Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Fernando Pons is a seasoned operations executive with over 25 years of experience driving organizational excellence and strategic initiatives across the pharmaceutical, mining, and financial services industries. As the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), he leverages his deep expertise in global service management, business operations, and project delivery to support CEPI's mission of accelerating the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the COO of CEPI, Fernando is responsible for overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations, implementing efficient processes and controls, and aligning resources to achieve the company's strategic objectives. He has been instrumental in driving CEPI's operational efficiency and ensuring the smooth delivery of critical global health initiatives, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Career Progression
Prior to joining CEPI, Fernando held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and VP of Human Resources and Operations at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as Global Head of Service Management and Business Support Services at Rio Tinto. He also has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having served as the Regional Director for EMEA and LATAM Financial Projects Realization at Merck, as well as the Director of EMEA Global Financial Services Delivery.
Academic Background
Fernando holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Barcelona and a Master's degree in Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Areas of Expertise
- Global operations management
- Strategic business transformation
- Organizational efficiency and process optimization
- Project and program delivery
- Financial planning and analysis
- Human resources and talent management
- Regulatory compliance and risk management
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Fernando has led the successful implementation of numerous large-scale initiatives, including the centralization of global financial services at Rio Tinto and the streamlining of human resources and administrative functions at EBRD. His contributions have resulted in significant cost savings, improved service delivery, and enhanced organizational resilience.
Conclusion
With his extensive background in operations, finance, and global business strategy, Fernando Pons is a versatile and impactful leader. As the COO of CEPI, he is poised to play a crucial role in the organization's efforts to address the world's most pressing public health challenges.
