Journeying through over 40 countries, immersing herself in diverse cultures, economic systems, and political contexts, she has gained a unique understanding of global healthcare. With every new experience, her vision has sharpened, her passion deepened, and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of patients has grown stronger. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated resilience, determination and a passion for achievement —a progression that has been as much about personal growth as it has been about professional achievement.
Her path wasn’t just shaped by her professional roles but also by the people she met along the way—patients whose stories brought the reality of healthcare challenges into sharp focus, mentors who offered invaluable guidance, and teams that collaborated to overcome seemingly unbeatable obstacles. Each encounter added a new layer to her understanding and reinforced her belief that leadership is not just about directing others but about lifting them up and empowering them to achieve their best. This belief is the focal point of her leadership style, which is characterized by empathy, inclusivity and a commitment to fostering growth in those around her.
The career path we are discussing is about Natacha Theytaz, a leader whose name has become synonymous with innovation and impact in the healthcare industry. As the Country President of Novartis Türkiye since July 2022, she has been steering the company through a crucial period, focusing on making a direct and lasting impact on patients’ lives in one of the most complex markets in the world. Her career is built on diverse expertise and a strong passion for healthcare, marked by a personal story of losing her mother to cancer only 10 days after diagnosis, an early experience in strategic consulting, internal auditing, and a pivotal role with the Swiss government. These experiences laid the foundation for her holistic approach to leadership. Her evolution is not just about professional milestones; it’s about personal growth too, setting a benchmark in the industry and inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Let’s delve into her path, her vision for the future, and the strategies she has implemented to steer Novartis Türkiye toward greater heights!
Early Life and Educational Background
The pursuit began long before she entered the corporate world. Growing up, there was always a deep curiosity about different cultures, societies and medicines. This curiosity eventually led to studies in social and political sciences, law, business administration and even on-line classes in medicine. “Education was never really about obtaining degrees,” she reflects. “It is about understanding how societies function, how political systems and laws shape economies, and how innovative practices can improve lives.”
This diverse educational background provided a solid foundation for the future. Studying social and political sciences offered insights into human behavior and societal needs, while law emphasized the importance of ethics and justice. Business administration, on the other hand, equipped her with the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of corporate leadership.
Entering the Corporate World
After completing an extensive education fueled by a desire to make a positive impact, she began her career in internal auditing. This initial role provided an inside look at how organizations operate, revealing areas for improvement and opportunities to drive growth and efficiency.
Following her time in internal auditing, she transitioned into strategic consulting, where she gained valuable insights into various strategies and industries. “Strategic consulting was where I learned to see the big picture while not losing sight of the details,” she notes.
Her journey then took her to a role with the Swiss government, which was instrumental in deepening her understanding of political systems while enhancing her negotiation and communication skills. This government experience added a unique dimension to her career, allowing her to understand both the private and public worlds.
These diverse roles laid a strong foundation for her subsequent leadership positions in various global functions such as risk management and global security.
Also, serving on the Executive Committee of Novartis and participating in Board meetings sharpened her ability to see the big picture, set direction, and manage crises.
The Global Journey
As her career progressed, opportunities to work in different parts of the world arose. Over the years, she has traveled to and worked in over 40 countries, each with its own unique challenges and opportunities. “Every country taught me something new,” she says. “Whether it was navigating regulatory landscapes in Europe or understanding healthcare challenges in emerging markets, each experience enriched my understanding of healthcare and strengthened my passion to make a difference for patients.”
In each country, she made it a point to immerse herself in the local culture and learn about the specific healthcare system. This global exposure, combined with her roles as a board member for an airport for example and on the Executive Committee of Novartis, has shaped her into a leader with a broad and nuanced understanding of the world and the healthcare industry.
Leadership at Novartis Türkiye
In July 2022, she took on the role of Country President at Novartis Türkiye. Türkiye, being one of the most strategic and complex markets in the Middle East healthcare industry, required a leader who could tackle its challenges while seizing its opportunities. “Leading Novartis Türkiye during a time of change and uncertainty required me to draw on all my previous experiences and to continuously learn too,” she highlights.
Her main focus as Country President has been to ensure that Novartis continues to make a direct and lasting impact on patients’ lives. “In healthcare, our ultimate goal is to improve the well-being of patients. This is the cornerstone of my leadership approach,” she emphasizes.
