Yes, we can find leaders, and we also aspire to become leaders. However, being a leader means more than just leading; it involves leading with vision. A visionary leader considers all factors to create a people-friendly environment. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, famously said, ‘A true leader does not derive power from his position, but from his ethics, from people’s love for him, and from his knowledge, education, and excellence in his field of work.’ This quote perfectly matches the profile of the individual we are discussing today: Preeti Futnani, MCO Lead and General Manager of Specialty Care for the Greater Gulf at Sanofi.
Preeti has proven healthy perseverance throughout the complex healthcare industry, and her ascent is evidence of her strategic acumen and firm dedication, establishing her as a significant figurehead in the healthcare industry.
Early influences and values
Preeti’s upbringing in a South Indian family imbued her with values that would shape her future ambitions and work ethic. “I grew up in a home where two things mattered a lot—hard work and accountability,” she recalls. Her parents, both hardworking and committed individuals, not only excelled in their professional lives but also demonstrated immense responsibility toward their extended families. This nurturing environment instilled in Preeti a deep sense of duty and the importance of delivering on one’s commitments.
Growing up in Mumbai, a melting pot of cultures, Preeti learned to value diversity and the sense of togetherness that differences can bring. “I have always lived outside my own community, and I truly value diversity,” she says. This early exposure to varied cultures enriched her childhood and laid the foundation for her inclusive approach to leadership.
Passion into purpose
Preeti’s journey into the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry was not a straight path. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, her love for science, math, and healthcare led her to pursue a financial background before eventually finding her way into healthcare. “I realized how deeply the industry requires an understanding of science, a strong sense of mission, purpose, and values,” she explains.
Her entry into the healthcare sector was serendipitous but felt like the perfect fit, combining her commercial skills with her passion for science and healthcare. This fortuitous alignment led the way for a career marked by significant challenges and equally significant achievements.
Learning from challenges
Facing numerous challenges throughout her career, Preeti attributes her resilience to her upbringing. “I grew up in an environment where, while the bar was high, there was always a sense of safety in how you learn,” she reflects. This nurturing environment allowed her to embrace failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
“We are in the middle of a healthcare revolution, and at Sanofi, we’re not just watching it happen—we’re helping drive it forward.”
Preeti’s career has taken her across multiple countries, each move presenting its own set of challenges. “I’ve moved around a lot, eight times in the last 20 years. I’ve moved with children and supported my husband’s career,” she shares. These experiences have not only built her resilience but also deepened her sense of care and adaptability.
Leadership lessons
Preeti’s leadership style is a blend of adaptability, curiosity, and empathy. Having lived and worked in various countries, she has learned the importance of understanding different cultures and ways of doing business. “What worked in one place didn’t necessarily work in another,” she notes. This understanding has shaped her inclusive and flexible approach to leadership.
“I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach,” Preeti emphasizes. She strives to understand the strengths and weaknesses of her team, creating an environment where they can thrive and be their best. Her leadership style focuses on empowerment rather than micromanagement, fostering a culture where people feel safe to push boundaries and innovate.
Preeti explains, “As I’ve grown older, I’ve also realized that I actually know very little. Learning is something that’s very important to me, and I’ve learned to ask the right questions before assuming I have all the answers.” This humility and willingness to listen have been central to her leadership philosophy, allowing her to adapt and grow with each new challenge.
Advancing DE&I at Sanofi
At Sanofi, Preeti is a staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). “Diversity is not just a buzzword, it’s the foundation of innovation,” she asserts. Her belief in the power of diverse perspectives is evident in Sanofi’s workforce, which comprises over 40 nationalities across the GCC region, with nearly half of the workforce being female.
“The future of healthcare is not approaching—it is already here.”
Sanofi’s commitment to DE&I goes beyond numbers. It is about creating a culture where different viewpoints are valued, and people feel heard and respected. This inclusive environment drives real innovation and meaningful outcomes, both for the company and the patients it serves.
Preeti shares, “One of the reasons I joined Sanofi was that when I walked in for my interview, I saw so many people from different nationalities. That’s not something I had commonly seen in other places I worked, but in Dubai, a true melting pot, it felt natural. Seeing that diversity was one of the first things that attracted me to the company.”
By developing a culture of inclusion and equity, Sanofi ensures that its workforce is not only diverse but also empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. This commitment to DE&I has a direct impact on innovation and patient outcomes, as it allows the company to develop and deliver solutions that truly meet the needs of diverse populations.
