Since taking office ten months ago as Chairman and CEO of Novartis Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria, Yahya Abdallah has brought strategic vision and pragmatic leadership to the organisation. Having joined Novartis in 2011, his career has spanned various positions and geographies, notably in the Levant and Gulf regions, as well as strategic roles at regional and global level. His previous experience also includes key positions in Marketing and Operations, preparing him to navigate the pharmaceutical landscape with agility and determination. “I have been with Novartis for 14 years now, and I have a deep understanding of its values and its ambition,” he says, before adding: “My goal is to ensure that we continue to make a significant impact through innovation and partnership.”
What sets Yahya Abdallah apart is his commitment to leading through change — and with purpose. He describes his arrival in a context of global and regional instability. For him, leading with purpose means aligning Novartis with societal needs while maintaining operational excellence. “It is not only commercial performance that motivates me, but also the role we play in improving patient outcomes and in working with institutions to shape access to care in the country”, he stresses.
“Hope is a driving force. When patients are pushed into the background in times of instability, it reminds us of the value of our mission.”
Leadership rooted in human potential
For Yahya Abdallah, leadership is closely linked to the conviction that individuals, when given trust and autonomy, can exceed expectations. He sees his role not only as that of a decision-maker, but as a catalyst — someone who fosters an environment in which innovation can flourish: “I am convinced that people can achieve remarkable things. When they are given the space to innovate and experiment, incredible results emerge”.
In a sector as demanding and regulated as pharmaceuticals, Mr Abdallah encourages experimentation as a path to progress. For him, giving teams the freedom to try, fail, learn and improve is essential to stimulate innovation and unlock the full potential of individuals and organisations.
“Giving teams the freedom to try, fail, learn and improve is essential to stimulate innovation and unlock the full potential of individuals and organisations.”
Morocco, a healthcare innovation hub
According to Mr Abdallah, “thanks to its strategic position, Morocco has the potential to become a regional benchmark in healthcare.” Yahya Abdallah emphasises the country’s ability to stimulate innovation, notably through public-private partnerships. “I believe Morocco can be a regional hub for innovation and partnerships in healthcare,” he insists.
To achieve this, he argues that it is important to have a shared vision and aligned ambitions. Health, in his view, should no longer be perceived as a burden. “Health is still too often regarded as a cost, whereas it should be seen as an investment — a fundamental investment for economic and social development,” says Yahya Abdallah. For him, innovation only makes sense when it is accessible to those who need it most: “We can build together. The most important thing is to align on a vision that makes sense for the country, for patients and for all stakeholders”.
Artificial Intelligence and local expertise
Yahya Abdallah regards digital health and Artificial Intelligence as transformative forces — particularly in regions such as Morocco, where technological momentum is rapidly accelerating. “Given the scale of global health data, we can develop solutions that will have a more significant impact on patients — not only by enabling personalised medicine, but by improving the entire patient journey. That is why I am passionate about technology and eager to see what AI and digital solutions will bring in the near future,” says the Chairman and CEO of Novartis Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
He also stresses the importance of partnerships that make the most of local expertise and data to make innovation truly relevant.
Family moments, meaningful moments
Despite his very demanding job, Yahya Abdallah attaches great importance to his personal balance. His wife, also a pharmacist, is his closest ally, alongside their two children — an eight-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. “I love spending time with my family. My children’s curiosity fascinates me. It is also very inspiring. Being available, being together, is very important to me,” he says.
The CCSM, a trusted partner
A long-standing premium member of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in Morocco, Novartis, in the person of Yahya Abdallah, values the role the CCSM plays as a bridge between the business world and communities. “The Swiss Chamber of Commerce does remarkable work to support companies and foster dialogue. It opens doors and creates value.” he confides. He praises its long-term vision and its support for companies — not only commercially, but also through relationships of trust.
If you were…
- A colour? White, because it is a blank page full of possibilities. Blue, a source of inspiration and energy.
- A human value? Empathy.
- An animal? A bird, for freedom and vision.
- A superpower? Reading minds — to understand others and anticipate the future.
- A book? “The Road Less Traveled and Beyond” by M. Scott Peck — a guide to navigating life with wisdom and intention.