Giuseppe Accogli, Chiesi Group CEO, shares insights from his extensive med-tech career, highlighting his role in driving Chiesi’s global expansion and fostering innovation.
He delves into his proudest achievements, the challenges he faces, and his vision for the pharmaceutical industry’s future. Join us as we explore his motivations, mission, and strategies that position Chiesi at the forefront of healthcare innovation and sustainability.
Giuseppe, tell us about your background and how it prepared you for the work you do now
I am fortunate to have spent 25 years in the med-tech sector, working with multinational companies across diverse roles, including sales, marketing, R&D, M&A, strategy, and product innovation.
This breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of various business functions and market dynamics, preparing me to lead Chiesi’s global expansion and innovation efforts. My leadership in major M&A activities and business transformations has been instrumental in driving Chiesi’s impressive growth and reaching our sustainability goals.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment to date?
The inauguration of Chiesi’s Biotech Centre of Excellence in Parma was a proud moment for the company, Italy and for me personally. Beyond its strategic impact and the creation of new, highly skilled jobs in the region, what makes me truly proud is knowing that this investment will change the lives of patients, particularly those living with rare diseases.
Our profound responsibility towards patients drives us to work tirelessly to deliver high-quality treatments, ensuring that no one is left behind. Seeing our commitment to advancing healthcare come to life was a fantastic moment for the entire Chiesi team.
What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the biotech and pharmaceutical industries right now?
The biotech and pharmaceutical industries in Europe are navigating significant challenges, including armed conflicts, shifting alliances, energy constraints, and rapid AI advancements. To remain competitive, Europe must bridge the innovation gap between the US and China by investing in skills, accelerating R&D, and addressing regulatory barriers.
The ongoing review of pharmaceutical legislation will play a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future. Increasing security by reducing dependencies on critical raw materials and strengthening R&D capabilities is equally crucial.
To stay competitive, Europe must mobilise private R&D investment while avoiding overly restrictive regulations. Despite these hurdles, Chiesi continues to invest heavily in R&D, focusing on innovative therapies for respiratory diseases, rare conditions, and speciality care. Balancing growth with sustainability is crucial for the sector’s long-term success.
What motivates you about working in pharma?
The impact we can have on patients’ lives across a wide range of therapeutic areas—whether in respiratory diseases, rare diseases, neonatology, transplantation, or beyond – is profound. The opportunity to contribute to improving healthcare globally and ensuring patients have access to innovative, life-changing treatments drives me every day.
Our work is about more than just medicine; it is about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives worldwide. That mission is what inspires me to push forward in everything we do.
What are your biggest short and long-term goals for Chiesi?
Chiesi is dedicated to sustainable growth, impacting Patients, Planet, People, and Prosperity. This commitment includes addressing patient needs through innovation, protecting the environment, and fostering employee well-being.
In the short term, the company will expand its presence in the US, Europe, and China to reach more patients globally. Chiesi is also advancing the development of low-carbon inhalers, with trials targeting a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of up to 90%.
Looking ahead, Chiesi aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2035 while advancing R&D in biotechnology and cutting-edge technologies. By reinvesting in these areas, Chiesi strives to integrate sustainability practices, enhance patient engagement, and solidify its reputation as an employer of choice and a great place to work.
About Chiesi Group
Chiesi is a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and speciality care. The company’s mission is to improve people’s quality of life and act responsibly towards both the community and the environment.
By changing its legal status to a Benefit Corporation in Italy, the US, and France, Chiesi’s commitment to creating shared value for society is legally binding and central to company-wide decision-making. As a certified B Corp since 2019, we are part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. The company aims to reach Net-Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035.
With over 85 years of experience, Chiesi is headquartered in Parma (Italy), with 31 affiliates worldwide, and counts more than 7,000 employees. The Group’s research and development centre in Parma works alongside six other important R&D hubs in France, the US, Canada, China, the UK, and Sweden.
