Novartis CEO Joseph Jimenez to Speak at MBA Commencement

Joseph Jimenez, CEO of global healthcare giant Novartis, will give the commencement address at the combined Full-time and Evening & Weekend MBA graduation.

Commencement will take place on Friday, May 19, at the Greek Theatre.

After earning his MBA from Berkeley-Haas in 1984, Jimenez rose through the ranks of corporate marketing and consumer goods to become president and CEO of H.J. Heinz’s North American and European businesses.

In 2007, he joined Novartis as head of the consumer health division, then head of pharmaceuticals, before being named CEO in 2010.

As CEO, Jimenez has streamlined Switzerland-based Novartis to focus on pharmaceuticals and has invested billions in cancer research, building an international reputation as the man who wants to eradicate cancer.  In 2014, Jimenez was featured on the cover of Forbes with the headline: “Will this man cure cancer?”

Berkeley-Haas named Jimenez Business Leader of the Year in 2015. The award recognizes members of the Berkeley-Haas community who have achieved prominence in their fields.

“Though not a scientist, Joe was an inspired choice to run a pharmaceutical giant,” Dean Rich Lyons said, commenting on the award. “It’s his analytical skill at balancing short- and long-term goals, his quiet drive, and his outstanding ability to nurture the right talent that have allowed him to Question the Status Quo and re-envision the industry. He has the confidence and expertise to lead Novartis to deliver where society needs it most, and is an example for us all of our Defining Principles.

Read more about Jimenez in BerkeleyHaas Magazine.

Back