Novartis South Africa has appointed Joanna Johnston as Country President, signalling a continued focus on accelerating innovation, improving patient access, and strengthening the company’s position in the local healthcare market.
Johnston brings more than 15 years of pharmaceutical industry experience across diverse markets, therapy areas, and healthcare systems. She has held senior leadership roles in New Zealand and internationally, where she has built a strong track record in commercial strategy, organisational transformation, and expanding access to innovative medicines.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal time for South Africa’s healthcare sector, as industry stakeholders look to balance innovation with sustainable health system access. In her new role, Johnston will lead Novartis South Africa’s strategic direction and operations, with a focus on driving sustainable long-term growth, deepening partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem, and accelerating access to critical treatments for patients.
“I am honoured to join Novartis South Africa at a pivotal moment for organisation and industry,” says Johnston. “South Africa has world-class talent and a strong platform for innovation. Our priority now is to translate that potential into measurable impact, accelerating patient access, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering sustainable outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system.”
Johnston is widely recognised for her collaborative, people-centred leadership style and her ability to build high-performing, agile teams. Over her career, she has led cross-functional organisations through complex market environments, delivering both business growth and meaningful improvements in patient outcomes.
Novartis is a global innovative medicines company focused on reimagining medicine to improve and extend people’s lives, with a strong emphasis on scientific innovation, research excellence, and patient-centred healthcare solutions. Her leadership is expected to further strengthen Novartis South Africa’s role as a key partner in advancing healthcare innovation and addressing systemic challenges within the sector.
“The future of healthcare will be shaped by partnerships that deliver real impact at scale,” Johnston adds. “By working more closely across the ecosystem, we can ensure that innovation reaches the patients who need it most, faster and more effectively.”
About Novartis
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious diseases. Our medicines reach nearly 300 million people worldwide.
Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.
Novartis South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Magwa Crescent West, Waterfall City, Jukskei View, 2090. Co. Reg. No.1946/020671/07. To report an adverse event, email: [email protected] or report it directly through our website: www.Novartis.com/report. Alternatively, call 0861 929 929. To report product quality complaints, email: [email protected]. Alternatively, call 0861 929 929. Approval Date:18/06/2026Â Â Â Â Expiry Date:18/06/2028Â Content ID: FA-11717053