Sanofi President, Global Operations, Hanspeter Spek is leaving the company

I was suprized to read today that Hanspeter Spek is leaving Sanofi.

I had the opportunity to meet Hanspeter three times during my career in Sanofi: First, in 2002 when he interviewed me as the candidate to open and manage the Sanofi operations in Israel, secondly when I presented in front of him the first year results of Sanofi activity in Israel. The last time I met him was during a presentation I made in front of him during the merger with Aventis in 2004.

 I was very much impressed by him. I am a big fan of Spek.

For the first interview I entered his office after I was interviewed by 6 people before him. Hanspeter was late, but arrived in a very good mood after giving an interview to very important journalists.

He said that he will not ask about my career and capabilities, because he is sure that after I was interviewed by so many people I must have the capabilities for the job. So, he told me he is interested in my vision. He also told me that he as a fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv and he saw their last game in the TV. Then, he asked me regarding my vision of the future of Israel and if I see a possibility for peace.

Another interesting question was regarding my vision of the Global pharmaceutical market. I expressed my belief that the future is in biological products.

For the second time, I flew into Paris with an early flight from Tel Aviv which was late, and I was in a huge stress. I was awaited by a limousine at the airport. Me and my Boss were invited to lunch prepared by Spek's personal chef . I barely could eat, since I was excited before my presentation, but my boss said he never was served such a good meal and wine.

For the last time, I met him during a presentation before the nomination of  the chosen GM after the merger with Aventis.

He then expressed his belief in my results.

All three times I was very much impressed by Hanspeter, being direct and very very sharp.

 

I think that it is a great loss for Sanofi that he is leaving, and the market reacted accordingly, loosing 1% of the stock value.

 

Sanofi will look very different without Hanspeter, and I wish the best for the company.