CEO Agenda offers unique insights into the mindset and leadership of leaders and what keeps them busy in a world of constant change. We have a look contained in the lives, thoughts and agendas of the CEOs of the world’s most famous corporations.
Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, works in a volatile industry. The pharmaceutical sector has been very profitable for a long time and its weight within the economy has grown steadily. But for individual corporations, to cite the late Oscar winner Marie Dressler: “Everyone is only as good as their last film” – or on this case, their latest blockbuster drug.
Hudson also joined Sanofi, the leading French pharmaceutical company, just before the largest global health crisis in a century. He became CEO in June 2019. Six months later, COVID hit China, and never long after that, around the globe. In those early days of his tenure, Sanofi was barely visible. Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Roche all developed their vaccines or diagnostics inside months. Sanofi was on board, but faded into the background as its COVID vaccine efforts stalled.
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Sanofi’s rating within the Fortune 500 Europe 2023
But the world of pharmaceuticals is continually changing, and so is Sanofi. In 2022 and 2023, updates on trials and regulatory reactions to Sanofi’s recent asthma treatment sent shares soaring and crashing, as did regulators’ involvement in Sanofi’s planned acquisitions. Today, the stock price is up greater than 15% from five years ago. And Hudson is patiently but feverishly constructing the Sanofi of tomorrow.
At a Assets Over dinner in 2023, he and I discussed what AI would mean for business. He was a firm believer that it could be transformative; I used to be skeptical. As you may read in Hudson’s answers below, the UK CEO has doubled down on his AI implementation efforts, and it’s beginning to repay – Sanofi is becoming a frontrunner in AI today.
This interview has been edited for brevity.
Down to business
Assets: What global news concerns you most?
Paul Hudson: Given the world we live in today, it is just inconceivable to decide on a position. As is usually claimed today, we face a “permacrisis”, a protracted period of instability and uncertainty. While we proceed to see increasing polarisation around the globe, it’s notable that the worldwide issues at stake are more interconnected than ever before.
Our CEO, Paul Hudson, reflects on our begin to the brand new 12 months as a development-focused, science-led and technology-enabled biopharmaceutical company: https://t.co/QUoWTayzf4
#SanofiResults $SAN $CUT pic.twitter.com/Zhv8w8UiEY— Sanofi (@sanofi) February 1, 2024
What is crucial project you’re working on together with your company?
At Sanofi, we’re within the midst of a company-wide modernization – from our science to our manufacturing to our culture. A key driver of our modernization is our ambition to be the primary biopharmaceutical company to make use of artificial intelligence at scale. This means fully leveraging the facility of AI across our entire value chain to speed up the pace of scientific discovery, improve our productivity and empower our employees. Always with the goal of accelerating scientific breakthroughs so we will innovate faster for patients.
A key driver of our modernization is our ambition to be the primary biopharmaceutical company to make use of artificial intelligence on a big scale.
Which long-term trend for society and the economy as a complete makes you most optimistic? Which one worries you essentially the most?
It will come as no surprise to anyone, but I’m fully committed to AI. It is here to remain and I’m convinced that if we use AI responsibly and ethically, it would bring about positive changes in our world that we cannot yet imagine.
One trend that ought to concern us all is climate change. While progress is being made, it’s incremental at best. A more sustainable world requires increased collaboration inside and between sectors, and fast. One vital example: healthcare systems collectively account for five% of all CO2 emissions, with half of those emissions coming “downstream” from patient care. To find long-term solutions, all of us – industry, governments, healthcare professionals, hospitals, patients – have to work together.
Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography via Getty
If you were an economic policymaker, what can be your top priority for Europe?
Achieving health autonomy for the EU. Healthcare is an important sector for Europe’s security, but stays under-prioritized as a consequence of a scarcity of investment. Particularly in the realm of research and development, this is usually related to complex regulatory hurdles, amongst other things. Europe already has a robust foundation for healthcare innovation, with world-leading science, a dynamic start-up ecosystem and robust bioclusters. What is now needed is a concerted effort from all stakeholders to re-establish Europe as a healthcare leader and regain a competitive advantage in healthcare innovation.
Be productive
What time do you rise up and what a part of your morning routine prepares you for the day?
I rise up around 6:30/7:00 a.m. My morning routine definitely features a coffee and a visit with my family before I start answering my emails.
What time do you’re employed until? Do you continue to send emails at night and/or on weekends?
I’m more of an evening owl and do not mind working long hours. I reserve as much time as possible on Saturdays for family and private things, and I normally use Sundays to organize for the week ahead.
Amazon.com
What apps or methods do you employ to be more productive?
One app I exploit every single day is named plai, which was developed specifically for Sanofi. It’s like a bite-sized AI in your pocket, giving me – and all of our employees – real-time access to billions of aggregated data points from across the organization. With these insights at my fingertips, I could make higher, faster decisions and spot potential challenges or opportunities in seconds.
Who is in your “personal board”?
My three children because they keep me on my toes. Through their eyes I get a glimpse into the longer term of the following generation, which helps me as a frontrunner today. Then a very good friend from university (Manchester Metropolitan University) who helps me concentrate on what matters in life; an information scientist who helps me lead with insight and without bias; and a CEO from a very different industry who offers me different perspectives on leadership.
Get personal
What book have you ever read recently or prior to now that has inspired you?
“Managing My Life” by Alex Ferguson.
Paul along with his Olympic heroes:
© Bambasi / Courtesy of Sanofi
© Fisheye / Courtesy of Sanofi
If you could possibly ask your idol one query, who wouldn’t it be and what would you ask?
It can be Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager, who I consider a real role model when it comes to leadership. My query is about his incredible ability to maintain everyone within the team together and motivate them, not only in difficult moments but additionally in winning moments, and the way he has managed to take care of such high and consistent standards of quality.
As a consumer, what’s your favorite company and why?
It’s hard to select a reputation, but I’d say Apple due to its customer-centric mindset, seamless user experience across all products, and skill to drive a transparent vision.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Who is your Olympic hero, today or prior to now?
The athletes of Team Sanofi who will give their best on the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games: Valériane Ayayi, Amandine Buchard, Ellie Challis, Dany Dann, Ezra Frech, Nantenin Keita, Yul Moldauer, Lauren Rowles. This group of inspiring personalities has joined our partnership with the Paris 2024 Games, promoting diversity, inclusivity and the shared values of science and sport.
CEO Agenda offers unique insights into the mindset and leadership of leaders and what keeps them busy in a world of constant change. We have a look contained in the lives, thoughts and agendas of the CEOs of the world’s most famous corporations.
