Hernan Bagliero – Country Division Head
Bayer HealthCare Animal Health

Taking an assignment in Sao Paulo has offered Hernan more than exciting new career challenges; it has opened the door to yet another adventure for him and his young family.

What excites you about your new role at Bayer HealthCare?
There are so many things. First, there’s the challenge of acquiring skills and experience in a completely different business and a much larger market. My prior assignment was in the BHC Consumer Care Division, Chile, where I held the position of Country Division Head. And while some challenges are similar, especially in the areas of portfolio management, new products, distribution channels and people development, there is actually a very distinct business model at Animal Health, so I am learning to adapt to a model that is very different from anything else I’ve experienced.

There is a lot to learn, and that’s extremely exciting for my career. It’s very exciting for my family, too. This summer, my two-year-old son Franco said his first words in Portuguese. It’s really a delightful byproduct of a life adventure that will bring us many rich experiences.

What type of skills must you develop for this new role?
In order to create an effective and sustainable action plan for my new business division, I will need to land in the heart of the business as quickly as possible. I am currently trying hard to “ live and feel the business culture” – its evolution, its main characteristics, and how it works. I am also learning to exercise much more caution when making decisions. Given that Animal Health Brazil is the third-ranking market in the Animal Health business world, I recognize that any decision in this business can be of great impact. Livestock is about sevenfold of companion animal business so, strategically, livestock is a major focus for Animal Health. So I need to develop a profound understanding of the market as well as present and future protein/meat supply globally.

In November, I will participate in Marketing Excellence Foundational Training—a three-part, three-day training session held in Buenos Aires that is designed to strengthen and develop consistency in our approach to marketing across all divisions of Bayer HealthCare. It’s just one of the ways Bayer HealthCare supports my growth.

How do you think Bayer HealthCare’s marketing philosophy supports a professional’s achievement?

Bayer HealthCare knows our growth depends on innovation and strategic thinking in all areas of our business. Because we believe in placing colleagues in the right role in the organization to meet the needs of the business—encouraging movement cross-brand, cross-function or cross-division—I can expand my career horizons, build category knowledge and strengthen my skill sets.

I believe that my “Consumer Care” experience in the Region adds great value to the Animal Health business. I can see the business from another perspective. Animal Health’s business is changing, and those changes need to be implemented in a sustainable and profitable way.

Bayer HealthCare’s marketing philosophy encourages professionals like me to “get out on the balcony” to get a good view of their career, get a broader perspective and view the opportunities available, which are almost always closer than we think or believe.