Ilja van de Staak
Senior Marketing Manager
Badhoevedorp,Noord-Holland
Summary
Senior strategic marketing manager with 20+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Passionate about innovation, data-driven and customer insights driven marketing, impactful storytelling and strong cross-functional, cross-geographical and Stakeholder collaboration to optimize brand performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Mkt Head/Team Lead Jardiance, EU Midsize Countries
Boehringer Ingelheim
Amsterdam
10.2023 - 03.2025
- Led the Jardiance Brand Team supporting EU midsize markets, to drive growth in a mature brand by optimizing performance in existing indications (type 2 diabetes and heart failure) and launching in a new indication (chronic kidney disease).
- Successfully led a cross-functional brand team, building a high-performing, diverse marketing team, reporting directly to me, that successfully drove growth. Spearheaded the orchestration, alignment and implementation of the Brand Strategy, with consistent messaging, across multiple markets
- From March 2025 – March 2026 Sabbatical
North Europe Brand Lead Sarclisa Oncology
Sanofi
Amsterdam
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Oversaw Sarclisa across Northern Europe, developing strategic plans, implementing key tactics, managing forecasts, and controlling budgets.
- Executed well-orchestrated, strong omni-channel communication and agile working methods with limited resources. Represented Northern European markets effectively as a Global Brand Team member.
Brand Manager Oncology (NL)
Sanofi Genzyme
Amsterdam
09.2018 - 05.2023
- Responsible for the pre-launch and launch of oncology products (cemiplimab/Libtayo for advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma & isatuximab/Sarclisa for relapsed refractory multiple myeloma). Represented Northern European markets effectively as a member of the GBT of Sarclisa and led several pan-European initiatives.
- Developed and launched an accredited e-learning platform for healthcare professionals featuring expert-led modules and podcasts, achieving wide European (and beyond) reach, supported by a strong omni-channel promotional plan.
Associate Global Marketing Director
Teva
Amsterdam
08.2016 - 12.2017
- Led global pre-launch marketing for an oral multiple sclerosis compound (laquinimod).
- Managed development and execution of global pre-launch initiatives including campaign creation, digital and internal communications, congress management, and expert engagement. Designed a differentiated global pre-launch campaign that positioned the product strongly in a competitive market (compound discontinued after phase III).
Sr Global Marketing Manager
AbbVie
Chicago, US
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Oversaw global pre-launch marketing for Humira in uveitis.
- Directed launch management (Western Europe & Canada), KOL engagement, patient support programs, internal communications, and budget. Built strong KOL relationships in a new therapeutic area, enabling strategic collaborations such as a “train-the-trainer” program that supported market access and adoption.
Global Marketing Excellence Operations Launch Manager
BAYER
Berlin
04.2012 - 11.2014
- Supported Global Brand Teams in major therapy launches (Xarelto, Eylea, Xofigo, Stivarga, Adempas).
- Developed and implemented the Brand Performance Report and Launch Readiness Tracker Tool, endorsed by the Board and adopted globally.
Marketing Head Multiple Sclerosis Region Europe & Canada
BAYER SCHERING PHARMA AG
Berlin
06.2010 - 03.2012
- Led regional strategy, campaigns, budget, and performance monitoring for Betaferon.
- Designed and executed a biosimilar defense strategy that maintained market share. Created regional campaigns around key new data that were later adopted globally.
European Product Communication Manager
BAYER SCHERING PHARMA AG
Berlin
10.2007 - 06.2010
- Managed product communications for Betaferon across Europe.
- Directed development of integrated multi-channel marketing, PR, and internal communication campaigns that enhanced alignment and positioning.
Product Manager CNS (Betaferon)
SCHERING NEDERLAND B.V.
Mijdrecht
07.2004 - 10.2007
- Managed strategic and operational marketing for Schering’s largest product, Betaferon.
- Reversed a four-year negative sales trend, achieving double-digit growth through clear brand differentiation, strategic focus, and consistent implementation.
Product Manager Yentreve
LILLY NEDERLAND B.V.
Houten
10.2003 - 07.2004
- Responsible for pre-marketing of a new product for stress urinary incontinence.
- Developed a comprehensive pre-launch plan (marketing, KOL management, PR, forecasting) preparing the market for a successful launch (cancelled due to corporate strategy change).
Market Research (Diabetes, Osteoporosis, ED)
LILLY NEDERLAND B.V.
Houten
04.2003 - 07.2004
- Provided strategic market insights to support local, European, and global teams. Created a monthly Brand Performance Report that improved strategic decision-making.
Sales Representative (Diabetes: Actos; Osteoporosis: Evista; Cialis: Erectile Dysfunction)
LILLY NEDERLAND B.V.
01.2000 - 04.2003
- Excelled in Sales Performance.
Education
Board Member - undefined
Dutch Association for Pharma Marketers (NVFM)
01.2008
NIMA Marketing-B Certification - undefined
Exencia
Utrecht, The Netherlands05.2007
NIMA Marketing-A (Module 1) - undefined
01.2002
MSc - Psychology
Free University of Amsterdam (VU)
Amsterdam, The Netherlands06.1998
Gymnasium (Pre-University Education) - undefined
Caland Lyceum
Amsterdam, The Netherlands06.1993
Skills
Global, EU, National Marketing Management
Launch and Lifecycle Management
Strategic Visioning
Brand Development Strategy
Forecasting & Performance Monitoring
Coaching and Monitoring
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Mkt Head/Team Lead Jardiance, EU Midsize Countries
Boehringer Ingelheim
10.2023 - 03.2025
North Europe Brand Lead Sarclisa Oncology
Sanofi
05.2023 - 09.2023
Brand Manager Oncology (NL)
Sanofi Genzyme
09.2018 - 05.2023
Associate Global Marketing Director
Teva
08.2016 - 12.2017
Sr Global Marketing Manager
AbbVie
03.2015 - 06.2016
Global Marketing Excellence Operations Launch Manager
BAYER
04.2012 - 11.2014
Marketing Head Multiple Sclerosis Region Europe & Canada
BAYER SCHERING PHARMA AG
06.2010 - 03.2012
European Product Communication Manager
BAYER SCHERING PHARMA AG
10.2007 - 06.2010
Product Manager CNS (Betaferon)
SCHERING NEDERLAND B.V.
07.2004 - 10.2007
Product Manager Yentreve
LILLY NEDERLAND B.V.
10.2003 - 07.2004
Market Research (Diabetes, Osteoporosis, ED)
LILLY NEDERLAND B.V.
04.2003 - 07.2004
Sales Representative (Diabetes: Actos; Osteoporosis: Evista; Cialis: Erectile Dysfunction)
LILLY NEDERLAND B.V.
01.2000 - 04.2003
Board Member - undefined
Dutch Association for Pharma Marketers (NVFM)
NIMA Marketing-B Certification - undefined
Exencia
NIMA Marketing-A (Module 1) - undefined
MSc - Psychology
Free University of Amsterdam (VU)
Gymnasium (Pre-University Education) - undefined
Caland Lyceum