Inspiring women of Hikma.
Meet Nesrine Nouhi, General Manager of Hikma France
London, 17 April 2024
What inspired you to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry?
I have always been fascinated by how pharmaceutical products interacts with the human body. This passion has been the foundation of my career, driving me to become Doctor in Pharmacy specialised in biomanufacturing and control of medicines. My commitment has always been to deliver safe, effective and high-quality products to patients.
What have been the key moments and milestones in your career?
When I started working in the pharmaceutical industry, I was amazed by the scale, precision, and skill involved in pharmaceutical operations, it's something few outside the field truly comprehend. For example, stepping into a sterile environment for the first time left a lasting impression. That’s when I fully understood the level of regulations involved in manufacturing injectable medicines.
When I started working in the U.S., I was exposed to a different Regulatory landscape, and this was another milestone. Each country has its own requirements, adding a layer of complexity to drug manufacturing. Recognising this gave me more strategic perspective on global compliance.
How did your experience with Hikma begin?
Joining Hikma in France as the first employee was a big decision for me, and one which has proved incredibly rewarding. Starting the office and growing the team to accomplish tangible results shows you how much growth and impact can be achieved when there is a strong group behind you. It also reminded me of the value of working with talented and committed people, which has made my time at Hikma a truly unique professional and personal experience.
What principles guide your professional life?
Operating with excellence and ethics are sits at the heart of everything I do. Having worked in quality roles for many years, I’ve seen how important it is to operate with integrity. This commitment to ethics guides my work, and I’m proud to say it’s shared by my colleagues at Hikma.
How do you continue to grow in such a fast-paced industry?
Collaboration is essential. Building relationships, sharing knowledge, and learning from peers in the pharmaceutical industry have been key to my growth in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.
What do you hope to achieve in your career?
At Hikma France, our focus is ensuring that our essential injectable generic medicines remain accessible. It’s important for all of us who work in the pharmaceutical industry to work together to find solutions and ensure generic medicines are always available. At Hikma France, and Hikma globally, we are committed to ensuring a continuous supply of our injectable medicines, especially during shortages.
How do you feel you have you made an impact in your role?
As the first employee for Hikma in France, I have seen first hand how every contribution can have an immediate impact. From setting up operations to bringing new products to the French market, the work is real and rewarding. It’s an incredible feeling to know that our efforts are making a meaningful difference.
What lessons have you learned along the way?
I have learnt how important it is to see every moment as a learning opportunity. Mistakes are opportunities for growth and development. Ask questions from people around you and take advice from your peers and seniors. Face challenges head on with confidence, knowing that you can always seek help from your team. That’s the beauty of teamwork; you’re never facing a challenge alone. The key is to listen, ask questions and learn. If I could go back, I would certainly encourage myself to dare more, ask questions, reach out more easily and trust that learning comes from experience but also from people around us.