Image source: Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash
The coronavirus pandemic has massively accelerated the global pharmaceutical industry. In the area of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in particular, there were initially sales peaks in 2020 due to stockpiling effects. According to a flash survey by Sempora Management Consultants, 54% of the decision-makers surveyed at the time feared that demand would simply shift forward. However, the hoped-for “normal state” did not materialize as expected - instead, the industry continued to develop structurally.
According to the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI), sales in the German pharmaceutical industry rose by over 20% between 2020 and 2024. This was driven not only by sales of coronavirus vaccines and antiviral drugs, but also by new therapies, for example in oncology, autoimmune diseases and rare diseases. The export market developed particularly dynamically, including to Asia and North America.
In the OTC segment, too, the pandemic was the impetus that forced many companies to undergo digital transformation. Sales force structures were streamlined and e-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer models were expanded. 79% of respondents in 2020 had already recognized that now was the right time to develop new market strategies. This assessment has been confirmed: Digital sales expertise is now one of the key levers for sustainable growth in the pharmaceutical market.
Today, specialists and managers who are familiar with digital sales, e-health platforms and data-based customer communication are in particularly high demand. These experts are rare and highly sought-after in many industries. Pharmaceutical companies that want to be successful in this area in the long term need specialized HR strategies and external recruitment support.
Are you looking for specialists who can actively shape the digital transformation in the pharmaceutical industry? The recruitment consultants at BESTMINDS will support you with in-depth industry knowledge in the targeted recruitment of your key positions, particularly in the fields of medical technology, healthcare, life sciences / pharma and IT / media. Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation - we will find the right experts for your company.
