In today’s edition of Leadership Voices, meet Ivan Bankovic, Managing Director of PHOENIX group Serbia, where he shares his view on why EL PHARMA is such a strong pillar of our organization:
“EL PHARMA established its very first branch in Serbia, which gives this market a special significance in the development of our company’s brand. What makes our services truly distinctive is our tailor-made approach – we do not offer predefined, universal solutions, but create services that are fully adapted to the specific needs of each client.
Over the years, we have realized that in today’s market, success does not belong to those who simply provide excellent service, because excellence is now expected, but to those who differentiate themselves by delivering added value through innovation and partnership. That, in fact, is the very essence of EL PHARMA’s market approach.
Throughout sixteen years of operations in Serbia, the PHOENIX group Serbia has simultaneously built strong retail, wholesale, and service brands, creating an integrated system that enables us to understand the market from every perspective. This holistic approach makes our representation services impactful, sustainable, and vital to the development and modernization of the pharmaceutical sector in the region.
Today, EL PHARMA is a trusted and well-established partner of the leading companies in our industry. With the development of EL PHARMA Representation Services within the PHOENIX group, we have strengthened our portfolio and further enhanced our brand.”
Ivan shared with us the values he upholds and carries throughout his leadership journey:
“I have been part of the PHOENIX group Serbia for seventeen years, and I can confidently say that I have grown together with the company. This shared journey has profoundly shaped me as a leader – I have learned that leadership is not only about managing people, but about growing with them, sharing challenges, ambitions, and values.
One of the periods that shaped me the most was during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was undoubtedly the most challenging time, both professionally and personally. It was period that showed the true strength of our organization. Given our specific role in the pharmaceutical supply chain, our responsibility extended far beyond business – we had to ensure the continuous supply of essential products to patients and healthcare institutions. Witnessing the dedication and solidarity of our team during that time reaffirmed my belief in the importance of purpose-driven leadership.
My personal motto is: ‘Lead by example, stay authentic, and never forget the people who make success possible.’ ”