Changing of the Guard

Greetings, readers. My name is Meg Rivers, and I’m excited to be joining the Pharmaceutical Executive team as managing editor. While I have big shoes to fill in leading the brand’s day-to-day editorial function, as former editor-in-chief, Elaine Quilici, was exceptional, I’m happy to be jumping in with both feet starting this January issue.

A bit about me—I formerly worked on our sister publications, Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology Europe, and BioPharm International, and my beat has historically been pharma manufacturing and outsourcing. I’m looking forward to learning more and more about the c-suite and the topics important to you.

In this issue, I had the pleasure of personally speaking with some brilliant people. First up, I chatted with Natalie Bickford, chief people officer, Sanofi, in this month’s executive profile (page 14). I was touched to hear about her conviction that employees should be able to show up for work as authentically themselves as well as her dedication to employees being supported.

One thing that’s special about this issue—and fun to participate in—was our annual industry trends outlook (starting on page 18). The editors discuss trends in cybersecurity, the pharma workforce, social media’s role in pharma, patient hubs, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and partnering with academic institutions.

In my industry trends article on cybersecurity, I pick the brain of Lieutenant General (retired) Ed Cardon, who was the Commanding General of the US Army Cyber Command. I was both riveted and moderately terrified by some of the information he shared on cybersecurity—namely, that the pharma industry must face these threats alone. But he provides great insights as to how companies can (and should) proactively protect themselves.

In another trends article, this one on patient hubs, I interview experts from CoverMyMeds, LEO Pharma, and Zensights. In a piece about pharma workforce, Andy Studna, associate editor, discusses the evolving job market, specifically how the number of jobs is down. Mike Hollan, editor, shares how there is a new focus on collaboration with academia. In the final two industry trends articles, Lisa Henderson, editorial director, shares insights into the IRA, and Fran Pollaro, senior editor, dives into social media and its role in pharma.

Our columnists of this issue, Jill Wechsler, the Reflector, Barbara Ryan, Bruce Liu, and Ira Studin, reveal insights on the state of the industry in Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Washington along with a dive into finances and managed markets.

I could go on, but I shall leave you with these parting words: 2023 is shaping up to be another pivotal year in our industry. Many predict big shifts, and I look forward to seeing the innovations that will emerge.

Meg Rivers is Pharm Exec’s managing editor and can be reached at mrivers@mjhlifesciences.com.