Pfizer has a new regional president for its vast Middle East, Russia and Africa (MERA) country grouping. Turkish national Elif Aral, a 29-year Pfizer veteran, will take over from Patrick van der Loo, who becomes Pfizer Germany’s country president.
The Context
This is a challenging and diverse region, where political instabilities, low levels of healthcare coverage, and a lack of infrastructure make bringing innovative medicine to patients a challenge. However, it is also a dynamic one, with the Middle East pharma market set to grow by 6.6 percent and Africa’s by 5.5 percent up to 2027 according to IQVIA data, with medicine usage in the combined region surging from 410 billion defined daily doses in 2023 to 451 billion by 2028. MERA’s most developed markets such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE – where Aral will be based – are also positioning themselves as global ‘first-wave’ countries for bringing in advanced new products.
It is also a difficult moment for Pfizer. The company is no longer able to rely on the sugar rush of COVID-19 vaccine and antiviral revenues and has slipped from first to sixth place in the most recent ranking of top pharma companies by revenue. To address this dip in revenues as well as adjust to global market conditions, Pfizer is undergoing a cost realignment program aimed at saving USD four billion per year and launching a multi-year manufacturing optimisation program that targets USD 1.5 billion in savings by 2027. In addition to cost saving measures, Pfizer is also looking to drive up its revenues via new launches, particularly in oncology. Having acquired Seagen for USD 43 billion, the firm is aiming to bring at least eight blockbuster cancer drugs to market by 2030.
In MERA, Pfizer’s key therapeutic areas will be vaccines, oncology, rare diseases, internal medicine, hospitals, and inflammation and immunology. A press release notes that “In her new role, in addition to overseeing all therapeutic areas within the MERA region, Elif will drive strategic initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and equity, working closely with regional partners and governments to ensure Pfizer’s leading portfolio and breakthroughs reach those who need them.”
New Energy
Aral has held a wide range of positions within Pfizer, including Turkey country manager when PharmaBoardroom last spoke to her in 2018. For the past five years she has been based at the company’s New York headquarters, first as VP for Vaccine Marketing in Emerging Markets & China; then VP for Global Marketing of Cardiovascular & Global Brands; and most recently leading the company’s ‘An Accord for a Healthier World’ initiative. This program, which provides philanthropic access to Pfizer medicines in 45 lower-income countries – many of which sit in the MERA region – should provide a good base of understanding for some of the key access challenges ahead in her new role.
Speaking via a press release, Aral laid out her plans. “My foremost goal is to build upon the strong foundation we have established across the MERA region over the past 70 years. I am deeply committed to ensuring that our global innovative treatments and breakthrough therapies are not only developed but also made accessible as we continue to bridge the healthcare equity gap, working together with our dedicated teams and partners to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for communities across the region.”
Aral also highlighted the importance of Pfizer’s innovative culture. “I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how Pfizer has evolved and transformed the medical industry for nearly three decades – almost my entire career,” she said. “Additionally, I have seen how the company’s leadership prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, not only for the patients in the markets they serve but also for employees at all levels and regions. I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Pfizer and am particularly honored to be the first woman to hold a presidential role at the company in the region”.
Fond Memories
Aral is replacing Dutch national Patrick van der Loo in the role. Van der Loo, who PharmaBoardroom interviewed in 2023, will become Pfizer’s country president for the very different context of Germany. Looking back on his time at Pfizer MERA in a LinkedIn post, van der Loo said “As I prepare to transition to a new role, I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to my MERA colleagues and external partners for their unwavering support and dedication over the past 3.5 years. It has been an incredible journey working alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals. Reflecting on our accomplishments, I am proud of the impact we’ve made in closing the health equity gap and enabling access to healthcare innovation in this amazing region.”
He added, “I am confident that the MERA team will continue to lead with courage, excellence, and joy. I look forward to seeing the team rise to new heights under the new leadership. Thank you for being amazing friends, partners, and colleagues. MERA will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am excited to celebrate your future successes.”
