About us - Labatec

A strong heritage and
an ambitious future
Company
history
Geographic
expansion
Key features of
Labatec, our DNA
Our
values
Our
team

A strong heritage and
an ambitious future

50-year track record

Based in Switzerland and privately-owned, Labatec is a pharmaceutical company with a 50-year track record of delivering high quality products to European and Emerging markets.

Trusted European brand

Meeting the needs of the hospital and retail sectors, we deliver medicines that help to improve quality of life for patients around the world. Manufactured in Europe and approved by Swissmedic medicinal agency, our products represent a trusted European brand of medicines.

Injectables and orals products

Our growing product portfolio includes injectables and orals for hospital use, speciality retail products in multiple therapeutic areas, including musculo-skeletal and women’s health, and an OTC range to complement our prescription portfolio.

Our footprint

In addition to our own local teams in the Middle East North Africa Region (MENA) and Switzerland, we work with a vast network of local distribution agencies to rapidly register and drive the launch of new products. Our experienced local teams draw on their deep understanding of local markets to maximize the value of our partners’ products.

Our mission

Valuing People’s Life

Our vision

We are your long-term partner for innovative and trusted healthcare solutions that serve our communities.

Company
history

1957

Company creation

Originally incorporated in Geneva in 1957, the company was acquired in 2008 by Dr Samih Darwazah, the founder of the global pharmaceutical business Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC (LON:HIK). It remains today a family privately owned business.

2008

Expansion in Emerging Markets

Under the company’s new management team, Labatec expanded its business fivefold within eight years through the successful development of the injectables hospital business in Switzerland, and the introduction of our well established Swiss brands in the MENA region.

2016

Significant growth

In 2016, Labatec entered a new development phase, appointing a new board of directors consisting of high profile pharma and business executives, and reinforcing the management team in several key positions.

The company is now poised for significant growth through the acquisition of products and companies, in parallel with its reinforced in-licensing strategy.

2021

Manufacturing & Site in Portugal

In 2021, a new development chapter started for Labatec with the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility in Sintra Portugal – growing our annual manufacturing capability up to 2 billion tablets.

In addition to manufacturing our own Musculo-skeletal and Tuberculosis treatments, Labatec has expanded into full manufacturing services in the EU for solid oral dosage form products.

2023

Opening of offices in Dubai

Labatec has setup a commercial office in Dubai, UAE, which will allow us to expand our presence in the Middle East region to better serve our customers.

2024

2024 and beyond

Labatec is on track to reach significant milestones in the coming 12-18 months, entering major markets such as Saudi Arabia, continuing expansion into the hospital segment, and launching multiple innovative retail and hospital products across European and MENA markets.

Geographic
expansion

13 countries
NOW expanding into the EU

Since its acquisition in 2008, Labatec has rapidly expanded from its Swiss base to the emerging markets region, entering 11 new countries in the last eight years, with presence in both retail and hospital segments.

With its strong track record of success in new markets and geographies, and in line with its mission of ‘Valuing Life’, Labatec is now expanding into the EU, bringing its high quality products to an even broader range of patients.

Key features of
Labatec, our DNA

Solid track record of delivering Swiss-branded high quality products to our communities,
making us a trusted healthcare partner across the regions where we operate in
Private company with an agile organization
which enables us to effectively establish strategic partnerships, rapidly register products with Swiss and Emerging Markets health authorities, and handle frequent product launches in our regions
Up-to-date understanding of local market needs in Emerging Markets, Switzerland and neighbouring EU countries, ensuring we continue to deliver relevant and innovative products across a wide range of indications

Our
values

Excellence
Integrity
Collaboration
Accountability
Agility

We put the quality of our products and processes first.

We strive to continuously improve the value delivered to our customers
and partners through an agile organization.

We adapt to a fast changing environment.

We are transparent, honest and ethical in all our interactions with employees, clients and partners.

We seek to inspire trust and respect with our counterparts.

We collaborate to deliver outcomes which add significant value to our clients’ projects and the community as a whole.

We treat people with consideration and value ideas on their merit.

We strive for diversity within our team, and do not discriminate anyone on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity or ability.

We take personal responsibility for our actions and results.

We keep promises and commitments made to others.

We encourage our team to be curious and perceive the world in new ways, to find new paths and to generate innovative solutions.

Our
team

Management Team

Viktoria Stepanova

CEO

Viktoria brings more than 15 years of professional experience in the Life Sciences and Pharmaceuticals industry. Viktoria started her career in Biotech research, and then as management consultant with McKinsey & Company where she worked with leading global Pharma companies to define their corporate and business unit growth strategies. Since 2017, Viktoria led strategy, BD and operations at Labatec, helping the company to expand its portfolio and geographic footprint. Viktoria took over as CEO in November 2023 to continue building on the strong commercial legacy and growing portfolio of the company in Europe and the Middle East.

