Fabrice Chouraqui, CEO, Pharming Group, explores his journey into the pharmaceutical industry, a typical day for a CEO and his thoughts on the key pillars of leadership
Interview by Jade Williams
What led you to join the pharmaceutical industry?
I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of science and purpose. What inspired me to join this industry was the chance to turn innovation into real-world solutions that change lives. As a scientist, I’m passionate about advancing science, but even more about its impact. From the discovery of penicillin to RNA vaccines, our industry has shaped the course of humanity. I’ve had the privilege of launching breakthrough medicines that gave patients new hope. For me, it’s not just about the medicines though, it’s about the difference we make. And every day, I’m reminded of the extraordinary impact our industry has on society. Being part of that is deeply fulfilling.
What’s a typical day like in your role as CEO?
There’s no such thing as a typical day, and that’s what makes it exciting. Every day is about zooming in and out. I zoom in to make sure we’re executing at pace on what matters most: prioritising impact, allocating resources smartly, engaging with the medical community on unmet needs and using technology like AI to drive efficiency. I zoom out to connect with our people and investors about our company’s direction, shape our pipeline and identify the capabilities we need to stay ahead. Balancing the now with what’s next is what makes this role so rewarding.
What’s the biggest challenge or opportunity you’re navigating right now?
Pharming is at an inflection point, and that’s both a challenge and an opportunity. We have deep respect for what’s brought us here, but we also know it won’t get us where we need to go. The opportunity lies in evolving how we operate, how we innovate and how we show up for patients. It’s about scaling with purpose, building the capabilities and culture that will carry us into the next chapter.
Great leadership is about navigating paradoxes. You’ve got to think big and long-term, while delivering flawlessly day to day
What do you believe to be the key pillars of great leadership?
Great leadership is about navigating paradoxes. You’ve got to think big and long-term, while delivering flawlessly day to day. You empower through delegation, while staying close to the heart of the business. You build a deeply collaborative culture, but make sure personal ownership and accountability are front and center. Ultimately, it’s about making an impact on your people, your business and the environment you operate in. The real challenge is finding the right balance across all these dimensions. When you do, you create the kind of resilience and sophistication that keeps your organisation ahead of the curve.
If your life were a novel, what would the title be and why?
‘Navigating the Elements: Science, Business, Culture & Leadership.’ These are the four forces that shaped my journey. Like the elements in nature, each brought its own energy, posed its own challenges and shaped my journey. They’ve each stretched me in different ways: science sparked my curiosity, business sharpened my drive, culture broadened my perspective and leadership gave me purpose. This title reflects that journey: one of integration, resilience and staying true to what matters most.
