Chief Ethics, Compliance and Policy Officer, Novartis AG; Switzerland
The World Forum for Ethics in Business is a powerful initiative since it brings multiple stakeholders from different disciplines together. It is a great forum to challenge ourselves on ethical questions because of the nature of what we do and what we want to become. Business ethics is not a question of philanthropy. For us, it is a prerequisite for providing the best possible care for patients so that people can live longer, with a better quality of life, giving more time to do the things that matter to them.
Eric Cornut is a member of Novartis Group Senior Management in his capacity as Chief Ethics, Compliance and Policy Officer, a role he has held since August 2014. He is responsible for strengthening compliance and public policy that Novartis as a leading company in the industry depends on for a sustainable future in healthcare. He also holds the responsibility as the Chairman of Novartis Group Japan.
Previously, Eric served as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Novartis Pharmaceuticals where he has been responsible for all aspects of Global Product Strategy and Commercialization. Earlier he led Pharma Region Europe for 6 years where he oversaw the operations of affiliates in 35 countries with approximately 9,000 employees.
Eric began his career at Novartis predecessor company, Ciba-Geigy in 1989 and played a key role in the global pharmaceutical merger activities of Ciba-Geigy-Sandoz in 1996.Following this, he assumed the role of CEO Novartis Netherlands and subsequently became President and CEO of Novartis France in 2000.
Eric has a Doctoral degree in Law from the University of Basel, Switzerland and a Master of Law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.