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  • April 2015
  • Supplement
  • HBS Case Collection

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp: Redefining Success in the U.S. (B)

By: Gautam Mukunda, Thomas DeLong and Aldo Sesia
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:6
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Abstract

This (B) case describes the actions André Wyss, president of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, took in early 2012 to transform the company's General Medicines group and build its specialty medications, marketing the selling capabilities in the face of falling revenues and an imminent workforce reduction. Rather than downsize the organization quickly to save costs, Wyss and his team took a different approach. They told the organization's employees that there would be a significant workforce reduction but it would not occur for several months. In the meantime, Wyss asked the employees to help build the new capabilities and put processes in place to support the move into specialty medications. It was a bold decision and defied convention.

Keywords

LEAD; Leadership And Change Management; Talent Management; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Leadership; Change Management; Talent and Talent Management; Pharmaceutical Industry; United States

Citation

Mukunda, Gautam, Thomas DeLong, and Aldo Sesia. "Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp: Redefining Success in the U.S. (B)." Harvard Business School Supplement 415-049, April 2015.
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About The Author

Thomas J. DeLong

Organizational Behavior
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