslylearn andadapt,refiningtheirdiagnosticcapabilitiesovertime.
Robot-assistedsurgeryisreshapingthefieldofsurgical procedures.Withrobotics,surgeonscanperformintricate andcomplexprocedureswithenhancedprecisionand dexterity.Roboticsurgicalsystemsoffermagnified3D visualizationandfinemotorcontrol,reducingthe invasivenessofproceduresandshorteningrecoverytimes. Whilethesurgeonremainsincontrol,therobot'sprecise movementsminimizetheriskofhumanerror As technologyadvances,thepotentialforremoterobotic surgeriesandcollaborationamongsurgeonsacrossthe globeholdsimmensepromise.
Inadata-drivenhealthcarelandscape,maintainingthe securityandintegrityofpatientinformationisparamount. Blockchaintechnologyoffersasolutionbyprovidinga secureandtamper-proofwaytostoreandsharesensitive medicaldata.Patientshavegreatercontrolovertheir healthrecords,andhealthcareproviderscanaccessa comprehensivemedicalhistoryacrossdifferentinstitutions. Thisnotonlystreamlinescarecoordinationbutalso enhancespatientprivacyanddatasecurity,addressing concernsaboutdatabreachesandunauthorizedaccess.
Beyondphysicalhealth,technologyisalsomakingstrides inmentalhealthcare.VirtualReality(VR)isbeing employedtotreatconditionslikeanxiety,PTSD,and phobiasbycreatingcontrolled,immersiveenvironmentsfor
therapy.Patientscanconfronttheirfearsinacontrolled setting,reducinganxietyandfacilitatinghealing. Additionally,VRoffersrelaxationandmindfulness experiences,promotingmentalwell-being.Asmentalhealth gainsprominence,theintegrationoftechnologyin therapeuticinterventionsmarksasignificantsteptoward holistichealthcare.
Predictiveanalyticsleverageshistoricaldataandstatistical algorithmstoforecastpotentialoutcomes.Inhealthcare, thistechnologyisusedtopredictdiseaseoutbreaks,patient readmissions,andevenindividualpatientrisks.By identifyinghigh-riskpatients,healthcareproviderscan interveneproactivelytopreventcomplicationsand hospitalizations.Predictiveanalyticsalsoaidsinresource allocation,enablinghospitalstomanagepatientinfluxes efficiently
Asweembracethefutureofhealthcaretechnology,it's crucialtoaddressthechallengesthatarise.Privacy concerns,ethicalimplicationsofAI,andthedigitaldivide mustbecarefullynavigated.Ensuringdatasecurityand patientconsentisparamounttomaintainingtrust. Furthermore,integratingnewtechnologiesintoexisting healthcaresystemsrequiresseamlessinteroperabilityand trainingforhealthcareprofessionals.
Thefutureofhealthcareisundeniablyexcitingas technologycontinuestounlockpossibilitiesthatseemed inconceivablejustafewyearsago.Patient-centeredcare, drivenbyprecisionmedicine,willbecomethenorm,while telehealthandwearableswillbridgegapsinaccessibility ThesynergyofAI,IoT,andblockchainwillusherinanera ofdata-drivendecision-makingandsecureinformation exchange.
Aswemoveforward,collaborationbetweenhealthcare professionals,technologists,policymakers,andpatientswill beessential.Itisthroughthiscollaborationthatwecan ensurethatthepoweroftechnologyisharnessedforthe bettermentofhealthcareworldwide.Byleveragingthese innovations,wehavethepotentialtocreateahealthcare ecosystemthatismoreefficient,personalized,and ultimatelyfocusedonimprovingthehealthandwell-being ofindividualsacrosstheglobe.
-AdibaTarade
Yuval Harpaz IT Director
Middle East's 10 Successful Magne c Leaders Revamping
Technologyistheapplicationofknowledgeto
achievepracticalgoalsconsistentlyandpredictably.Theadvancesintechnologyhavegearedup everyone’sfuture.Buttousetechnologyappropriately, oneneedstherightamountofknowledgetoapplyitin therightway
Thepharmaceuticalindustryhasseenashiftfromits traditionalmethodstotechnologicaladvances.Withthe growthintechnology,differentapproachesandstrategies wereinvolvedindeliveringabetterfutureforthe industry
Adaptingtothechangesandbuildingupabetterversion ofadvancement,YuvalHarpazhasbroughtinnew advancementswithhis20yearsofexperience.Explaininghisjourneyfromthestarttilldate,hehasgivena clearpictureofhowtechnologyemergedhewasableto manageit.
