Paul Hudson, the CEO of Sanofi, is a leader in the volatile pharmaceutical sector, facing challenges and opportunities in a constantly changing environment. As the head of the leading French pharmaceutical company, Hudson took the reins just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which presented unprecedented challenges for the industry. Despite initial setbacks in the race to develop a COVID vaccine, Sanofi has been making strides in its overall performance, with its share price showing a 15% increase over the past five years.
In a recent interview, Hudson discussed the company’s focus on modernization and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations. Sanofi aims to become the first biopharma company powered by AI at scale, leveraging the technology to drive scientific breakthroughs, enhance productivity, and empower decision-making across the organization. Hudson’s commitment to embracing AI reflects his belief in the transformative potential of the technology for the future of healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation.
When asked about his top priorities for Europe as an economic policymaker, Hudson emphasized the importance of achieving health autonomy for the EU. He highlighted the need for increased investment in healthcare R&D and collaboration across industries to drive innovation and competitiveness in the sector. Additionally, Hudson expressed optimism about the potential of AI to bring about positive changes in society, while also underscoring the urgent need for collective action to address climate change.
In his daily routine, Hudson starts his mornings with coffee and family time before diving into work. He uses an AI-powered app, plai, to access real-time data and insights to make informed decisions quickly. Despite being a self-proclaimed night owl, Hudson prioritizes weekends for personal and family time, dedicating Sundays to preparing for the week ahead. He draws inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership strategies and values diverse perspectives from his personal board, which includes his children, a friend, a data scientist, and a CEO from a different industry.
Hudson’s favorite book, “Managing My Life” by Alex Ferguson, reflects his admiration for the legendary football coach’s leadership style. If given the opportunity, Hudson would ask Ferguson about his ability to maintain high standards of excellence and team commitment in both challenging and winning moments. As a consumer, Hudson admires Apple for its consumer-centric approach, seamless user experience, and clear vision.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Hudson is passionate about supporting athletes, including those from Team Sanofi participating in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These athletes embody the values of diversity, inclusivity, and the shared principles of science and sport, inspiring Hudson and the company to continue driving innovation and excellence in their respective fields.