Publications
Publications
- May 2020 (Revised January 2022)
- HBS Case Collection
Michael Ku and Global Clinical Supply at Pfizer Inc.: Bringing Hope to Patients (A)
By: Linda A. Hill, Allison J. Wigen and Emily Tedards
Abstract
Michael Ku joined Pfizer in 2011, after the company had undergone three large-scale mergers and acquisitions. His mission was to drive the digital transformation of the company’s clinical supply chain, but he knew he had to start with the culture. Over the next eight years, Ku and his leadership team put in place the culture, talent, structure, and processes necessary to prime the clinical supply chain for digital transformation. By 2019, the clinical supply chain had made significant progress toward becoming the agile, innovative organization necessary to support Pfizer’s new ambition to focus exclusively on developing innovative medicines and vaccines. Ku knew there was more to be done before they could maximize their digital and innovation efforts. He had asked his leadership team to come up with a proposal to improve decision-making in the organization.
Keywords
Innovation; Digital; Change; Culture; Management; Talent; Pharmaceutical Companies; Customer-centricity; Collaboration; Cross-functional Management; Purpose; Leadership; Innovation and Invention; Transformation; Organizational Culture; Change Management; Talent and Talent Management; Customer Focus and Relationships; Supply Chain; Decision Making; Mission and Purpose
Citation
Hill, Linda A., Allison J. Wigen, and Emily Tedards. "Michael Ku and Global Clinical Supply at Pfizer Inc.: Bringing Hope to Patients (A)." Harvard Business School Case 420-108, May 2020. (Revised January 2022.)