Beinganeffectiveleader,YuvalHarpaz,theIT DirectoratKAMADA,hassupportedtheglobal expansionofthecompany.Businesscontinuityishis mainvision.Withallthedifficultiesarising,healways madetheprocessofcontinuationeasyforhimandhis team.Facingallthechallengesandmovingaheadmade himatruebusinessleader.
Let’s get into detail with the story of Yuval Harpaz to understand how his expertise made him an effective business leader:
YuvalHarpazisaBAinEconomicsandLogisticsfrom BarIlanUniversityandanMAinBusinessAdministrationwithaspecializationinInformationTechnologyand MarketingfromHebrewUniversity
Forthepastfouryears,hehasworkedasanITDirector forKAMADA,acommercial-stageglobal biopharmaceuticalcompanywithaportfolioofmarketed productsindicatedforrareandseriousconditions.Began hiscareerin2002asanERPconsultantatOracle Softwareasateamleaderandprojectmanagerforglobal ERPandCRMprojects.Hehasover20yearsof experiencewithInformationTechnologySystemsand cybersecurity.
In2008,he joinedCheckPointSecurityandwasin chargeofaglobalCRM(Salesforce)rolloutspanning20 countries,600salespeopleandmanagers,and3,500 partners.Healso conductedadevelopmentprojectofa uniquemechanismforsalesopportunitiesandanonstandardpricingmodel.Implementingahighlycomplicatedalgorithmfordiscountsandapprovalworkflow acrosstheglobalsalesorganization.Thesolutionis workingtoday.
In2012,he joinedRetalixSoftwareasaglobalapplicationsdirector,managingallbusinessapplications(ERP, CRM,BI,R&D,andQuality).WhenRetalixwas acquiredbyNCRSystemsin2014,Yuval oversawthe entireapplicationsintegrationprojectfortwoyearsuntil afullglobalimplementation.In2017,he washiredas theCIOofDanelLTD.
WHEN I JOINED KAMADA, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXECUTE PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES USING MY DEEP KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN THESE AREAS.
DanelisalargeIsraelifirmthatspecializesinnursing, humanresources,andspecialneedspopulations.Danel hasapproximately20,000employeesand200locations throughoutIsrael.Throughouthisrole,he upgradedthe networkandcybersecuritycapabilitiesandimplemented newERPandCRMapplications.YuvaljoinedKamada in2019asanITDirector,establishinganewdepartment toaddresspharmaceuticalITchallengesintheareasof quality,cybersecurity,networkinfrastructure,support, andbusinessapplications.
Aleaderinthespecialtyplasma-derivedfieldfocusedon diseasesoflimitedtreatmentalternatives,Kamadais engagedinthecommercialization,manufacturing,and developmentofbiopharmaceuticalproducts,including sixFDA-approvedproducts.Kamadaisasmalltomidsizepharmacompany,butitsITchallengesarecomparabletothoseofthelargestpharmacompanies.Yuval explainedhisroleasanITDirectorinKamada,stating, “I must provide the growth infrastructure, support the Company’s global expansion, supply up-to-date applications to run the business processes, all under a very tight regulation and quality controls as well as ensure data integrity and Security.”
KAMADA’sITdepartmentispartoftheCompany’s corporateheadquarters;asITDirector,there’s a bigger pictureofshortandlong-termneedsthat necessitatesadedicatedITstrategy
Yuval installsa“KeepBusinessRunning”mentalityin histeam.Asateam,they mustensurebusinesscontinuity,allowcontinuedplantmanufacturing,quality,andlab functionality,aswellasdevelopandimplementnew applicationsandcapabilities.Allthe activitiesmust adheretohighermandatedstandardsandaddressquality regulationswhilestayingwithinapprovedbudgets. SeniorManagement’sunderstandingoftheITimportanceiscrucialtoallowforsustainedgrowthand achievingcorporategoals;itiscrucialthattheITshort andlongtermsstrategybealignedwithandsupportthe corporatestrategy.
