50 Years of Service: From Milkman's Son to Advancing Access to Medicines

Leo, a long-time employee of Viatris, has spent the past 50 years shaping the company's mission and culture. His journey began unexpectedly when a friend asked him to fill his role at one of Viatris' legacy companies. At the time, Leo was also helping his father manage their family milk delivery business, serving 400 households in mid Netherlands. Observing his father's dedication to customer service taught Leo invaluable lessons about the importance of prompt service and meeting customer needs effectively. However, Leo aspired to be part of something larger, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on a broader scale. He wanted to harness the energy of working with a team and apply the lessons he learned from his father – prompt service, attention to details, and meeting people's needs. So, he decided to interview with one of Viatris' legacy companies and was hired the same day by the head of the administration department, the department where his career has started.

As the company evolved, Leo adapted. Over the years, he transitioned to sales and product management, eventually rising to manage supply chains through one of the most difficult periods in recent history – the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership was vital to ensuring that Viatris' medicines remained available, despite disruptions in supply and logistics. His commitment was never just about the task at hand but about the greater purpose of delivering life-saving treatments to patients worldwide.

Leo's journey at Viatris has been punctuated by 11 mergers, and each one brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. He embraced each change, learning that adaptability and teamwork were key to driving innovation in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry. Leo's ability to guide colleagues and share his wealth of experience has made him a cornerstone of the company.

Reflecting on his 50-year career, Leo is deeply inspired by Viatris' mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier lives at every stage of life. This mission has been the driving force behind his journey, fueling his passion and dedication. Last year alone, Viatris provided over 26 million packs of medicines in the Netherlands, while globally, they reached more than 1 billion patients. These achievements remind Leo daily of the profound impact Viatris has on individuals' lives. Knowing that their efforts directly support patients' health and well-being is incredibly motivating.

As a second motivation, through his own example, Leo advocates for the inclusion of older generations in the workplace, making his voice a powerful force for change within the company. He believes that a sense of inclusion and appreciation is essential for all generations. It fuels their energy and passion every day, empowering them to contribute their best and continue making a difference – which makes Viatris a great place to work. Being seen as the 'anchor' of their company in the Netherlands is a source of pride for Leo.

But Leo's story is not just one of professional growth; it's personal. After wrapping up another day at work, he headed to an athletic field to watch his grandchildren play football. Watching them reminds him why his work at Viatris is so meaningful. Reflecting on his 50-year career, Leo is deeply inspired by Viatris' mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier lives at every stage of life. This mission has been the driving force behind his journey, fueling his passion and dedication. He sees his career not only as a way to impact the lives of patients today but to ensure a healthier, better world for future generations – including his grandchildren.

Spending time with his grandchildren profoundly influences Leo's motivation for work. Witnessing their health and happiness firsthand reminds him of the importance of Viatris' mission. It drives him to ensure that he does his part as part of their companies' efforts to supply high-quality medicines and touch all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, so that future generations can enjoy healthy lives.

As a company, Viatris is built on the shoulders of people like Leo – people who believe that the work they do makes a difference. His story reflects the company's commitment to valuing its employees, nurturing their development, and inspiring them to lead with purpose and passion – a reason for which, among others, Viatris Netherlands was certified as Great Place to Work in 2023 and again in 2024. Leo's work has touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue long after he retires.

In conclusion, Leo's journey from a milkman's son to a strategic projects manager at Viatris has shaped the company's mission and culture over the past 50 years. His dedication to customer service, adaptability, and inclusion has driven Viatris to become a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, empowering people worldwide to live healthier lives at every stage of life. As Leo continues to inspire and motivate colleagues, Viatris remains committed to delivering life-saving treatments to patients and making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.