Full Name
Michael Maistry
Job Title
Ad Interim General Manager
Company
Roche
Speaker Bio
Michael Maistry is a distinguished executive leader in the pharmaceutical sector, renowned for his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes and drive strategic initiatives with precision and foresight. Avec un proven track record of leadership within matrixed organisations, Michael has adeptly managed teams across multiple projects, spanning country, cluster, and regional levels within developing markets. His experience encompasses both established and innovative products, showcasing his versatility and comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry.
Currently serving as the ad-interim General Manager since December 2024, Michael has provided strategic leadership for Roche's pharmaceutical business in Southern Africa, overseeing operations in more than 11 markets. In this role, he has driven commercial excellence, defined the people experience within the organisation, cultivated a high-performance culture, and enhanced Roche's market presence both locally in the industry and on a global scale within the company.
Michael also serves as the Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Risk, where spearheads initiatives that are pivotal to the organisation’s growth and compliance. Recently, he has been instrumental in transforming his company’s product portfolio, identifying and implementing risk-mitigated legal strategies to protect and sustain its existing portfolio while allowing the organisation to focus on its new strategic brands.
Understanding the intricate nature of legal frameworks, Michael is constantly seeking reforms that will facilitate greater access to the company’s innovative products. Although the anticipated legal reforms have yet to materialise, the work that he and his organisation have done is often viewed as pioneering, showcasing Michael’s ability to influence and drive industry standards. Additionally, Michael is engaged with significant legal matters that have the potential to set precedents for future legal interpretations and compliance standards across the industry. His leadership in these high-stakes scenarios underscores his expertise in legal strategy and resilience under pressure.
Michael’s leadership style is characterised by a focus on mindset, trust, and organisational awareness. He believes that cultivating a mindset of empowerment and accountability within his team is essential for motivation and high performance. By building a foundation of trust, he ensures his team members feel supported and capable of taking calculated risks. His approach to staying in tune with the organisational pulse allows him to anticipate needs, identify areas for impact, and foster a progressive mindset within his team.
Michael’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was a finalist for General Counsel of the Year and led his department to win the Risk & Compliance Department of the Year at the African Legal Awards 2024. These accolades are a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Michael has earned his Data Analyst Track credential from Statworx, reflecting his keen interest in Business Strategy and Development, Data and Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Shaping. This diverse skill set enables him to provide both operational and strategic insights across the multiple layers of the organisational value chain, enhancing his ability to deliver solutions in complex matters.
Operating with an agile mindset, Michael thrives in challenging environments, leveraging his exposure to developing markets to lead and influence teams effectively. His progressive approach, combined with his deep understanding of the pharmaceutical sector, positions him as an industry leader capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation.
With a blend of strategic vision, legal acumen, and a commitment to fostering high-performing teams, Michael Maistry continues to elevate his profile as a formidable leader in the pharmaceutical and legal industry. His relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to navigate complexity have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer, making him an invaluable asset to any organisation he leads.
Currently serving as the ad-interim General Manager since December 2024, Michael has provided strategic leadership for Roche's pharmaceutical business in Southern Africa, overseeing operations in more than 11 markets. In this role, he has driven commercial excellence, defined the people experience within the organisation, cultivated a high-performance culture, and enhanced Roche's market presence both locally in the industry and on a global scale within the company.
Michael also serves as the Head of Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Risk, where spearheads initiatives that are pivotal to the organisation’s growth and compliance. Recently, he has been instrumental in transforming his company’s product portfolio, identifying and implementing risk-mitigated legal strategies to protect and sustain its existing portfolio while allowing the organisation to focus on its new strategic brands.
Understanding the intricate nature of legal frameworks, Michael is constantly seeking reforms that will facilitate greater access to the company’s innovative products. Although the anticipated legal reforms have yet to materialise, the work that he and his organisation have done is often viewed as pioneering, showcasing Michael’s ability to influence and drive industry standards. Additionally, Michael is engaged with significant legal matters that have the potential to set precedents for future legal interpretations and compliance standards across the industry. His leadership in these high-stakes scenarios underscores his expertise in legal strategy and resilience under pressure.
Michael’s leadership style is characterised by a focus on mindset, trust, and organisational awareness. He believes that cultivating a mindset of empowerment and accountability within his team is essential for motivation and high performance. By building a foundation of trust, he ensures his team members feel supported and capable of taking calculated risks. His approach to staying in tune with the organisational pulse allows him to anticipate needs, identify areas for impact, and foster a progressive mindset within his team.
Michael’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. He was a finalist for General Counsel of the Year and led his department to win the Risk & Compliance Department of the Year at the African Legal Awards 2024. These accolades are a testament to his exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Michael has earned his Data Analyst Track credential from Statworx, reflecting his keen interest in Business Strategy and Development, Data and Digital Transformation, and Ecosystem Shaping. This diverse skill set enables him to provide both operational and strategic insights across the multiple layers of the organisational value chain, enhancing his ability to deliver solutions in complex matters.
Operating with an agile mindset, Michael thrives in challenging environments, leveraging his exposure to developing markets to lead and influence teams effectively. His progressive approach, combined with his deep understanding of the pharmaceutical sector, positions him as an industry leader capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation.
With a blend of strategic vision, legal acumen, and a commitment to fostering high-performing teams, Michael Maistry continues to elevate his profile as a formidable leader in the pharmaceutical and legal industry. His relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to navigate complexity have solidified his reputation as a trailblazer, making him an invaluable asset to any organisation he leads.
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