“It’s not just about the business; it’s about improving lives"

When Javier Marchena joined Octapharma in 2014, he had already established a successful career but realised he was seeking something more – a deeper sense of purpose. Armed with an MBA and his experience in a large American company, he was drawn to Octapharma for its family-owned approach, which offered more direct decision-making and a stronger attachment to the company’s vision.

In his current role as General Manager for East and South East Asia (excluding China), Javier has found his deeper motivation and now oversees a dynamic region, guiding operations, sales and marketing activities in countries like Japan, Taiwan and Singapore.

For Javier, working in the pharmaceutical industry has always been more than just a job. “The pharmaceutical field gives you a real sense of purpose that is often hard to find elsewhere,” he explains. “We’re not just selling products; we’re making a tangible difference to people’s lives, especially in regions with varying healthcare access.”

A cross-functional foundation

Javier’s career at Octapharma didn’t begin in a senior role. He started as a Project Manager in the International Sales department, supporting various countries, including China, Turkey, India and Japan. The role required him to engage with multiple departments, from Supply Chain to Regulatory Affairs, and gave him an all-encompassing understanding of the company’s operations. That experience helped him build relationships with key departments such as Legal, Drug Safety, Finance, IBUs, Communications and Quality, all of which are integral to delivering Octapharma’s life-changing products.

“My exposure to different functions early on was invaluable,” Javier recalls. “I learned how everything fits together and how we rely on each department to ensure the quality and safety of our products. I met knowledgeable and skilled colleagues and got to see the impact we all have on patients worldwide.”

Rising through the ranks

As Javier’s expertise grew, so did his responsibilities. His moves from Project Manager to Senior Manager and then to General Manager were natural progressions, rooted in the autonomy, trust and opportunities that Octapharma provides to its employees.

A prime example of this autonomy is Javier’s leadership in launching human coagulation factor VIII, Octapharma’s first product in Japan. After Javier’s extensive discussions with colleagues, it was decided to bring the product to market in partnership with Fujimoto, a local distributor who understood the intricacies of the complex local regulatory environment. For Javier, the success of that launch has been one his proudest moments at Octapharma.

Despite the increasing competition, the product continues to grow in Japan, with more patients expected to switch to the product in the coming months. This positive result is a testament to Javier’s leadership and the close collaborations he has established across Octapharma’s various departments, which have ensured a smooth market entry.

A real family feel

What sets Octapharma apart, for Javier, is its family-owned culture. Unlike many large corporations, in which employees feel distant from leadership, Octapharma fosters a sense of connection at all levels of the organisation, creating a feeling of closeness and accountability.

“The shareholders listen to our opinions and provide valuable insights about the company’s future. That connection strengthens the sense of purpose we all share at Octapharma.”

Making people's lives better

At the end of the day, Javier finds the most rewarding aspect of working at Octapharma is the ability to make a tangible difference to patients’ lives. Whether it’s introducing new treatments, helping healthcare professionals stay updated on the latest medical practices, or bringing cutting-edge therapies to regions in need, Javier finds purpose in every aspect of his role.

“When I visit hospitals or meet healthcare professionals who benefit from our products, I’m reminded of why I do this,” he says. “It’s not just about the business; it’s about improving lives. That’s what makes this work so rewarding.”

As he looks to the future, Javier is excited about the opportunities for growth and innovation across his region. With many untapped markets, he is eager to help bring Octapharma’s products to more patients who need them. “There’s so much potential in the markets I oversee,” he says. “And being part of a company that is dedicated to advancing human lives keeps me focused. It’s why I’m excited to continue growing here at Octapharma.”

At the same time, Javier is also deeply focused on internal projects aimed at improving processes and ensuring the company’s growth is efficient and sustainable. “The work I’m doing to enhance our operations keeps me motivated—it’s all about creating lasting impact."