175 Years of Innovation and Social Commitment. Anna Lewandowska, ESG Leader and Oncology Lead at Pfizer Poland
How do the needs of society define the market? What is business responsible for? Is what is good for business also good for society?
Society’s needs, especially when it comes to health, are crucial in shaping the market. Pfizer has always been guided by the mission to improve the quality of life for patients worldwide. Our 175-year history of innovation, from producing penicillin during World War II to the development of statins and the creation of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, demonstrates our commitment to serving patients and tackling global health challenges. We believe that what is good for society’s health is also good for business.
How can a company simultaneously create economic, social, and environmental value, embodying the concept of shared value?
Pfizer embodies the concept of shared value, demonstrating that it is possible to simultaneously develop economic, social, and environmental value. Our innovations, such as the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19, benefit patients and support sustainable development. We collaborate with health organizations to accelerate the transition to value-based care and eliminate uncertainties related to treatment costs.
What actions do you take to co-create shared value with the management, partners, and stakeholders, as well as involve customers and users in this process?
Our approach to business transformation involves engaging the management board, employees, patients, and a broad range of partners. An example is our collaboration with health and educational organizations, which translates into improved healthcare standards. The incorporation of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) values into our operations shows that sustainable development requires a deep integration of these values. In Poland, we collaborate with universities and business incubators to support innovation and the development of young talent.
Let’s talk about your ESG reporting standards. What standards are currently being used, and what challenges are associated with them?
Pfizer aligns its reporting with internationally recognized ESG standards, such as SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), GRI (Global Reporting Initiative), TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures), and the SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals). These standards enable the standardization and comparability of data, which is crucial for transparency and accountability.
What are the key indicators that businesses should consider when measuring the achievement of ESG goals?
As part of our ESG policy, we focus on monitoring key indicators, such as CO2 emissions, natural resource management, and social policies. These indicators reflect our sustainable development efforts and serve as checkpoints for assessing the progress and effectiveness of the initiatives we implement.
Do investors really involve ESG factors in their investment decisions? What are the financial benefits of implementing ESG strategies for companies?
Investors are increasingly paying attention to ESG factors when making investment decisions. Pfizer has achieved a high rating in the CDP Climate Change Disclosure, which demonstrates our commitment to managing climate-related risks and can be attractive to investors interested in sustainable development. This transparency boosts investor confidence and attracts long-term investments.
What does achieving Leadership Level in CDP Climate Change Disclosure mean for Pfizer, and what other steps are you taking in monitoring and reporting?
Achieving Leadership Level in CDP Climate Change Disclosure highlights our commitment to transparency. Pfizer monitors and reports its ESG achievements using clear indicators and standards. This includes a 13.9% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2019, documented in our annual reports. We also invest in innovative and sustainable therapies and technologies that have a lower environmental impact, such as our collaboration with Seagen Inc. to accelerate the development of groundbreaking oncology therapies.
How can businesses transition from traditional business models to sustainable ones? What does it mean to change the identity of an organization rather than just improving its image?
Our approach to business transformation emphasizes a fundamental shift in both the business model and organizational culture. A key element is the involvement of leadership and all employees in the change process. Incorporating the values of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) into every aspect of our operations shows that sustainable development requires deep integration of these values. For Pfizer, changing the identity of the company means authentically adopting and practicing DEI values at all levels of the organization. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in our global management structures, reflecting our efforts toward equity and representation at all levels of the organization.
Anna Lewandowska is the Director of the Oncology Department and a member of the Management Board at Pfizer Poland. She has over a dozen years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in the areas of marketing, sales, reimbursement and business project management.
She is currently responsible for the oncology product portfolio. By developing innovative business strategies and implementing new market models, she enables patients to access innovative therapies. Anna is responsible for managing a team of several dozen people, where she promotes the idea of mutual support and respect and reinforces the elements of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion culture. She is a graduate of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow and the Warsaw School of Economics.
Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Anastazja Lach