19 Years at MSD – From Marketing to Policy, Navigating Healthcare’s Future
August 8, 2025
Joining MSD Belgium
I joined MSD Belgium 19 years ago in the marketing and sales department, where I had the pleasure of contributing to the launch of two major products. This experience ignited my passion for the pharmaceutical industry and set the foundation for my career. Ten years ago, during a significant restructuring, I embraced the opportunity to transition into the role of “Governmental & Public Policy Manager”. My background in philosophy sparked my interest in aligning the goals of a pharmaceutical company with those of the government.
Growing into my role
Initially, I faced the challenge of having no experience as a policy manager. I dedicated time to understanding the political landscape and, when I felt ready, I started reaching out to Belgian politicians. This proactive approach led to my first meetings and helped me grow into my current position. It’s been a journey of learning through both successes and setbacks.
Reflecting on my career, I realize that my early naivety pushed me to take bold steps. While experience is important, having the courage to take initiative is equally vital. I’m happy to see that at MSD we embrace the “Act with Urgency” principle, ensuring we move beyond meetings to take decisive action. This mindset fosters a culture of responsiveness, which is crucial in our fast-paced industry.
What helps me succeed in my job is carefully listening to the needs of stakeholders and building sustainable, long-term relationships. This process takes time and commitment, but it’s essential for success. I’ve learned that effective communication and understanding the perspectives of others are key to navigating complex policy discussions. My sales background has equipped me with strong interpersonal skills, allowing me to connect easily with others. I thrive on social interaction and enjoy collaborating with diverse teams to achieve common goals.
The evolving landscape of policy management
Looking ahead, I see my role becoming increasingly important. The landscape of policy management has evolved. The simple chain of launching a product and positioning it in the market no longer exists. The pre-launch phase of pricing and reimbursement is crucial; without proper reimbursement, even the best innovations can’t benefit patients. At MSD, we are committed to navigating these challenges effectively, and I take pride in our diverse and multifunctional policy team that works tirelessly to advocate for patients and ensure access to vital medications.
The next 60 years in healthcare
How do I envision the next 60 years in healthcare? First and foremost, I anticipate that we will be confronted with a multitude of innovations. History has shown us that investing in innovations pays off, and this trend is likely to continue. The emphasis on prevention and vaccination will increase significantly. Moreover, the importance of “the patient experience” will continue to grow, necessitating ongoing evolution in the quality of care. Health equity will play a crucial role in this transition: everyone, regardless of their background, deserves access to the same quality of care.
BE-NON-02562 | Date of last revision: 06/2025