Putting patients first through quality: a Q&A with Tyson Ardo, Associate Vice President, Quality
How do you define a true “quality mindset,” and what does it look like when quality is genuinely embedded across a business, not just within Quality teams?
A true quality mindset starts with an unwavering commitment to patients. It means doing the right thing even when no one is watching and recognising that quality is a shared responsibility, not something owned by a single function.
When quality is truly embedded, teams design robust processes, embrace continuous improvement and proactively address issues. It becomes instinctive for employees to pause and raise a “Quality E Stop” when something feels off. That level of accountability and ownership is what drives consistent, reliable outcomes.
What role do leaders at all levels play in shaping an environment where quality is non negotiable?
Leaders set the tone. They shape culture not only through policies and expectations, but through the behaviors they model every day.
They must ensure teams have the right resources, reinforce standards consistently, and recognise those who demonstrate strong quality principles. When leaders consistently demonstrate that quality is the foundation—not a trade off—teams follow.
We often say “patients are at the center of everything we do.” What does that truly mean in practice, and why do quality decisions directly protect or improve patient outcomes?
At its core, quality safeguards the safety and efficacy of our medicines. Those are non negotiable standards, and every decision we make should reinforce those principles.
Quality also impacts availability. Deviations or mistakes can delay or even prevent products from reaching patients who rely on them. And in the generics industry, getting it right the first time supports affordability—ensuring more people have access to the medicines they need.
Every quality decision we make ultimately affects real patients, which is why our commitment must be instinctive and unwavering.
How do you maintain consistent quality standards across sites, partners, and geographies?
Having been part of Hikma for many years now, I can confidently say that leaders across all our sites share a genuine, deeply rooted commitment to quality first.
We maintain alignment through multiple channels for best practice sharing and consistency. Some are formal, such as the Quality Council and global QMS meetings. Others happen more organically through one on one conversations, coaching, or sharing lessons learned from specific events.
These connections ensure that no matter where we operate, our standards and expectations remain consistent.
Generics play a critical role in expanding access and reducing financial burden for patients. How do we maintain rigorous quality standards while delivering medicines at a lower cost?
It begins with building quality directly into our processes. When teams execute work correctly the first time, we reduce waste, avoid delays, and strengthen reliability.
Continuous improvement and efficiency efforts help us uphold high standards while managing cost pressures. And maintaining a consistent, uninterrupted supply is essential, not only for our business, but for the patients who depend on our medicines every day.
