Amr Metwally
Jeddah,Saudi Arabia
Summary
Strategic and results-driven pharmaceutical executive with over 20 years of progressive experience in commercial leadership, sales excellence, retail marketing, and cross-functional collaboration across the Saudi healthcare market. Proven ability to lead business transformation and deliver consistent double-digit growth in highly competitive and evolving markets.
Demonstrated success in launching and expanding access for major brands across multiple therapeutic areas including Cardiovascular, Renal, Respiratory, GI, CNS, and Anti-Infectives. Recognized for building and empowering high-performance teams, enhancing forecast accuracy, and establishing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders across both private and public sectors.
Brings a strong understanding of corporate culture, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics, with a passion for developing data-driven strategies that align with patient-centric goals and national healthcare objectives.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
4025
4025
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Biopharma Business Head CVRM
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Lead CVRM business strategy and execution, ensuring strong market presence and growth across Saudi Arabia.
- Oversee diverse portfolio including Forxiga, Brilinta, Lokelma, and emerging brands.
- Manage full financial cycle—owning demand planning, accurate forecasting, budget control, and delivering on ex-factory targets.
- P&L accountability for CVRM business, ensuring financial discipline and value-based decision-making.
- Ensure brand plan execution through alignment with cross-functional teams (medical, regulatory, market access, marketing).
- Implement structured business reviews, demand generation initiatives, and KPI-driven performance management.
- Coach and develop high-performing team, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Develop KOLs across specialties, and engage stakeholders to optimize access and uptake
- Guarantee full compliance with AstraZeneca's governance, Saudi regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.
- Key Achievements:
- Achieved SAR 73M in ex-factory CVRM brands sales, achieving (100%) Vs phased Budget in 2024. Delivered 16% Growth vs LY
- Achieved SAR 46.4 MS in ex-factory CVRM brands sales (92%) in 2024. Delivered 16% Growth vs LY
- Reinforced Forxiga's positioning in HF and CKD.
- Deployed tracking tools to boost performance transparency.
- Lokelma Market leader position Volume & Value
KSA Head of Sales Operation & Retail Marketing
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
01.2018 - 06.2024
- Oversaw total AZ sales in the private sector.
- Led a team of 8 private sector key account managers, a retail marketing manager, and the retail team.
- Took on responsibility for public sector accounts in 2020, managing 6 public KAMs.
- Ensured full compliance with SOPs, policies, and local regulatory requirements.
- Fostered cross-functional collaboration and maintained a high-performing, motivated team culture.
- Developed team capabilities through structured coaching and capability building.
- Established AZ's position as a partner of choice among healthcare stakeholders in KSA.
- Built and executed strategic regional plans to support business growth.
- Identified and resolved logistical challenges with innovative solutions.
- Negotiated and managed annual customer agreements.
- Aligned internal teams to support and execute effective account strategies.
- Monitored and optimized stock levels, delivery schedules, and distributor coordination.
- Delivered on both top-line and bottom-line objectives.
- Key Achievements:
- Built a strong and structured sales operations team.
- Established effective collaboration with the commercial team, improving business visibility and commitment quality.
- Established strong partnerships with the largest pharmacy chains in Saudi Arabia, including Nahdi and Al-Dawaa.
- Achieved.
- Achieved 102% of the 2018 PVT target with 18% growth over 2017 despite decline in the overall market by 1.4 %
- Accelerated product accessibility to 80% by the end of 2018.
- Improved forecast accuracy from 70% to 95%.
- Achieved all strategic brand objectives.
- Executed a successful seeding plan for the Xigduo launch, reaching 90% availability in the first 6 months.
- Achieved 101% of the 2019 PVT target, representing 23% growth vs. 2018.
- Achieved 102% of the 2020 PVT target, with 7% growth vs. 2019 despite COVID-19 and Nexium price pressures.
- Achieved 108% of the 2021 PVT target, delivering 10% growth vs. 2020.
- Achieved 20% growth 2022 vs. 2021
- Achieved Budget for 6 consecutive years with HDD growth
- Increased product accessibility to 95%.
- Successfully launched the retail pharmacy and Retail marketing
National Sales Manager (Brilinta)
MOH Sector
05.2016 - 12.2017
- Developed and implemented effective sales strategies.
- Led Brilinta MOH sales team to achieve targets.
- Built productive, professional relationships with key MOH stakeholders.
- Monitored and analyzed performance metrics, recommending improvements.
- Prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual sales forecasts.
- Identified new customer opportunities and market expansion areas.
- Achievements:
- Strengthened Brilinta value proposition vs. clopidogrel.
- Secured Brilinta inclusion in STEMI & NSTEMI protocols in MOH hospitals.
- Expanded the KOL advocate base across MOH institutions.
- Achieved 100% Brilinta availability across MOH hospitals.
- Surpassed 2017 sales target, reaching 120% with sustainable growth.
Sales Manager – CNS, Anti-Infectives & Jeddah Office Manager
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Delivered 122% of annual sales target in 2015.
Regional Second Line Sales Manager – Diabetes
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
01.2014 - 05.2015
- Supervised three managers covering Onglyza, Kombiglyze XR Western, and Byetta across Central and Western regions.
- Achievements:
- Successfully launched Kombiglyze
- Led Byetta launches across Central and Eastern regions.
- Achieved 29% market share for Byetta by the end of 2014.
- Secured formulary inclusion for Onglyza in Tabuk Military Hospital and Byetta in KAUH.
Sales Manager Diabetes
01.2013 - 12.2013
- 1 Supervisor (Eastern zone) dotted line
- 11 Medical Reps. (Private/institution)
District Sales Manager – Respiratory
01.2008 - 12.2012
- Oversaw one supervisor (Eastern Zone, dotted line) and 11 medical reps (private/institutional).
- Achievements:
- Reached 120% of 2012 target.
- Best Achiever – Private Team 2012 (Best DM).
- Promoted three representatives under direct leadership.
Medical Representative
Pfizer Egypt
01.2003 - 04.2005
Education
MBA -
Anglia Ruskin University
Bachelor - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Helwan University
Skills
- Sales strategy development
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Negotiation and persuasion
- Strategy execution
COURSES & LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
- AZ Rising Leader Program – Oxford University (Global AZ Leadership)
- Accelerate! Programme – MEA 2022
- Strategic Management & Leadership Diploma – QUALIFI Institute
- Project Management – PMI
- Business & Leadership Management
- High Versatile Coach – Wilson Academy
Timeline
Biopharma Business Head CVRM
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
01.2024 - 07.2025
KSA Head of Sales Operation & Retail Marketing
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
01.2018 - 06.2024
National Sales Manager (Brilinta)
MOH Sector
05.2016 - 12.2017
Sales Manager – CNS, Anti-Infectives & Jeddah Office Manager
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
05.2015 - 04.2016
Regional Second Line Sales Manager – Diabetes
AstraZeneca Saudi Arabia
01.2014 - 05.2015
Sales Manager Diabetes
01.2013 - 12.2013
District Sales Manager – Respiratory
01.2008 - 12.2012
Medical Representative
Pfizer Egypt
01.2003 - 04.2005
MBA -
Anglia Ruskin University
Bachelor - Pharmaceutical Sciences
Helwan University
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