General Information
Instructor Bio
Alok Kanti is currently the President – International of Apotex. Apotex is a Canadian based global health company currently owned by SK Capital a private equity firm. Apotex employs over 7000 people word wide and is headquartered in Toronto.
Prior to this role, Alok was President & CEO of Bayer Inc. in Canada from August 2015 to August 2023. He lead the pharmaceuticals business and had oversight for all Bayer divisions. Bayer earns revenues of $2.2 billion annually and employs over 1,200 people across Canada.
Since joining Bayer in 1994, Alok has gained a diverse wealth of experience across geographies and in operational, strategy and product development roles. He has held P&L responsibilities across Bayer’s Pharmaceutical, Animal Health, Diagnostic and Consumer Care divisions. He has managed organizations in over 27 countries, including USA, China, Japan, Russia, Europe, India, Brazil and Australia and New Zealand. Prior to his appointment in Canada, Alok was Managing Director of Bayer Healthcare China, where he built the organization to a leading position in the world’s third-largest healthcare market and grew annual revenues to $2.4 billion with over 5,000 employees. In China he was also on the Global Executive Committee of Bayer Pharmaceuticals.
During his tenure in Canada, Bayer Pharma more than doubled its revenue over six years and has been awarded Best Employer and Canada’s most admired Corporate Culture by various organizations.
In addition to his role at Bayer, Alok served as the Chair of the Board at Innovative Medicines Canada, the national association representing Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. Alok is on the Board of Governors of Guelph University, an Advisory Board member of Krembil Centre for Health Management and Leadership at Schulich School of Business, and an Executive in Residence at Rothman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Alok obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from University of Delhi in 1989 and his Master’s in Business Management from the Asian Institute of Management in Manila in 1994, where he was an Asian Development Bank Scholar. He also went on an exchange program at the Marshal School of Business, University of Southern California in Los Angeles. He completed the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto. He is married and has two children. He is fluent in Hindi, English and German. He enjoys yoga, cycling and travelling with this family.
Target Audience
The course is designed for students aiming to work in the pharmaceutical sector, whether in large firms, start-ups, consulting or other settings. It is also tangentially relevant for working with health providers, or engaging in policy positions related to the pharmaceutical industry and life sciences. Prerequisite of this course: completion of foundational courses or permission of the instructor.
Format
Course is in-person: May 22, 26, 29, Jun 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19 from 6 to 9 pm.
Course Mission
The innovation of new medicines, health-care cost pressures, increased scrutiny of the industry, advances in clinical practice and information, and significant litigation has increased the opportunities, risks and competitive intensity in the market. To be successful not only is good intention and aspiration enough but a robust and practical understanding of the science, regulations and commercialization is critical. These practices have shifted significantly over the past few years leaving many in the industry with obsolete tools or incomplete knowledge to understand the context in which decisions are made. This course equips students with the understanding and skills needed for a successful career in pharmaceuticals and life sciences, particularly in Canada. It defines building blocks that students will have to continually sharpen as managers, entrepreneurs or generalists in a career in life sciences.
Course Scope
This course examines strategy and policy issues concerning pharmaceutical product commercialization, competition, and regulation in the pharmaceutical industry with a focus on Canada. The global industry shapes decisions in Canada, focusing on factors critical for local subsidiaries and firms, such as research intensity, marketing investments, healthcare ecosystems, relationship with academia and government regulations.
Evaluation and Grade Breakdown
| Component | Due Date/Time | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Class Participation | Ongoing | 20% |
| Learning Journal | Mid-Course and for learning up to June 16 to be submitted before the June 19th class | 30% |
| Class Prep Assignment | Ongoing | 10% |
| Project: Integrated Strategy for the Brand (Team of 4 people) | June 19. Check-in on June 9 | 40% |
Required Resources
Pease see Quercus for readings and cases.
Book: Brand Plan Rx: Markus Saba and Hilary Gentile