Michael Goettler is an accomplished global pharmaceutical executive with nearly 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, sales & marketing, medical affairs, research & development, operations, international business development, financial management, and investor relations. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience leading companies through growth, transitional change, and uncertainty.
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Michael has guided companies through mergers and acquisitions, cultural shifts, the 2008 financial crisis, an earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic while achieving strong financial performance despite challenges.
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As a champion for 'Pharma for Good,' Michael is passionate about shaping the growth of companies in 'the business of saving lives.' He believes that the rapid technological developments in the pharmaceutical industry can help to offset growing medical costs and save lives by offering new treatment possibilities. Michael's focus on growth, R&D, and integrating new technologies has provided the structure and freedom that teams of professionals and researchers need to develop drugs and therapeutics that assist millions of patients worldwide.
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Michael most recently was the inaugural CEO of Viatris, where he led the integration of Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Upjohn, a former division of Pfizer. During his tenure, Viatris saw eight consecutive quarters of solid operational and financial performance, significantly delevered the balance sheet, and achieved targeted cost synergies, all while returning value to shareholders through initiating a quarterly dividend and share repurchases.
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Michael was born in Germany and earned his education in Germany, France, and the U.S. He earned an M.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and a graduate degree from the Koblenz School of Corporate Management in Germany. Michael has worked for major companies in the U.S., Japan, China, Korea, France, Germany, and Italy. His global experience includes leadership positions he held at Sanofi and Pfizer. He currently advises various organizations on matters concerning the pharmaceutical industry. As a global citizen, Michael's extensive international experience has enabled him to immerse himself in various cultures and gain an understanding of people and workplace dynamics that transcend borders.
Outside of work, Michael is a self-proclaimed sci-fi and tech geek, an avid foodie, and a proud father of two. He currently serves on the advisory board of the Tsinghua School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Beijing. Michael is a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace and beyond. He sits on the advisory board of the Gender Research Advisory Council + Education (GRACE), a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes equality, dignity, and respect for transgender individuals. Michael also served as a board member of Population Services International (PSI) for six years PSI is a global organization working to improve people's health in the developing world by focusing on serious challenges like a lack of family planning, HIV and AIDS, and the greatest threats to children under five, including malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.
For opinion pieces on leadership and the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, navigate to the Thoughts section for Michael's latest insights.
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