Since graduating from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳, Nicola has built a distinguished global career across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medtech industries. From early consultancy roles in Switzerland to strategic HR leadership positions in Geneva, San Francisco, and beyond, he has navigated complex transformations, co-founded new ventures, and led award-winning talent initiatives in organisations spanning thousands of employees.
Current job title and description of what this role entails:
Currently, I lead and build the HR function at an international research centre in Italy, which is in a scaling phase, growing from 600 to 1,200 scientists. This role allows me to leave my mark, collaborate with leaders, experts, and HR suppliers worldwide to achieve excellence in HR and bring science and innovation to the next level.
Tell us about your career journey since graduating from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳?
After graduating, I embarked on a journey that shaped my career in HR across various global roles. Starting as an EMEA Total Quality Management & Organisation Specialist in Switzerland, I honed consultancy skills in business processes like re-engineering, job analysis, and workforce planning. Transitioning to a biotech and medtech multinational, I contributed to building a global HR department and implementing an HRIS system in an Organisational Excellence role.
My career then led me to a Center of Excellence Expert role focused on talent attraction, sourcing, and hiring, including an international stint in San Francisco. These experiences provided deep insights into multinational operations and expertise in global talent management.
Returning to Geneva as Global HR Leader, I navigated organisational transformation, led due diligence for acquisitions, and co-founded a new company, shaping its culture and HR frameworks. Despite market challenges leading to the unit's sale, I emerged with strengthened strategic skills.
Back in the pharma industry, I spearheaded reorganisations and business expansions, notably establishing a successful biosimilars unit in Europe. My journey culminated in roles like Global HR Head for Product Supply in a leading chemical and pharmaceutical firm, overseeing 5,000+ employees worldwide and leading award-winning talent development initiatives.
Throughout, I've thrived in diverse industries and roles, blending expert knowledge with strategic HR leadership at global, regional, and local levels.
How has the programme you studied helped your career since you graduated?
When I was selected by ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ to be one of the 12 students admitted to the MSc in Industrial Relations & Personnel (HR) Management, professional stream, I knew the journey ahead would be transformative. The programme offered a unique blend of academic learning and practical experience through a partnership project with a well-respected multinational company. In my case, I chose Procter & Gamble (P&G). This partnership, combined with the internship and dynamic class discussions, provided an excellent foundation for my early career. I was also fortunate to collaborate with the UNDP in Copenhagen during the summer, which not only enriched my understanding of global HR but also provided data and insights for my master’s dissertation.
I highly recommend the programme to those exploring or consolidating a career in HR, as it combines a solid theoretical background with hands-on experiences and a diverse, motivated cohort to learn and grow with.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Several pieces of advice have stayed with me throughout my career. One of the most impactful was to keep a diary during the early days of transitioning into a new role. Writing down observations, plans, and reflections, and revisiting them a year later, provided a clear view of progress and areas for improvement.
Another memorable piece of advice was to "never lower your standards" whilst also "meeting your team and leaders where they are." Finding the balance between being a source of inspiration and ensuring that goals remain achievable is not always easy but is essential for effective leadership.
What’s the greatest challenge you’ve had to overcome?
When business performance falters and organisational changes are necessary, it’s never easy. These situations test resilience and adaptability. However, I’ve always viewed challenges as hidden opportunities. While we can’t control everything, we can control our mindset and how we approach problems. This perspective has helped me and my teams bounce back from setbacks and emerge stronger.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to see the world return to a spirit of openness and cooperation. My professional journey unfolded during a time of peak international and economic collaboration. The progress, prosperity, and peace we achieved were rooted in mutual understanding, respect, and a shared vision of democracy. Rekindling that spirit is essential for future success.
Share with us your fondest memory of the Department of Management.
One of my fondest memories of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ was the multicultural dinners we used to have in our shared flat. These evenings were filled with laughter, cultural exchange, and culinary fusion (before fusion was even a trend!). It felt like a miniature version of the United Nations, where we learnt so much from each other whilst building lifelong friendships.
How are you involved with ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ at the moment?
At the moment, I’m supporting two brilliant MSc Human Resources and Organisations (HRO) students through the HRO Links project, where they work on a real-life consultancy project within an organisation to inform their final dissertation. Our focus is on HR transformation, with a particular emphasis on change management at both team and organisational levels.
Engaging with them has been incredibly rewarding. These exchanges offer not only the chance to share knowledge and experiences, but also to pause and reflect on what has been achieved, and what still lies ahead. It’s a two-way learning experience that often brings renewed clarity and purpose to my own work.
Having been part of the original version of this programme myself during my time at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳, I felt a strong drive to give back. I remember how valuable it was to work on a meaningful, real-world challenge so I’ve made it a point to give my students full access to information, context, and the broader strategic picture, without steering them toward a predetermined outcome. It’s their project, and I truly hope they use it to challenge current thinking, whether in part or entirely. After all, it’s through thoughtful confrontation that innovation is born.
If you'd like to get involved in an employer capacity, similar to Nicola, find out more.
If you would like to be profiled or if you would like to nominate a Department of Management alumni, please email dom.alumni@lse.ac.uk.