Zentiva’s growth has been entirely organic and without local acquisitions, which makes our story unique. Along the way, we’ve brought together exceptional individuals who’ve grown within the company ~ Jelena Nikolić
Apart from the pride she feels in her team and its success in maintaining consistent medicine supplies in Serbia, Zentiva’s Jelena Nikolić emphasises that each change in the pharmaceutical market presents both a challenge and an opportunity that provides invaluable experience once it has been overcome. This perhaps best explains company’s global, regional and local success.
Your story began with a few ambitious individuals who had big goals, while you are today among the leading generic medicines companies in Serbia. Has a clear vision guided you throughout this journey?
— Our journey began in 2011, as part of Alvogen. A small group of ambitious individuals and outstanding professionals set out with a clear goal: to bring modern, affordable therapeutic solutions to patients in our country and to achieve success and recognition.
We started as a start-up and have elevated the company to an impressive level, reaching seventh place on the Serbian generic medicines market.
We joined the Zentiva Group in 2020, through the acquisition of Alvogen’s CEE region by Advent, which provided an exceptional alignment for further growth. Nurturing a corporate culture aligned with the values of our team members is at the core of our strategy and inspiration. Reflecting on this period, I can state with a sense of pride and gratitude that, with timely and well-devised strategies and a strong team working in synergy towards a common goal, we have occasionally achieved the impossible.
What drives you towards new successes?
— The clear vision set by our experienced leadership, supported by a highly qualified and motivated team. We strive for easiness and beauty in everything we do, so we create with enjoyment, which sets us apart and makes us approachable and easy for people to work with. Zentiva is a multinational company that’s recognised across Europe and beyond for producing high-quality, affordable medicines.
With a dedicated team of over 4,500 people and a well-developed network of production sites, Zentiva aims to meet everyday health needs with branded generics and OTC products.
We joined the Zentiva Group in 2020, through the acquisition of Alvogen’s CEE region by Advent, which provided an exceptional alignment for further growth
Our strategy in Serbia is to introduce generics either first or in the initial wave after the patent expiry of the originator, making advanced therapies more accessible. We have launched medicines in Serbia that weren’t previously available here, thus providing patients with innovative treatment options.
We are exceptionally proud of having maintained a steady supply of medicines in Serbia, practically without shortages during challenging periods on the global pharma market, which underscores our high level of awareness and responsibility—both essential factors in our line of business.
What is the biggest challenge in your position as regional director for the West Balkans?
— Among the countries of the West Balkans, despite similar business models, structures and environments, there are significant differences that I discovered when I took on the role of Cluster Head of Zentiva West Balkans. Setting the right foundation in each of them was challenging, but I built a similar synergy model across different countries, recognising that individual differences are a significant advantage and provide the potential for mutual enrichment.
I can today state with pride that the teams of the region communicate excellently, support each other and share knowledge generously. I am delighted that we’ve together built outstanding teams in each country of the region.