Futureneeds,plannedexpansion,marketingactivities,as wellasnewregulationsandprocedures,mustallbe consideredintheITstrategicplan.KAMADA’sglobal expansionnecessitatesadaptationofbasedcloud
applicationsaswellasothernewtoolsandprocedures, whichwillallowtheITteamtobettersupportthe companyemployeeswherevertheyare.
Kamadaisaleaderinthespecialtyplasma-derivedfield, withproductsindicatedforrareandseriousconditionsin areasoflimitedtreatmentalternatives.Kamada’s productsaredistributedinmorethan30markets worldwide.Kamadahaslong-standingcommercial relationshipswithseveralofthelargestplasmacompaniesandleveragesmorethan30yearsofexperienceto supportitsgrowthandexpansionstrategy.
Talkingaboutthisindustry,Yuvalclaimsthatthe pharmaceuticalindustrycharacteristicsarematerially differentfromallotherindustriesheusedtoworkfor Themanufacturingplant’sITsupportisavailable24 hoursaday,thereisaprocedureforeachprocess,the documentationishighlyfocused,andfinding solutions is inaverycreativewaytokeepthebusinessrunning whilealsopromotingnewcloud-basedtechnologies.
Inhispreviousroles,hebuiltthelandscapeinthree majorITareas:systemandinfrastructure,business applications,andcybersecurity.Butthingswere differentinKamada.WhenhejoinedKamada,heusedto executeprojectsandactivitiesbasedonhisextensive knowledgeandexperienceintheseareas.Everycompanyheworkedforhim.Hehasgainedalotofexpertise inmarketoperations,thecompanyDNA,thefirm’s uniquecharacteristics,andtheareasITshouldfocuson tokeepthebusinessrunningandimplementnew technologies.
Withbusiness-focusedapplications,high-availability networks,andcybersecuritytechnologies,ITatKamada enablessales,marketing,qualitycontrol,regularaffairs, manufacturing,andR&D,aswellasallcorporate functions.ThesupportProcesses,team,andmonitoring systemsarealltailoredtotheneedsofthebusiness.
Oneexampleispharmaceuticalproductserialization requirements- eachmanufacturedproductrequiresto
haveauniqueserialnumber,identificationbarcode,as wellasadditionaldatatoenableglobalTraceability.Due tosystemscomplexityanddifferentserialization requirementsforeachterritory,ITsolutionsandsupport arerequiredtobeagileandadaptive.Theteammaintains state-of-the-artmachines,supportednetworkconnections,aswellasdedicatedpersonnelandproceduresto enable productstobedistributedgloballywhilemeeting allserializationrequirements.
Duringthepastyear,Yuval hadtorepositiontheIT departmentasaglobalsupportthatsupportsthecompany’sexpansionintonewbusinessinitiativesand territories.Earlier,theCOVID-19pandemicposedother challenges,suchastheneedtotransitionfromofficebasedoperationstoahybridone,requiringacompanywide‘go-mobile”projectandadaptingsecuritysystems andprotocolstoallowforcontinuedsafeoperationinthe newremotesettings,andallthroughsuccessfully managingmandatoryconstraintsonemployees(includingIT’s)abilitytoworkfromtheoffice.Eventually,it becamesecondnaturetotheITteam.
KAMADAcontinuesitsexpansionandincreasingits marketpresenceinmanyotherregions,anditsIT department,ledbyYuval, willcontinuetoenablesuch growthandleadthecompany’stechnological advancements.
Manynewtechnologies,cloud-basedapplications, enhancedcybersecuritythreats,andbusiness-changing needsarepushingthemodernCIOtobethetrusted technologicaladvisorandoneofthemainbusiness enablers.Tofulfillsucharole,aCIOshouldspendthe firstyearsofhisorhercareerlearningthethreemain buildingblocks(InfrastructureandSupport,Business Applications,andCyberSecurity)andgaining experienceinITrolesfromthebottomupuntiltheCIO role.
“Time and health are two precious assets that we don’t recognize and appreciate until they have been depleted.”
– Denis Waitley
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