Leading Across Cultures: HR Strategy Inside a Global Biopharma Innovator - 2026 Next Practices Weekly
In this compelling session of Next Practices Weekly, Simon King, Chief People Officer at Daiichi Sankyo, joined i4cp’s cohosts Tom Stone and Pat Murakami to unpack the realities of leading people-first strategies within a U.S. division of a globally headquartered biopharma company. Drawing on decades of HR leadership at AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, and now Daiichi Sankyo, King shared how he’s shaping a thriving workplace culture guided by purpose, innovation, and global vision.
Stone and Murakami guided a discussion rich in practical insights, as King emphasized cultural authenticity, leadership alignment, and employee experience as pillars of sustainable engagement and business performance. The session was a masterclass for HR leaders navigating the intersection of culture, strategy, and global complexity.
Key Topics Discussed
- Building Culture in a Cross-Border Context
King outlined how to honor local team dynamics while remaining aligned with the broader values and vision of a Japan-headquartered parent company. - People-First Strategy in a High-Stakes Industry
In life sciences, innovation must be matched by empathy. King shared how Daiichi Sankyo embeds humanity into every HR touchpoint—from onboarding to leadership development. - Maintaining a “Best Place to Work” Status
Recognition doesn’t come from perks alone. King discussed the systems and behaviors that fuel engagement, retention, and external credibility. - Leadership Development That Crosses Borders
Effective leadership looks different across geographies. Daiichi Sankyo’s approach centers on adaptability, humility, and shared purpose as core leadership traits. - Creating Authentic Employee Experiences
Authenticity is a differentiator. King illustrated how intentional design of employee experiences can cultivate trust and long-term cultural cohesion.
Whether you're leading a global workforce or seeking fresh approaches to employee engagement, this session offers strategic takeaways that will resonate long after the event. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s top HR leaders—watch the full recording to bring Simon King's leadership philosophy into your own workplace.
Resources Shared
- Register for the 2026 Conference
Don’t miss i4cp's premier annual event—Next Practices Now Conference—where forward-thinking leaders gather to explore the future of work. Secure your seat
- 2026 Priorities & Predictions Report: Explore i4cp’s latest insights to guide your talent, leadership, and culture strategies in the year ahead — read the full report
To ensure open discussion, this event was exclusively for HR practitioners. Vendors and consultants were not permitted to attend.