Preeti believes that a diverse workforce is a critical component of effective problem-solving and innovation. “True change and meaningful outcomes come from a room filled with people who bring different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking,” she emphasizes. By championing DE&I, Sanofi is creating an environment where innovation can thrive and where every employee can contribute their best work.
Investing in research and development
Sanofi’s investment in research and development (R&D) is evidence of its dedication to advancing healthcare. “We’re in the middle of a healthcare revolution, and at Sanofi, we’re not just watching it happen, we’re helping drive it forward,” Preeti states. The company has intensified its R&D pipeline, accelerating clinical trials and utilizing AI for smarter decision-making.
Local partnerships and innovation hubs play a crucial role in Sanofi’s strategy to bring groundbreaking treatments to the region. The company’s efforts align with the healthcare transformation goals of various governments in the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Preeti elaborates, “A year and a half ago when our CEO stood in front of investors, he made a bold statement that we are investing in our future and our R&D pipeline. Just a month ago, when he addressed investors again, it was a completely different story because we had proof points to show. We demonstrated what our portfolio looks like and how we have doubled down on investment in research and development.”
The company’s commitment to R&D is reflected in its accelerated clinical trials, which leverage AI for smarter decision-making. “We’re accelerating clinical trials, and one of the ways we’re doing this is by leveraging AI for smarter decision-making. This works hand in hand with our local partners to bring groundbreaking treatments to the region faster than ever,” Preeti explains.
“True change and meaningful outcomes come from a room filled with people who bring different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking.”
Sanofi’s approach to R&D is not just about internal innovation. The company is also focused on forging strong local partnerships to enhance its research efforts. “We’re working closely with local partners to drive innovation and bring new treatments to market more efficiently,” Preeti says. This collaborative approach ensures that Sanofi can leverage the strengths and expertise of its partners to advance its R&D goals.
AI in the digital age
Sanofi is at the forefront of capitalizing on AI and digital health solutions to revolutionize healthcare. “AI and digital transformation are completely rewriting the rules of healthcare,” Preeti highlights. The company is using AI to reduce drug development timelines, improve supply chain systems, and enhance digital health solutions.
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For instance, Sanofi’s diabetes app in Saudi Arabia helps hundreds of patients manage their medications more effectively. The company’s AI-driven drug discovery and digital health initiatives are not just futuristic concepts, they are already making a significant impact in the GCC.
Preeti explains, “AI is also helping us identify the right drug targets and pathways. When it comes to medication security, AI is transforming our supply chain systems. Instead of manually analyzing complex Excel sheets, we now have AI systems that predict risks in specific markets months in advance.”
On the digital health front, Sanofi has developed several apps to help patients manage their health more effectively. “In Saudi Arabia, for instance, we have a diabetes app with hundreds of patients using it to manage their medications more effectively,” Preeti shares. These digital health solutions are part of Sanofi’s broader strategy to use AI and technology to improve patient outcomes and drive innovation in healthcare.
Sanofi’s commitment to digital transformation extends beyond patient-facing solutions. The company is also using AI to streamline its internal processes and enhance its operational efficiency. “We’re leveraging AI to optimize our supply chain, predict market trends, and make more informed decisions,” Preeti explains. This holistic approach to digital transformation ensures that Sanofi can deliver value across all aspects of its operations.
Trends ahead
Preeti believes that AI and digital transformation will have the greatest impact on the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry in the coming years. “The future of healthcare is not approaching, it is already here,” she asserts. Sanofi is preparing to lead in these areas by investing in next-generation therapies and making AI a core part of its operations.
The company is working on groundbreaking immunology treatments and new biologics that could redefine the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. Sanofi’s focus on innovation and patient-centric care positions it to lead the healthcare revolution and set new standards in the industry.
Preeti explains, “At Sanofi, as I mentioned, we are making AI a core part of how we operate, accelerating drug delivery, improving supply chains, and investing in next-generation therapies.” These initiatives highlight Sanofi’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that it remains a leader in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
The future of healthcare is intertwined with advancements in AI and digital technologies. Sanofi’s AI-driven drug discovery efforts are not only speeding up the development of new treatments but also making the process more efficient and cost-effective. By using AI to identify the right drug targets and pathways, Sanofi is leading a new era of precision medicine that has the potential to transform patient care.
