Lek, a Sandoz company, receives the TOP 10 Education Management Award for the 12th time in a row

  • Lek, a Sandoz company, has been for many years among those Slovenian companies which invest in the education of employees the most intensely and systematically.
  • In education management, concern for internal transfer of knowledge, transforming the so called hidden knowledge into organisational knowledge and the development of the advanced forms of learning, are at the forefront.
21. 10. 2014

Lek Pharmaceuticals, a Sandoz company, once again received the TOP 10 Education Management Award 2013. The award has been presented by Planet GV and the Education Management Institute Sofos for the thirteenth year in a row to ten companies in Slovenia which in the previous year invested the most intensely and systematically in the education of employees.

The award was received by Jasna Kos, Head of Learning & Training at Lek, a Sandoz Company, at the 14th Annual Education Management Conference held in Bled. Upon receiving the award she stressed: »This year we have been ranked, for the twelfth time in a row, among the ten most successful companies in Slovenia which invest most intensely and systematically in the development of human resources. This confirms that we are a company of knowledge and learning and that we invest in education and training of employees in a strategic and systematic manner. Continuous gaining of new knowledge is not just a fad but our mode of operation, our organization culture.«

The pharmaceutical industry is a knowledge-based industry, therefore continuous investment in the skills and competence of our employees is crucial if we want to stay competitive in a global market. Education is for this reason closely interwoven with our business strategy as the education of all employees at all levels is of key importance for the growth and progress of the company. The funds for education and development of employees remained at the same level as the year before, despite the increasingly restrictive economic and financial situation.

»When planning and introducing education programs we leverage synergies and advantages which we can offer to our employees as a part of the Novartis global system. Within the Group we have access to a wide range of knowledge and different forms of education as well as the opportunity to participate in international projects that offer our employees a unique opportunity to learn and gain experience,« added Jasna Kos.

Apart from educational programs, a part of which are compulsory and professional courses and development of skills, Lek, a Sandoz company, focused most of its attention in the field of education management in year 2013 on the training of managers, particularly in the field of performance management and coaching, training of mentors in production and education for successful project management. Much attention was also devoted to internal transfer of knowledge and the development of the advanced forms of learning, including self-education and e-learning.

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Lek, a Sandoz company, is one of key pillars of the second-largest generic pharmaceutical company globally. Its role within Sandoz is to act as: a leading global development center for products and technologies; a global manufacturing center for active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines; a competence center for the development of vertically integrated products; a Sandoz competence center in the field of development and manufacturing of biosimilar products; and, a supply center for the markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), South East Europe (SEE) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and it is responsible for sales on the Slovenian market. For further information please visit http://www.lek.si/en.

Sandoz, the generic pharmaceuticals division of Novartis, is a global leader in the generic pharmaceutical sector. Sandoz employs over 26,500 employees and its products are available in more than 160 countries, offering a broad range of high-quality, affordable products that are no longer protected by patents. With USD 9.2 billion in sales in 2013, Sandoz has a portfolio of approximately 1,100 molecules, and holds the #1 position globally in biosimilars as well as in generic injectables, ophthalmics, dermatology and antibiotics, complemented by leading positions in the cardiovascular, metabolism, central nervous system, pain, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and hormonal therapeutic areas. Sandoz develops, produces, and markets these medicines, as well as active pharmaceutical and biotechnological substances. Nearly half of Sandoz’s portfolio is in differentiated products, which are defined as products that are more difficult to scientifically develop and manufacture than standard generics.
In addition to strong organic growth since consolidating its generics businesses under the Sandoz brand name in 2003, Sandoz has benefitted from strong growth of its acquisitions, which include Lek (Slovenia), Sabex (Canada), Hexal (Germany), Eon Labs (US), EBEWE Pharma (Austria), Oriel Therapeutics (US), and Fougera Pharmaceuticals (US).
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Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. Novartis is the only global company with leading positions in these areas. In 2013, the Group achieved net sales of USD 57.9 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.9 billion (USD 9.6 billion excluding impairment and amortization charges). Novartis Group companies employ approximately 135,000 full-time-equivalent associates and operate in more than 140 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.novartis.com.

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This press release contains statements and conclusions based on projections of Lek’s future business operations. These estimates are derived from the best information currently available. In case these forecasts prove unreliable, the actual results could prove different from those projected.

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For additional information contact:
Katarina Klemenc
Corporate Communications
Lek Pharmaceuticals d. d.
Phone: +386 1 580 22 43
Fax: +386 1 580 24 32
katarina.klemenc@sandoz.com