18 October 2023, Sydney, Australia: Bayer today announced that Mr Ashraf Al-Ouf, currently CEO of the Bayer Group in Australia and New Zealand and General Manager Pharmaceuticals in ANZ, has been appointed to the role of Head of Commercial Operations Pharmaceuticals Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. Mr Manoj Saxena, currently Managing Director of Bayer Zydus Pharma and General Manager Pharmaceuticals for South Asia, will succeed Mr Al-Ouf in his appointment to General Manager Pharmaceuticals ANZ, effective 1 January 2024. Mr Al-Ouf’s appointment leaves a vacancy in the position of CEO, Bayer Group ANZ which will be announced at a later date. 

Bayer’s Head of Human Resources in ANZ, Ms Karina Raeburn, said the organisation is grateful for Ashraf’s leadership and significant contribution to the Bayer Group, the Pharmaceuticals division and the Pharmaceuticals industry in ANZ over many years.

“Ashraf has been unwavering in his focus on people and culture and in his commitment to advance Bayer’s mission of Health for All, Hunger for None. We wish him every success in his new role.

“We are pleased to confirm Manoj as his successor. Manoj is widely respected for his deep understanding of the healthcare industry and diverse career experience spanning senior roles in sales and marketing, business analysis and general management,” Ms Raeburn said. 

Mr Saxena joined Bayer India in 2009 as the Business Unit Head for General Medicine and Women’s Health with a vision to expand and increase Bayer’s footprint in the emerging market. He went on to spearhead the formation of Bayer Zydus Pharma in 2011 – a joint venture between Bayer and Zydus Cadila – and also became a part of the Bayer South Asia Leadership Team in India. He was elected as President Elect in January 2023 of Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) and has been a on the board since 2017. 

In August 2012, Mr Saxena was chosen as the Country Head for Pharmaceuticals division and the Country Representative for Consumer Health and Animal Health divisions in Bayer Vietnam. Here, he was appointed as Board Member (Vice Chair) of Pharma Group Vietnam – a key industry association for the pharmaceutical industry. Following his time in Vietnam, Mr Saxena served as Managing Director of Bayer Co. (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and Country Division Head of Pharmaceuticals for Singapore & Malaysia. 

Mr Saxena is passionate about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) and represents the DE&I Council of Bayer Pharma globally. He is a graduate with a Bachelor Degree in Mathematics (Hons) and has completed his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing.

Mr Saxena said he is thrilled to take on this position in the ANZ market.

“When we think about high-performing, dynamic teams at Bayer, the ANZ market always comes to mind. 

“With a deep focus on transforming patient health, the Pharma team has boldly reinvented itself to respond better to customer needs, create the best pathways for access to innovative medicines and close gaps in health outcomes.  

“I am privileged to join such a purpose-driven team and to help catalyse this essential work.”

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care, nutrition and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with its businesses. The company has operated in Australia since 1925 and has a long-term commitment to the health and nutrition of all Australians. Locally, Bayer currently employs almost 900 people across the country and is dedicated to servicing the needs of rural and remote communities. Bayer embraces and encourages its employees’ unique identities and advances a culture of inclusion and diversity across gender, LGBTQI+, generations, disability and race. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.au.

Contacts:

General Media
Fleur Wilkins, phone +61 427 065 697
Email: fleur.wilkins@bayer.com

Pharma Media
Mitzi Begent, phone +61 472 513935
Email: mitzi.begent@bayer.com