Viktoria holds a Master of Science degree in bioengineering and medical technology as well as an MBA from INSEAD.
Tayma Khalil

COO

As Labatec’s COO since September 2023, Tayma is responsible for day-to-day operations, strategy, business development and partnering activities to drive the expansion of the company’s portfolio and geographic footprint.

Prior to joining Labatec, Tayma has worked as Senior Consultant at IMS (now IQVIA) and as Junior Partner at McKinsey & Company where she worked with leading global pharma companies to define their corporate and business units’ growth strategies. Most recently Tayma spent 7 years at Expedia Group as a VP of Marketing strategy.

Tayma holds a Masters of Science degree in Human Genetics from McGill University as well as an MBA from INSEAD.
Yaelle Guye-Bergeret

Head of Human Resources

Yaelle has served as Labatec's Human Resources (HR) Director since January 2021 and leads HR strategy and activities in our various geographic areas of operation. Prior to joining the group, she acquired 14 years of experience in Human Resources among international and local companies, mostly in the pharmaceutical sector.

Yaelle holds a M.Sc. degree in HR Management from the University of Geneva coupled with a Swiss HR Federal Diploma as well as a M.Sc degree in Marketing & Negotiation from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris.
Adel Zouad

Finance & Information Systems Director

Adel joined Labatec in 2017 after gaining solid auditing experience at Deloitte as well as being the founder of a start-up where he was able to develop expertise in digitalization. As CFO and IT Director Adel oversees the accounting, FP&A and IT functions while participating in the overall digitization of the company within the different functions.

Adel holds a master's degree from the Sorbonne University and the EM Lyon Business School.
Francois Detraz

Commercial Director (CH&AU, Hospital Segment)

François has over 25 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical sector, working with a broad base of partners and in a wide variety of medical specialties. Following roles with Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly and Eisai, he was appointed as Sales Director at Labatec in 2009 and has been Commercial Director since 2013.

François’s areas of expertise include marketing, people development, sales and account management, and new product launches. He has a proven track record of delivering sustainable results in high growth environments.
Mathilde Riera

CMO Lead

Mathilde has served as Contract Manufacturing Lead since November 2020 after various roles in marketing and business development within Labatec. She is now working for corporate development and contract manufacturing department to ensure continuous growth for the company. Prior to joining the group, she worked as executive manager for a healthcare provider in USA.

Mathilde holds a degree in Biochemistry and a Master in international business.
Basil Nofal

Corporate Technical Affairs & R&D Director

Basil has a breadth of experience gained during his 15 years at Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC where he was involved in a range of business areas across EMEA and US. His role as Technical Director and Qualified Person at Labatec involves him in developing new, high quality products which fulfill international quality standards and meet customers’ needs.

Basil holds a Bachelor in Pharmacy and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) from PMI Pennsylvania, United States.
Laith Al-Muktar

General Manager in Portugal

With over 18 years of experience at Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Laith has a strong knowledge that spans across different areas from sales, marketing, strategic commercial activities, and product acquisitions. Laith was appointed as General Manager for Labatec Farmacêutica and is leading the path to growth.

Laith holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the Lisbon School of Economics & Management.
Corinne Brühlmann

Head of Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance & Responsible Person

Corinne joined Labatec in 2022 and is heading the Quality, Regulatory, and Medical Affairs activities and is the Responsible Person of Labatec for Switzerland. Prior to joining the group, Corinne has gained 15+ years of regulatory experience, and contributed to the setup of the EU and Swiss pharma entities of Medtronic, heading the technical functions for 5 years.
Bashar Suleiman

Finance Director MENA

Bashar has served as Finance Director for the MENA region since 2010 and has been appointed to lead the operations in the MENA region since 2022, supporting the company’s growth in the region. He has over 20 years’ experience in Finance mostly in the pharmaceutical sector.
Muriel Xatard

Head of Alliance Management

Muriel has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector, specializing in alliance management and partner relationships. She had held key positions at Novartis and Labatec, she served as Quality Manager, Production Manager, Operations and Supply chain Director before becoming Alliance Manager.

Alliance management involves coordinating with in-licensing partners from the signature of the contract to the product launch, ensuring seamless collaboration and mutual success. By fostering these strategic partnerships, Muriel significantly enhances the company's pipeline, driving growth and ensuring a steady stream of innovative products.

Her industry expertise and dedication make her a trusted partner and an invaluable asset to the team.