Inspired at Hikma. Meet Ana Santos Perez
At Hikma, our progress is shaped by the people who bring their expertise to work every day. In this employee story, we share a first hand perspective from one of our colleagues whose journey reflects the sense of impact of life at Hikma. Meet Ana, as she shares a personal perspective on what being part of our team can look like.
What originally drew you to a career in Business Development (BD)?
I actually began my career in Regulatory Affairs before moving into R&D, and over time I realised I was looking for something that blended both worlds. A role where I could use my scientific background while also engaging with people, shaping strategy, and making decisions that influence the bigger picture.
When a BD role opened at my previous company, they were specifically looking for someone with regulatory experience, which made it a perfect fit. Throughout my time in the industry, I had worked with Hikma in different capacities and always saw the company’s potential. So, when the opportunity came to join, I didn’t hesitate. Today, I’m surrounded by incredible colleagues, learning every day, and contributing to something meaningful.
What does a “typical” day look like for you, and what parts of the role energise you the most?
There really is no “typical” day in BD, and that’s exactly what I love about it. My days are a mix of external meetings with partners, internal collaboration across regulatory, supply, legal and many other teams, and deep dives into portfolio opportunities.
The variety keeps me engaged. I enjoy the blend of analysis, negotiation, cross functional teamwork, and the chance to work with people from so many cultures and areas of expertise. It’s dynamic, fast paced, and incredibly rewarding.
How does Hikma’s purpose driven approach show up in your work?
In BD, we’re not just evaluating commercial value, we’re asking how a partnership can improve access to high quality medicines and make a long term difference for patients and communities. That purpose shapes our decisions and keeps us focused on impact, not just transactions.
What skills or mindsets are essential to thrive in BD?
Adaptability is essential. Pharma evolves quickly, and healthcare moves even faster, so you need to be open minded, eager to learn, and comfortable with change. Strong communication skills also make a huge difference, BD is ultimately about connecting people, ideas, and opportunities.
How does the work you do, make you proud?
What makes me proud is seeing the full journey, especially as it is incredibly technical. From an initial conversation, to signing an agreement, to watching that product reach patients. Knowing that something I helped negotiate is now helping patients is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a reminder of why the work matters.
Collaboration is key in BD and a core value at Hikma. How do you build strong relationships internally and externally?
For me, lasting relationships are built on transparency, consistency, and open communication. Listening to different perspectives and involving people in decision making helps create confidence in what we’re doing.
Externally, trust is everything. For us, Hikma is the partner of choice, and that means demonstrating reliability through our actions, not just our words. Delivering on commitments is why our partners continue to trust us.
For colleagues curious about BD or considering a future in this space, what advice would you give?
BD welcomes people from many different backgrounds, that diversity of experience is part of what makes teams strong. Develop your communication skills, have a thirst to learn, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Taking a risk is what led me here, and it’s a decision I’m grateful for every day.
Looking ahead, what trends in healthcare and pharma excite you most?
As a pharmacist, I’m naturally curious, and I find the pace of innovation in pharma incredibly inspiring! From complex medicines and personalised therapies to the growing role of AI in healthcare. So much is changing, and it’s happening very quickly. In BD, staying close to these trends is essential. It helps us identify the right partners, anticipate patient needs, and ensure Hikma continues to play an important role in shaping healthier futures.