Head of legal global product and portfolio strategy | Novartis Pharma
Martin Eschbach
Head of legal global product and portfolio strategy | Novartis Pharma
Distinguished in-house lawyer Martin Eschbach has been operating in the legal market for over 20 years. Eschbach joined global pharmaceutical giant Novartis in 2001 as a legal counsel, subsequently assuming a number of different positions in the company, Eschbach moved up the ranks, assuming position as head legal, compliance and business development in 2003 and five years later was bestowed the role of country legal head for Germany. Expanding his global reach throughout his career, Eschbach also had a short spell as country legal head in China before eventually assuming his current position in 2011. As an exemplary leader, who currently manages 16 professionals, Eschbach takes great pride in the development of his team, mentioning its progression as a highlight of his career. He states: ‘Personally, what I find most rewarding is to see team members and mentees grow to senior roles in the organisation and to pass on leadership experiences. Highlights in terms of performance are team related and are commonly achieved’. Maintaining a strong relationship with the business is a crucial part of Eschbach’s success, as he explains that he has needed to fine-tune his “social and cultural antenna”, which has consequently made him a true partner of the business. Prior to his in-house career, Eschbach underwent a six year period of private practice experience with law firm Haitz & Partner.