Legal director, Greece, Finland and Scandinavia | AbbVie Pharmaceuticals
Georgios Kourgias
Legal director, Greece, Finland and Scandinavia | AbbVie Pharmaceuticals
What are the key projects that you have been involved in over the past 12 months?
Working for one of the largest multinational biopharmaceutical companies has afforded me the unique opportunity to be continuously engaged in complex, multi-jurisdictional projects that challenge and inspire me daily. One of my deepest passions in this role is ensuring that patients, regardless of their location, have timely and equitable access to the latest and most innovative therapies available. As part of my responsibilities, I have had the privilege to lead and oversee the intricate legal aspects related to the pricing and reimbursement of new pharmaceutical products. This includes navigating the multifaceted regulatory landscapes and ensuring compliance with respective legal frameworks in various countries. I have successfully negotiated Greece and Finland contracts with health authorities. These negotiations are critical as they directly impact Greek and Finnish patients, ensuring they have unrestricted access to groundbreaking therapies.
What do you think are the most important attributes for a modern in-house counsel to possess?
Modern in-house counsel should possess a strong understanding of the business environment in which their company operates, including industry trends, competition, and the economic landscape, to provide legal advice that aligns with business objectives. Effective communication is essential, enabling counsel to convey complex legal concepts clearly to non-legal executives and team members, enhance collaboration, and build trust across different teams and jurisdictions. Strong problem-solving abilities, combined with creativity, allow counsel to develop innovative strategies that comply with the law while supporting business goals. Upholding the company’s integrity and reputation requires consistent ethical judgment and compliance with laws and regulations. In-house counsel must also demonstrate leadership and influence, guiding decision-making, advising senior executives, and mentoring junior staff effectively.
What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about?
As a lawyer working for a multinational biopharmaceutical company, I am deeply passionate about ensuring patients have timely and equitable access to innovative therapies. It is a cause that resonates with me both professionally and personally. In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, groundbreaking treatments and therapies have the potential to significantly improve patients’ quality of life and even save lives. Access to these therapies is crucial, not just for the individuals affected, but for the advancement of global health as a whole. I am committed to navigating the complex regulatory and legal challenges that can sometimes delay access to these vital treatments. My work involves advocating for policies that streamline approval processes without compromising safety and collaborating with stakeholders to address barriers to access. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between innovation in pharmaceuticals and the patients who stand to benefit from those advancements. By doing so, I aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and contribute to a healthcare system that supports prompt access to the latest and most effective treatments.
Legal director Greece and Switzerland | AbbVie
Legal director, Greece and the Nordics | AbbVie