Healthcare >> CEO Interviews >> September 14, 2001
PAULO COSTA is President and CEO of Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Corporation and head of Novartis' North American pharmaceuticals
operations. He joined Swiss-based Novartis in July 1999 as the global
corporation's choice to strengthen commercial operations and prepare the
market for the anticipated launch of Novartis' late-stage potential
blockbusters in the United States. Before joining Novartis, Mr. Costa
was Executive Vice President, Global Franchise Development, and a member
of Johnson & Johnson's Group Operating Committee. Between 1993 and 1998,
Mr. Costa led Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical subsidiary, Janssen
Pharmaceutica, Inc. US as its President. Mr. Costa began his career at
Johnson & Johnson in 1969 as a junior buyer at the company's affiliate
in his native Brazil. He advanced to general manager of the
pharmaceuticals unit in 1983, and proceeded to become responsible for
Johnson & Johnson's pharmaceutical business in Latin America and
subsequently Canada. A graduate of the S'o Paulo School of Business
Administration, Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil, he earned an MBA
from Harvard Business School. While at Harvard, he served as co-
President of the Ibero-American Club. Profile
TWST: Can we start out with a quick overview of Novartis Pharmaceuticals- USA?
Mr. Costa: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation is an affiliate of the
Novartis Group, a world leader in health