Driving Innovation and Growth
Novartis Türkiye is actively driving innovation and growth through strategic initiatives focused on collaboration and access. Together with the government and the industry association, a primary goal is to enhance access to innovative medicines, with currently less than 5% of these available in the country. “Innovation and collaboration are key to solving the current healthcare challenges,” she notes. “We must continuously push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Raising awareness about heart health via physical activities, testing efforts, collaborating with physicians’ associations and the government to better manage cardiovascular diseases, co-developing AI models to predict the evolution of diseases such as multiple sclerosis or assessing new funding mechanisms are just a few examples of recent innovative projects. Encouraging a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the organization ensures that the team is always ready to adapt to new challenges and seize new opportunities.
Focus on Patient-Centric Care
For her, the most important aspect of leadership is making a positive impact on patients’ lives. “Every decision we make at Novartis has the potential to affect the health and well-being of patients across Türkiye,” she says. This strong emphasis on patient-centric care ensures that the company’s strategies and initiatives are always aligned with the needs of patients.
Working closely with healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups and policymakers, she has ensured that Novartis Türkiye is not just a leading pharmaceutical company but also a trusted partner in the healthcare ecosystem.
Building a Strong and Inclusive Team
A significant part of her success as a leader can be attributed to the ability to build strong and inclusive teams. “Diversity is a strength, and different perspectives lead to better decision-making,” she believes. Under her leadership, Novartis Türkiye has fostered an inclusive work environment where everyone is empowered to contribute.
There is also a strong emphasis on talent development, ensuring that the team at Novartis Türkiye has the skills and resources needed to succeed. “Investing in our team is investing in the future of the company,” she says. Through various training programs and initiatives, employees are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally, creating a culture of collaboration, progress, and excellence.
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Leading a company in the healthcare industry comes with its own set of challenges. From overseeing regulatory changes to dealing with the impact of global events on the local market, tough decisions had to be made, and adaptability was crucial, especially in the face of recent high inflation and the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye. “Challenges are opportunities in disguise,” she says. “They teach us resilience and push us to think creatively.”
Her ability to stay calm under pressure and make informed decisions with her team has earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and peers alike. “Leadership is not just about leading in good times; it’s about navigating the storms with grace and strength,” she reflects.
The Role of Ethics in Leadership
Ethics and integrity are central to her leadership style. “In healthcare, where the stakes are high, it’s essential to always act with honesty and transparency,” she says firmly. Throughout her career, she has been committed to upholding the highest ethical standards, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of patients and society.
Her strong ethical compass has guided her through many difficult decisions. “Ethical leadership is about doing the right thing and inspiring others to do the same,” she adds. By leading with integrity, she has built a reputation as a trusted and respected leader in the healthcare industry.
A Vision for the Future
Considering prospects, there is a clear vision for the future of Novartis Türkiye and the healthcare industry. She believes the industry is on the brink of transformation, driven by advances in technology, changing patient needs, and a growing focus on personalized care. “The future of healthcare is about being proactive rather than reactive,” she says, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm.
One of her key goals is to continue driving innovation and improving access to healthcare for patients across Türkiye. This includes producing for the local market and for export, ensuring that Novartis Türkiye plays a crucial role both domestically and internationally. Embracing new technologies and approaches will create even greater value for patients and society. Sustainability is another passion, and there is a strong commitment to ensuring that the company’s growth aligns with environmental and social responsibility principles. “We must grow responsibly, keeping the well-being of our planet and society in mind,” she emphasizes.
Inspiring Leadership and Lasting Impact
Natacha’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s also about inspiring the next generation of leaders. “The future of the healthcare industry depends on developing strong, ethical, and innovative leaders who are committed to making a difference in the world,” she passionately believes. Actively involved in mentoring and supporting young professionals, she helps them navigate the challenges of the industry and develop the skills they need to succeed. “Mentorship is a way of giving back to the industry that has given me so much,” she says, reflecting on the importance of sharing knowledge and experiences with others.
From her early days in strategic consulting and internal auditing to her current role, Natacha has always approached her work with passion and purpose. Her ability to manage complex challenges, drive innovation, and lead with integrity has made her a respected and admired leader in the healthcare industry. As she continues to lead Novartis Türkiye through a period of change and transformation, her focus remains on the ultimate goal: improving the lives of patients. Her vision, leadership, and dedication are setting a bar in the industry, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Beyond her professional achievements, Natacha is also a role model for a healthy lifestyle. She has been running competitively since her youth and she is currently training for a half Ironman—a reflection of her commitment to personal well-being and resilience. Another key aspect of her life is her family. She mentions that her most precious role is to be the mother of two wonderful pre-teen kids. Whether through her work at Novartis, or her efforts to mentor the next generation of leaders, her impact on the healthcare industry will be felt for years to come.
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