Pharmaceutical Executive Europe - September 2008 - (Page 21) Executive Profile parent: “When it comes to the clients we are working with or are working towards, that’s an independent decision, “he says. “The commercial relationship between us and Novo Nordisk is an arms-length one. We are fighting from every door, and we are completely free to do what we want.” Still, since being officially renamed NNIT in 2004, the company is, outwardly at least, less identifiably linked with Novo, thus strengthening that air of independence. Indeed, with Kogut’s arrival, it’s possible to surmise that a concerted effort is being made to distance NNIT from its parent company. But Kogut refutes this: “We are proud of our heritage with Novo. It gives us credibility that is usable not only in northern Europe, but also in places like southern Spain. I don’t think it’s necessarily the right thing to move away. We are growing rapidly, but that growth is organic. We continue to be influenced by a Big Pharma culture perhaps more than an IT culture, but that creates more opportunities than problems.” He does, however, add: “The strategy for NNIT is to be continued to be owned by Novo Nordisk for the short and mid-term; after that, anything can happen.” Whatever that will be, things looks pretty bright for NNIT, even as other industry markets slip further towards potential recession. “As far as our offerings are concerned, things are booming,” Kogut says. But he is shrewdly also steering things towards the blossoming Asia market: NNIT China, for example, opened for business in September last year. Kogut will be overseeing this expansion, and while the China move was begun by his predecessor, he explains: “We’ve accelerated our Chinese offerings substantially, securing access to skills labour and of course utilising the cost level, which is still attractive.” NNIT wants to get access not necessarily to the Chinese companies, but to the 72 Danish companies that are established out there. “After all, the lake is big enough for another fish,” he reminds us. And Per Kogut clearly isn’t frightened of getting his feet wet. ■ Isn’t it typical? You’re at CPHi, one of the biggest pharmaceutical shows of the year. There are so many stands to visit and people to meet, and your mobile phone has just ran out of battery. All is not lost; visit the Pharmaceutical Technology Group at stand 31H19 where you’ll be greeted by our accommodating team. Whilst you’re phone is on charge sample snacks and refreshments, sit back in our relaxing area and check your emails. Fully charged you’ll be on your way with a FREE copy of Pharmaceutical Technology Europe ready to take on CPHi. For more information and to see how you can win an iPod Touch a day throughout CPHi visit www.ptemag.com/cphi08 Advancing process solutions Footnotes 1. Interface, April 2008. R 22 Regulatory Affairs Will the FDA/EMEA joint inspection programme work? 25 Last Words The month’s key events from the industry’s mouth. 4 News A round-up of the last four weeks in pharma. 7 Calendar Upcoming conferences and exhibitions. http://www.ptemag.com/cphi08 http://www.ptemag.com/cphi08
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