I talk to Marco Andre, Global Head of AI and Marketing Excellence at Novartis. I was particularly excited because Marco is quite unique. He possesses extensive experience in AI and automation, yet he brings a refreshing humility to how these tools can be applied in the pharmaceutical industry.

 

Marco is a keynote speaker, an AI advisor to executives, and a published author. With over 20 years of experience in companies such as Google, Procter & Gamble, and YouTube, he has held local, regional, and global roles in marketing, sales, partnerships, and operations. Outside of work, Marco is the author of the book Imperfect Stories, a passionate Lego enthusiast, and a proud owner of more than 20 sets. 

 

I believe I first met Marco in person in Dubrovnik in May this year, where he delivered two memorable presentations. On Day 1, he gave a talk titled "The Hype is Gone, It's Time to Grieve," focusing on generative AI. His presentation was so entertaining that I found myself sitting at the edge of my seat; it was fast-paced yet highly engaging. I think he received the highest score for the upfront presentation that day. On the second day, he led a brilliant interactive panel discussion about learning from failures. I thoroughly enjoyed his sessions—they were fun, interactive, and refreshingly real.