Inspiring women of Hikma - Meet Christine Schneider, General Manager, Hikma Germany
London, 06 October 2025
In this series, we spotlight inspiring women at Hikma, sharing their career journeys and employee testimonials. Through insights, experiences, and leadership advice, they offer a powerful glimpse into life at Hikma and the values that drive their success.
How did your career journey begin?
I started out studying as a biochemist, immersed in the world of science. Naturally, I imagined myself becoming a researcher in a pharmaceutical company. But life rarely follows a straight path. After completing my PhD, I realised that while I loved science, I wasn’t destined to be a traditional researcher. So, I pursued further studies in business and that’s when I discovered I was both: a scientist and a business thinker. Something in between. That realisation led me to consultancy, and I loved it. It gave me exposure to a wide range of topics, industries, and geographies, from Germany, across Europe and to the US. Eventually, I felt ready for a new challenge and made the leap into pharma, where I’ve found my true calling.
What are the key skills needed to succeed in your role?
Success in this role starts with strong business acumen. You need to be driven by results and have a mindset geared toward growth and achievement. It’s not a role where you wait for direction, you have to be a self-starter, someone who actively seeks opportunities to improve sales and support the business.
Strategic thinking is at the heart of it. You must be able to see the bigger picture, how different parts of the business interconnect, how decisions ripple across functions, and what needs to be done today to secure success tomorrow. It's a combination of strategy but also staying close to the operations and relying on our operational excellence.
Equally important is the ability to stay agile. The pharmaceutical landscape is constantly evolving, and being flexible, ready to pivot when needed, is what keeps the business resilient and thriving.
What’s it like to be a General Manager?
Being a General Manager is a role defined by complexity, far more than most people might expect. In the generics pharmaceutical sector, especially across Europe, the scope is vast. You’re constantly navigating pricing strategies, regulatory landscapes, operational challenges, and market dynamics. It requires a sharp mind for numbers and an even sharper instinct for leadership. The real art lies in balancing analytical precision with human insight, making decisions that are both data-driven and people-focused. No two days are the same, and that constant variety is what makes the role so energising and fulfilling.
What have been some defining moments in your career?
One pivotal moment was stepping into consultancy. It was a bold move away from what everyone expected of me as a scientist, but it opened a whole new world of possibilities. Another satisfying moment was joining the generics industry. Generic medicines play a vital role in global health, though they’re often underappreciated. Being part of Hikma’s mission of putting better health within reach every day, is incredibly meaningful to me.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career?
Begin by getting to know yourself. What kind of work energises you? What topics spark your curiosity? Understanding what brings you joy, this is the foundation for building a fulfilling career.
Once you’ve identified what drives you, explore the paths and industries that align with those passions. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Be bold, be curious, and give yourself permission to try new things. Confidence in your own potential is key. Trust that through exploration and experience, you’ll discover what truly fits, and when you do, it will feel right.
What kind of leader do you strive to be?
I aim to be a cooperative leader. I believe in building strong, proactive teams, people who take initiative and bring ideas to the table. I have high expectations, but I also see my role as enabling others. If I can remove obstacles and create the right environment, the team will succeed. It’s about fostering team spirit and making sure everyone can do their best work.
Since joining Hikma, how do you feel about the progress made?
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. The team here in Germany has worked tirelessly to optimise every aspect of our work. We’ve turned over every stone, pushed ourselves, and made a real impact. Our customers highly value the reliability and service of hikma, and it’s all thanks to the dedication and passion of the team across all departments. People genuinely enjoy working here, and that’s something we’ve cultivated together.
What are you most proud of?
When others tell us they love working with our team, that they feel the positive energy and collaboration, that’s what makes me proud. We’ve got a strong team culture here at Hikma Germany, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a testament to the people, the spirit, and the shared commitment to excellence.