Ulrik Hillaert
Lochristi
Summary
Credo-driven commercial strategist who leads with integrity, empowers talent, and delivers results through inclusive collaboration. 15 years pharmaceutical industry experience building high-performing cross-functional teams in complex matrix environments. Proven track record combining strategic vision with execution excellence across sales, marketing, medical affairs & market access. Additional 11 years academic R&D experience. What drives me: Insatiable curiosity, solving complex problems, and creating environments where individuals thrive. Four direct reports advanced to senior roles internationally under my leadership. How I lead: With calm clarity in complexity, structured agility, and resilience. I foster psychological safety while setting ambitious goals and maintaining focus on long-term value. Credentials: Doctor of Pharmacy – PhD in Medicinal Chemistry | FAGG/AFMPS Responsible Person Nr 981
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
EMEA Commercial Strategy Director – Oncology (Lung Cancer/Solid Tumors)
Janssen EMEA
05.2022 - Current
- Led Integrated Brand Value Team (IBVT) across EMEA; member of Global Commercial Team driving brand strategy and cross-functional governance model.
- Analyzed market trends to identify growth opportunities and inform strategic planning processes.
- Successfully launched bispecific antibody & EGFR inhibitor (Rybrevant) across 7+ countries integrating precision medicine strategy with companion diagnostics
- Shape clinical development programs by providing commercial insights to Global teams on indication sequencing and optimal EMEA positioning
- Drive EMEA portfolio strategy for lung cancer; develop long-range financial forecasts and manage full regional brand budget
- Built and expanded commercial team for solid tumor franchise, promoting talent across regions
- Core Competencies: Strategic brand leadership | Global/Regional stakeholder influence | Launch excellence | Long-range financial planning | Precision medicine strategy | Cross-functional team leadership
Business Unit Manager – Oncology Hematology (Multiple Franchises)
Janssen Benelux
01.2019 - 05.2022
- Led multiple business units: Cell & Gene Therapy (Carvykti) | Bispecific Antibodies (Teclistamab/Talquetamab) | Multiple Myeloma (Darzalex) | Prostate Cancer (Erleada)
- Functioned as Cluster Value Team Leader (CVTL) for multiple franchises, translating EMEA strategies into local execution and managing cross-functional teams (4-6 direct reports).
- Key Achievements:
- Built three new business units from ground up, designing innovative go-to-market models for CAR-T and bispecific platforms
- Led €100M+ P&L for Darzalex, achieving #1 worldwide ranking for IV-to-SC conversion and +30% YoY growth despite COVID-19
- Established strategic alliances with academic medical centers for cell therapy access
- Led long-range financial planning (5-year horizon), resource sizing, and portfolio prioritization
- Developed high-performing talent who advanced to senior roles internationally (4 promotions including Australia)
- Core Competencies: Business unit creation | P&L management (€100M+) | Go-to-market model design | CAR-T/bispecific launch expertise | Talent development | Financial planning | Strategic alliance building
Medical Director BeLux & Management Board Member
Actelion Belgium
10.2015 - 12.2018
- Led Medical, Market Access & Regulatory Affairs for rare disease portfolio (PAH); Management Board member and Compliance Champion.
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved full reimbursement for orphan drug Uptravi in Belgium/Luxembourg through expert payer negotiation
- Developed comprehensive medical strategy for (pre-)launch activities, KOL engagement, and coalition building
- Managed IIS program and pharmacovigilance operations; served as GDP Responsible Person
- Built strong stakeholder relationships with governmental bodies, positioning company as ethical industry leader
- Core Competencies: Rare disease/orphan drug expertise | Market access & reimbursement | Regulatory affairs | Medical strategy | KOL engagement | Compliance leadership | Board-level governance
Medical Affairs Leadership (Multiple Companies)
AstraZeneca & AbbVie
10.2011 - 09.2015
- Roles: Medical Affairs Manager BeLux (AstraZeneca & AbbVie) | Medical Advisor (AbbVie/Abbott)
- Therapeutic Areas: Cardiovascular, Hepatitis C, HIV, RSV
- Key Achievements:
- Led MSL teams and pre-launch medical strategies for cardiovascular and hepatitis C portfolios
- Conducted exploratory field work for hepatitis C market entry; led international advisory boards
- Coordinated strategic medical plans, IIS programs, and market access preparation
- Built, trained, and coached MSL teams for competitive launches
- Served as Medical Affairs Innovation Lead
- Core Competencies: Medical affairs strategy | MSL team leadership | Pre-launch planning | Advisory board management | Medical innovation
Plant Director
Belmedis
12.2008 - 10.2011
- Full P&L responsibility for €150M pharmaceutical wholesale operation (20 direct reports, 100+ FTE total).
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved three consecutive years of double-digit growth through strategic customer relationship management
- Served as GDP Responsible Pharmacist and FAGG/AFMPS contact person
- Core Competencies: P&L leadership (€150M) | Sales management | Regulatory compliance | Strategic account management
Postdoctoral Researcher
Leiden University (Marie Curie Fellow) & Ghent University
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Advanced research in bio-organic chemistry (EU FP7) and medicinal chemistry (rare diseases).
Education
Ph.D. - Medicinal Chemistry (Rare Disease)
Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium01.2005
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ghent University
Ghent01.1998
Skills
- Data-driven decision making
- Strategic partnerships
- Organizational development
- International expansion
- Brand positioning
- Scenario planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
Languages
Dutch (Native)
English (Fluent)
French (Professional)
Timeline
EMEA Commercial Strategy Director – Oncology (Lung Cancer/Solid Tumors)
Janssen EMEA
05.2022 - Current
Business Unit Manager – Oncology Hematology (Multiple Franchises)
Janssen Benelux
01.2019 - 05.2022
Medical Director BeLux & Management Board Member
Actelion Belgium
10.2015 - 12.2018
Medical Affairs Leadership (Multiple Companies)
AstraZeneca & AbbVie
10.2011 - 09.2015
Plant Director
Belmedis
12.2008 - 10.2011
Postdoctoral Researcher
Leiden University (Marie Curie Fellow) & Ghent University
01.2005 - 01.2008
Ph.D. - Medicinal Chemistry (Rare Disease)
Ghent University
Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ghent University
Publications
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Hillaert+u
Leadership Programs
- Advanced Leadership Program (McKinsey – J&J Top Talent) 2018
- Mini MBA Medical Affairs (Vlerick) 2017-18
- Advanced Situational Leadership (IMD Lausanne) 2016-17
- Pharmaceutical Marketing & Management (IFB) 2012-13
Summary of Expertise
- Therapeutic Areas: Oncology (Hematology: multiple myeloma, CAR-T, bispecifics | Solid Tumors: lung cancer, prostate cancer) | Rare Diseases (PAH, orphan drugs) | Specialty Care (Cardiovascular, Virology)
- Functional Expertise: Commercial strategy | Launch excellence | P&L management | Go-to-market design | Market access & reimbursement | Medical affairs | Talent development | Cross-functional leadership | Matrix organization navigation