Team size: Three

Bio

Michael Maistry is a distinguished executive leader in the pharmaceutical sector, renowned for his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive strategic initiatives with precision and foresight. With a proven track record of leadership within matrixed organisations, Michael has adeptly managed teams across multiple projects, spanning country, cluster, and regional levels within developing markets. His experience encompasses both established and innovative products, showcasing his versatility and comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.

In his role as Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Risk, Michael spearheads initiatives that are pivotal to the organisation’s growth and compliance. Recently, he has been instrumental in transforming his company’s product portfolio, identifying and implementing risk-mitigated legal strategies to protect and sustain its existing portfolio while allowing the organisation to focus on its new strategic brands.

Understanding the intricate nature of legal frameworks, Michael is constantly seeking reforms that will facilitate greater access to the company’s innovative products. Although the anticipated legal reforms have yet to materialise, the work that he and his organisation have done is often viewed as pioneering, showcasing Michael’s ability to influence and drive industry standards. Additionally, Michael is engaged with significant legal matters that have the potential to set precedents for future legal interpretations and compliance standards across the industry. His leadership in these high-stakes scenarios underscores his expertise in legal strategy and resilience under pressure.

Michael’s leadership style is characterised by a focus on mindset, trust, and organisational awareness. He believes that cultivating a mindset of empowerment and accountability within his team is essential for motivation and high performance. By building a foundation of trust, he ensures his team members feel supported and capable of taking calculated risks. His approach to staying in tune with the organisational pulse allows him to anticipate needs, identify areas for impact, and foster a progressive mindset within his team.

Michael’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was a finalist for General Counsel of the Year and led his department to win the Risk & Compliance Department of the Year at the African Legal Awards 2024. These accolades are a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Michael has earned his Data Analyst Track credential from Statworx, reflecting his keen interest in Business Strategy and Development, Data and Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Shaping. This diverse skill set enables him to provide both operational and strategic insights across the multiple layers of the organisational value chain, enhancing his ability to deliver solutions in complex matters.

Operating with an agile mindset, Michael thrives in challenging environments, leveraging his exposure to developing markets to lead and influence teams effectively. His progressive approach, combined with his deep understanding of the pharmaceutical sector, positions him as an industry leader capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation.

With a blend of strategic vision, legal acumen, and a commitment to fostering high-performing teams, Michael Maistry continues to elevate his profile as a formidable leader in the pharmaceutical and legal industry. His relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to navigate complexity have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer, making him an invaluable asset to any organisation he leads.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

In times of legal uncertainty, especially within a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) environment, a calculated risk approach is essential. My strategy hinges on three key pillars: it is crucial that the legal strategy dovetails seamlessly with the broader business strategy of our organisation. This ensures consistency and clarity in decision-making and fosters a unified approach to navigating crises; by defining clear legal parameters and guardrails, we provide a framework within which the organisation can operate confidently. These guardrails are aligned with our strategic objectives and risk appetite, ensuring that we remain compliant while pursuing growth; and understanding the organisation’s risk appetite allows for effective risk calibration, categorising areas into no-go, grey, and clear zones. This enables informed, calculated decision-making throughout the business.

By instilling this strategic approach within the legal function and across the organisation, we empower our teams to navigate instability with confidence. Ultimately, this alignment and empowerment foster resilience, allowing us to make calculated decisions regardless of external circumstances.

How do you manage and motivate your legal team to ensure high performance and professional growth?

The foundation of a motivated team lies in developing a mindset of empowerment and accountability. By encouraging team members to take ownership of their paths, they find intrinsic motivation and feel recognised for their contributions. As a leader, my role is to guide and support their journey.

Trust is the cornerstone of any high-performing team. I ensure that my team knows they have my trust, enabling them to develop self-trust and trust within the organisation. This approach fosters a safe environment where team members can take calculated risks and recover quickly from setbacks.

To drive impact and growth, it is essential to stay attuned to the pulse of the organisation. Understanding the movement and outlook of the business helps my team anticipate needs, identify opportunities for impact, and maintain a progressive mindset.

By focusing on these principles, we create a culture of continuous development and high performance, ensuring that our legal team remains agile, motivated, and aligned with organisational goals.