Sofia is an accomplished executive with over 15 years in the biopharma industry, she is known for leading digital transformation and operational excellence across global teams. Sofia is a leader in enhancing digital marketing strategies, knowledge management systems, and centralising commercial operations, consistently delivering substantial efficiencies and creating significant value across international markets.
Current job title and description of what this role entails:
I am the Director of Centralised Delivery Optimisation and Strategic Initiatives, Chief Marketing Office at Pfizer Inc. In this role my focus is on centralising, standardising, and optimising operational processes to drive resource efficiency and strategic alignment across our global centralised operations. I develop and implement strategies that enhance service delivery globally, ensuring our processes are agile and scalable. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I introduce best practices that foster innovation and improve performance metrics, continuously seeking opportunities to drive transformation and increase stakeholder value.
Tell us about your career journey since graduating from LSE?
Since graduating from LSE, I have worked in a range of sectors, building a multi-disciplinary skill set. I began in banking as an Internal Career Development Analyst, focusing on HR strategies for career growth and talent management.
My move into management consulting was pivotal, where I specialised in HR and restructuring projects. I co-founded a consulting firm that concentrated on HR solutions and company evaluations, helping organisations restructure for greater efficiency.
Transitioning to Unilever, I played a key role in developing budgeting and financial reporting processes, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting better decision-making.
My journey with Pfizer began 19 years ago, starting in finance and expanding into business development, sales and marketing effectiveness, product management, and digital marketing. A career milestone was establishing Pfizer Greece’s digital marketing strategy from scratch, positioning me as a digital leader.
In global commercial operations, I implemented customer-facing digital marketing channels and internal global knowledge management platforms and workflows across Europe. My focus was on automation and user-centric design to streamline operations, allowing our teams to allocate more time to impactful activities.
As the Global Service Delivery Solutions Lead, I directed the centralised commercial operations delivery strategy, overseeing the expansion of current and the establishment of new service centres in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and EM Asia, significantly increasing the effectiveness of our global operations. Now, as the Director of Centralised Delivery Optimisation & Strategic Initiatives, I focus on advancing process excellence, maximising resource allocation, and ensuring seamless commercial service delivery globally.
How has the programme you studied helped your career since you graduated?
The MSc Management at LSE, combined with MBA coursework at my echange school, Stern, was instrumental in shaping my professional outlook. This rigorous programme honed my strategic thinking, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities, critical throughout my leadership roles. The curriculum’s emphasis on qualitative and quantitative methodologies, coupled with its global perspective, provided a toolkit to tackle complex challenges and drive transformational initiatives in a variety of settings. The diverse perspectives from classmates and the interactive learning environment enriched my understanding of global business dynamics.
What's the best piece of career advice you've received?
The best career advice I received was to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. This mindset has guided me throughout my career, especially in uncertain or difficult situations. It has empowered me to transform obstacles into opportunities for innovation, driving significant digital transformations and elevating business practices. This approach has fostered resilience, adaptability, and a proactive attitude in navigating the complex world of biopharma.
What´s the greatest challenge you´ve had to overcome?
One of my greatest challenges was during the financial crisis in Greece when I was laid off. I was given four months to find a new role within Pfizer and subsequently identified an opening in e-marketing, a small, narrowly defined role. I submitted a proposal to redefine this role into a Digital Marketing Manager for Greece. It included crafting a comprehensive strategy that included launching a new healthcare professional platform, developing digital sales tools, hosting webinars, and pioneering remote detailing. These initiatives revitalised our digital presence and set a new standard for digital marketing in the region.
What are your hopes for the future?
Looking ahead, I aim to push the boundaries of digital innovation within biopharma. My goal is to leverage emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance customer engagement, streamline operations, and create personalised solutions. Additionally, I am passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders, guiding them to embrace innovation and adapt to the ever-changing industry landscape.
Share with us your fondest memory of the Department of Management.
One of my fondest memories from the MSc Management programme was exploring the Principal-Agent model and its real-world implications for management decisions. Participating in the FIPSE exchange programme at Stern further enriched this experience, allowing me to integrate these theoretical concepts with practical knowledge. I also remember the Game Theory class, which has played a crucial role in my approach to leadership and business strategy.
If you would like to be profiled or if you would like to nominate a Department of Management alumni, please email dom.alumni@lse.ac.uk.