In October 2023, Panos Pitsillides took over as President and Managing Director at Johnson & Johnson MedTech Greece and Cyprus, stepping up to lead one of the country’s key players in medical devices and innovative healthcare. Since February 2024, he has also served as Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Medical Devices and Diagnostics (MD&D) Committee, playing a pivotal role in facilitating collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders. In this interview to Business Partners, he talks about his work, his plans, and his hopes for medtech and innovation in Greece.
You joined Johnson & Johnson MedTech Greece in 2017, and since last autumn, have served as Managing Director. Tell us a bit about this journey.
2024 marks a significant milestone in my career, with the completion of my first year as Managing Director of Johnson & Johnson MedTech Greece after six years in various leadership roles within the company. Since joining J&J in 2017, my journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I had the opportunity to evolve myself through cross-functional projects and collaborative working groups, assuming diverse roles that cultivated my 360° experience and professional profile.
Initially rooted in the Finance Department, I transitioned to Strategic Solutions, where we realized notable achievements that not only enhanced my personal growth but also contributed to the company’s success, particularly in driving digitalization initiatives. Integrating these experiences with my prior multicultural background across seven countries has profoundly shaped my character and leadership acumen.
My vision for the future is to position ourselves as the premier provider of digital medical solutions
When I was promoted to the role of Managing Director of J&J MedTech, a company with a dynamic presence of 50 years in Greece, I inherited a significant legacy from the previous leadership generation. One year into this position of responsibility, I am convinced that my mentors and my diverse background have enabled me to lead with empathy, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment that drives both personal and organizational excellence.
Over the past year, alongside the new Board of Directors, our foremost priority has been to honor and preserve the significant legacy of previous leadership while simultaneously inaugurating an era marked by the visionary integration of digital medical technology solutions.
Which are the key enablers that drive J&J MedTech’s success as a frontrunner in one of the world’s strongest and fastest growing industries?
At J&J MedTech, our people are the cornerstone of our success. For over 50 years, we have cultivated a culture that prioritizes the wellbeing and development of our employees, recognizing that their dedication and innovation drive our achievements. Our history is a testament to this people-centric approach, where fostering talent and encouraging collaboration have consistently led to groundbreaking advancements in medical technology.
Our commitment to a people-first philosophy begins with a supportive and inclusive work environment. We invest in continuous learning and professional growth, offering our team members opportunities to expand their skills and expertise. This empowerment enables our employees to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, driving the creation of smarter, more personalized treatments.
Moreover, we prioritize empathy in leadership, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Our ethos not only enhances employee satisfaction and retention but also fuels creativity and problemsolving. By valuing diverse viewpoints and fostering open communication, we are better equipped to address the complex challenges at the intersection of biology and technology.
Ultimately, it is our people—their passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment—that make the difference. They propel J&J MedTech to the forefront of the industry, enabling us to be a trusted and reliable partner in the market and deliver high quality, personalized medical solutions that amplify each patient’s life.
Johnson & Johnson is a global leader in healthcare, advancing the standard of care through innovations that transform and save millions of lives. What is the company’s vision for the future?
Johnson & Johnson’s vision for the future centers on leveraging its expertise in healthcare to continue pioneering advancements that make a meaningful impact on global health. With the recent spinoff of its consumer health sector, the company has sharpened its focus on two core sectors: medical technology and innovative medicine. This strategic realignment allows J&J to enhance its agility and innovation capabilities in developing cutting edge medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Looking ahead, in medical technology, J&J is developing the next generation of smarter, less invasive, more personalized treatments by pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Simultaneously, in the field of innovative medicine, the company is applying rigorous science and compassion to address some of the most complex diseases of our time and unlock the potential medicines of tomorrow.
By integrating research, technology, and patient-centric innovation, J&J strives to create solutions that not only address current healthcare challenges but also anticipate and meet future needs. This commitment underscores the company’s dedication to improving outcomes for patients worldwide, ensuring that its pioneering spirit continues to drive progress and shape the future of healthcare.
Bringing the focus back to Greece, what can you tell us about J&J MedTech’s history in the country and its aims moving forward?
In Greece, Johnson & Johnson MedTech has been a steadfast presence in the country for over 50 years, demonstrating unwavering support through various challenging periods, including the financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. During these times, J&J MedTech has played a crucial role in advancing healthcare by introducing innovative medical technologies and solutions that enhance patient care and surgical outcomes across Greece.
In response to the financial crisis, J&J MedTech continued to invest in training healthcare professionals, ensuring they had access to state-of-the-art medical devices and techniques. Throughout the COVID-19 era, the company mobilized resources to support hospitals and healthcare facilities, providing critical medical equipment and supplies to frontline workers battling the pandemic.
Looking forward, I am committed to upholding and expanding upon this legacy of excellence. By fostering partnerships with healthcare providers and continuing to innovate in medical technology, we aim to further strengthen Greece’s healthcare infrastructure. Our goal is to enhance patient outcomes, drive advancements in surgical procedures, and ensure that J&J MedTech remains a trusted partner in advancing healthcare excellence in Greece. Beyond that, my vision for the future is to position ourselves as the premier provider of digital medical solutions for our partners, ensuring that patients have access to high quality products and services.
In recent years, Greece’s technology and innovation landscape has seen significant reforms, changing mindsets and an influx of foreign investment and talent. How has all this impacted medtech specifically?
The evolving technology and innovation landscape has indeed catalyzed advancements in medical technology, particularly in the realm of digitalization, AI implementation, and robotic surgery. These innovations are revolutionizing healthcare delivery by enhancing precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
In medtech, the integration of AI is streamlining diagnostic processes, personalizing treatment plans, and predicting patient outcomes with greater accuracy. Robots in surgery are enabling minimally invasive procedures, reducing recovery times and surgical risks for patients. These technological advancements are not only improving healthcare delivery but also expanding access to advanced medical care across Greece.
Johnson & Johnson MedTech envisions leveraging these technologies to democratize access to innovative medical solutions. By collaborating with healthcare providers, we aim to bring these transformative technologies to patients nationwide.
Our commitment to advancing medtech innovation in Greece is rooted in our mission to empower healthcare professionals through high quality products and comprehensive education and training. By equipping HCPs with the latest knowledge and skills, we ensure that medical advancements translate into improved patient outcomes and a higher standard of care across the country.
In your opinion as Vice Chair of the MD&D Committee, how can the committee contribute to promoting a strong and innovative medtech industry in Greece?
I would like to express my gratitude for being appointed as Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Medical Devices and Diagnostics (MD&D) Committee. This role carries significant responsibility, not only due to the extensive legacy of J&J within the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce but also because of the critical timing of changes and transformations in the healthcare environment. The American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce has had a profound impact and provided immense value in Greece over the years, fostering economic growth, innovation, and collaboration across various industries, including healthcare. The MD&D Committee in particular has played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, the medical community, and patients.
By advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks, promoting investments in research and development, and facilitating access to cutting edge medical technologies, the MD&D Committee can enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Greek medtech industry. Moreover, through educational initiatives and knowledge sharing platforms, the committee can empower healthcare professionals with the latest advancements in medical devices and diagnostics, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes nationwide. I am honored to contribute to these efforts and look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to advance the medtech industry in Greece.
