Winner
Leading Through Change
Summary of work
Takeda established a dedicated External Affairs Directorate in 2019 to handle the complex challenges arising from the increased size and complexity of the company following the acquisition of Shire. The legacy Shire organisation had a small external affairs team within Market Access, while the legacy Takeda organisation had a small corporate communications team.
Against the backdrop of the acquisition, the new External Affairs Directorate was tasked with reaffirming Takeda’s leadership within our therapy areas; demonstrating ongoing commitment to the patient community; managing change communications, and delivering policy changes to support business operations.
To achieve these goals in a meaningful manner for the wider business, the team undertook a strategic prioritisation process, identifying six core areas of focus. The team surpassed the expectations of the new leadership team by delivering a series of best in class campaigns, such as I am number 17 and Stories That Never Stand Still, and policy change in the area of access to medicines. These successes were only possible through close collaboration with external partner and patient organisations.
In the context of a standing start and – at times – personal uncertainties relating to the integration process, Takeda’s External Affairs team are proud to enter this award submission.
Judges’ comments
Takeda really stood out to the judges as the winner – with a very strong entry – but also some very insightful and engaging answers to our questions. The team have delivered some fantastic results over the past 12 months, which is highly commendable given the integration of the two businesses and associated vulnerability the teams may have felt for their roles, along with the appointment of a new GM. The successful and dynamic team at Takeda, demonstrated a very supportive and collaborative culture, focussed around authenticity and trust, which in turn delivered some excellent results.
