Schenella Menda

Head of Licensing, META
United Arab Emirates

Professional Overview

Schenella Menda is an experienced pharmaceutical industry professional with a demonstrated track record of driving strategic business growth and development across the Middle East and Africa (META) region. As the Head of Licensing at Acino, she is responsible for overseeing the company's licensing and business development initiatives, leveraging her extensive expertise in market intelligence, regulatory affairs, and strategic partnerships.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Head of Licensing, META at Acino (2024-08-01 to Present)

• Spearheading the company's licensing and business development strategy for the META region, identifying and securing new partnership opportunities to expand Acino's product portfolio and market presence.

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to negotiate and structure licensing agreements, ensuring alignment with Acino's strategic objectives and maximizing commercial potential.

• Providing strategic insights and industry intelligence to support the company's market entry and expansion decisions, informed by her deep understanding of the regulatory environment and competitive landscape.

• Representing Acino in industry events and meetings, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, partners, and potential clients.

Regional Business Development at Acino (2021-03-01 to Present)

• Responsible for identifying and evaluating new business opportunities in the META region, conducting market research and feasibility analyses to inform the company's expansion strategies.

• Cultivated a strong network of industry contacts and potential partners, facilitating strategic alliances and joint ventures to drive growth and market penetration.

• Supported the regional team in securing new contracts and managing existing client relationships, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

Career Progression

Prior to her current roles, Schenella held several senior-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry, including:

• Engagement Manager at IQVIA Middle East and Africa (2018-01-01 to 2021-03-01): Provided strategic consulting services to multinational pharmaceutical companies, leveraging data-driven insights to inform market entry, product positioning, and customer engagement strategies.

• CEO's Office at Shalina Healthcare (2017-01-01 to 2017-12-01): Supported the executive team in developing and implementing the company's strategic vision, with a focus on operational optimization and process improvements.

• Sr. Manager Strategy & Business Operations (SFE | MIS | Business Insights | Business Development) at Takeda Pharmaceuticals India Limited (2012-12-01 to 2016-12-01): Played a key role in the company's strategic planning and business development initiatives, driving market expansion and diversification efforts.

• Manager - Business Analytics (Strategy | PMO | Business Insights) at Abbott (2010-01-01 to 2012-12-01): Leveraged data analytics to support the company's decision-making processes and strategic initiatives, contributing to the successful launch of new products and market penetration.

Academic Background

Schenella holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore, and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science from the University of Mumbai.

Areas of Expertise

• Licensing and business development in the pharmaceutical industry

• Strategic market entry and expansion planning

• Regulatory affairs and compliance management

• Stakeholder management and strategic partnership negotiation

• Data-driven insights and analytics to inform business decisions

• Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration

Professional Impact

• Instrumental in securing several high-value licensing agreements for Acino, expanding the company's product portfolio and market presence in the META region.

• Recognized as a trusted industry expert, frequently invited to speak at regional pharmaceutical conferences and events.

• Spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive market intelligence system at IQVIA, enabling clients to make more informed, data-driven decisions.

• Played a pivotal role in the successful turnaround of Shalina Healthcare's operations, contributing to significant improvements in productivity and profitability.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, strategic mindset, and proven track record of driving business growth, Schenella Menda is poised to continue making a significant impact in the pharmaceutical industry. As the Head of Licensing at Acino, she is well-equipped to leverage her expertise to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities, strengthen the company's market position, and deliver sustainable value for its stakeholders.