Hospodářské noviny: Innovative pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter is headed by a modern woman

Taken from Hospodářské noviny 24.04.2024 | Go to Czech translation

„I want our people to be eager to spread their wings and have ambitions to reach higher and more demanding positions. It is exciting to work with open-minded people who are not afraid to express their opinions, think differently and accept challenges,“ says Dr. CORINA CROITORU, Managing Director of the pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The legacy of the company’s founder, Mr. Gedeon Richter, remains indelible in the pharmaceutical industry even after more than 120 years. To what do you owe such a long and successful presence on the market?

Gedeon Richter was a pharmacist, and he founded our company basically the moment he set up his first pharmacy. By the way, it is still in operation today. I often try to imagine what the pharmaceutical industry looked like back then. There were no European Union regulations, restrictions, or directives. Gedeon Richter must have been a very inspiring man, the Steve Jobs of his time. A visionary who believed in his dreams, and innovations, and knew how to turn challenges into opportunities. We have been building our business on these core values to this day.

Does Gedeon Richter focus on the innovation of original pharmaceuticals or rather on the production of generics?

Our portfolio includes both of these variants. We specialize in the research and development of original pharmaceuticals, and we are also producing affordable generics. Both categories are intended for the general public. We are therefore a fully integrated specialty pharmaceutical company. We build our development and production on four pillars. The first, and the longest-existing, is women’s health care. The second contains traditional pharmaceuticals designed for a wide range of therapeutic areas. The third pillar is focused on the central nervous system, and it includes an original flagship product developed in our laboratories – an antipsychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia. The fourth pillar is dedicated to biological and biosimilar products, which must be considered an integral part of a modern portfolio, but also a prerequisite for the economic sustainability of health systems. Such broad portfolio diversification is able to keep our company stable even in unexpected or crisis situations.

What are the main pharmaceutical areas you are currently focusing on in women’s healthcare?

There aren’t many „players“ on the market when it comes to women’s health. The cornerstones of our product portfolio designed specifically for women include hormonal, oral and emergency contraceptives. Most people are certainly familiar with Postinor. This is an emergency contraception developed by us that has been on the market for a long time. A few years ago, we started to expand our portfolio with products which are needed by women in different stages of their lives. That is why we have launched the only pharmacological treatment for uterine fibroids and endometriosis. In the field of women’s health care, we are recognized market leaders not only in the Czech Republic, but also elsewhere in the world. That’s why we have the responsibility to promote awareness among both doctors and the general public. There are still many false ideas on the market, for example, about the risks of various forms of contraception. Many people still mistakenly believe that taking hormones must be harmful to health.

Could you outline where in the world your company operates?

We are a global player, operating across all continents. With a turnover of more than 2.1 billion euros in 2023 and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, we are nevertheless considered a medium-sized pharmaceutical company.

You are successfully managing your company in two countries with large local markets. Building and managing effective teams seems to be your forte. What do you think is the key to creating a successful team?

I try to refresh and modernize the company’s image and focus on motivating our people by constantly working hard to change my mindset and theirs. I’m a very dynamic person, I try to move other people into the learning zone and keep them there. I would like our people to be motivated and able to work independently. I want them to desire to spread their wings and have ambitions to reach higher and more demanding positions.

Working with diversity is becoming more and more important in all industries. How do you approach this topic?

I want to use my example to encourage women in the Czech Republic to dare to go further and not stay in the old ways. They should give up their old beliefs: „I can’t be in a higher position because it’s not for me“ and not be afraid to work towards the realization of their dreams and ideas. Women’s opinions bring new perspectives and complement those of men. We need women in all spheres, not only in pharmacy. Just like men.

„Without change, progress is impossible; Those who cannot change their minds cannot make real progress.“

Corina Croitoru’s favourite quote was uttered by playwright G. B. Shaw, and she tries to live by it and push the boundaries of our possibilities. I consider this vital to be happy, both professionally and personally.