Cesar Concepcion is Chief Commercial Officer, APMA IM since April 1, 2022. Cesar joined Novartis in January 2005 as Head of Marketing for Latin America where he contributed greatly with a consistent marketing strategy to the region, successful launches and a sound execution of Getting to One plans. Cesar’s commitment, dedication and leadership throughout the region were keys for the successful LatAm performance from 2005-2006.
Cesar has held various positions in general management and marketing in the Asia Pacific Region with Schering Plough. He was Regional Marketing Director based in Singapore for Far East, Australasia and South Africa, then moved to Thailand as General Manager, where he served on the PPA board as an elected member for two years and in addition worked for PhRMA on the LAWG. After two years, he became General Manager Far East Markets. During his period in the region, Cesar delivered strong performance and demonstrated his ability to motivate and support his teams.
From 2007 to 2012 Cesar was the Oncology General Manager in China. During this period, he led a turnaround that started in 2007 and by 2012 placed Novartis OBU from the #27 position into the top 10 business globally. From 2006-11 internal sales increased from US$27mls to +US$200mls.
Cesar joined Novartis Farmaceutica Spain in May 2012 as Head of Primary Care in Spain before taking on the CPO Head role in November 2012. In his role as Managing Director he oversaw the transformation from a predominantly Primary Care commercial model to Specialty with launches for Ultibro, Cosentyx and Entresto among others. During his tenure in Spain people development and cultural transformation were the top priorities and achievements in Spain.
Cesar was assigned to lead Central Eastern Europe (CEE), a role he has held since September 2018. During that time, Cesar team under this leadership has reached over $1.2B in sales and increased CEE market ranking from #5 to #2 by increasing access to medicines twice as fast. In doing so, Zolgensma was recognized per IQVIA as the most successful launch in the history of CEE. Cesar has a passion for developing people and as such together with People and Organization leadership has established CEE as a talent development platform for the enterprise, including the appointment of several General Managers inside and outside the European region.
Cesar started his career as a Pharmaceutical sales representative in San Juan, Puerto Rico, USA.
Cesar holds a BS in Kinesiological Science from the University of Maryland at College Park, Maryland USA.