2008: Charlotte Sibley

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) named Charlotte Sibley its 2008 Woman of the Year.

“Charlotte is an accomplished, caring and compassionate leader and an exemplary HBA role model who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to cultivating and nurturing talent and inspiring women to grow and excel,” said HBA chair emeritus, Elizabeth M. Mutisya, MD.

Upon receiving the award, Sibley stated, “Having devoted the majority of my career to cultivating and mentoring professional talent for several of the industry’s leading companies, this is the most gratifying honor I could hope to receive. This award is testament to the commitment of the HBA to developing talent, inspiring leadership and encouraging all professional women to serve as role models and mentors for others who aspire to learn and excel.”

Sibley served as senior vice president, leadership development of Shire Pharmaceuticals at the time this award was presented. She joined Shire in 2005 and served as senior vice president, global business research and intelligence, where her responsibilities included market research, competitive intelligence, new product commercial assessment and strategic forecasting. 

“Charlotte’s leadership talent and business acumen have proved invaluable to Shire on many levels,” said Matthew Emmens, CEO, Shire. “In her role guiding our Leadership Development initiative, Charlotte’s expertise will position us well as we continue nurturing our internal talent and recruiting more exceptional professionals who provide valuable insight and support to achieving our strategic business goals.”

“Throughout her career, Charlotte has made it a priority to develop staff, ensuring they have the skills and support they need to grow and excel.” said Anita Graham, Shire’s executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

In 2007, Sibley worked with HBA to spearhead the E.D.G.E (Empowerment, Diversity, Growth, Excellence) in Leadership study, a groundbreaking research initiative that provided actionable recommendations on best practices for the recruitment, retention and advancement of women to the most senior roles within their corporate areas. Sibley was instrumental in coordinating the study, which included 19 of the top 50 life sciences (biotech and pharmaceutical) companies in the U.S. and Europe.

Prior to joining Shire, she served as vice president, global commercial research and health outcomes for Millennium Pharmaceuticals. Earlier, she was vice president, global business research for Pharmacia Corporation (now Pfizer).  Sibley also has worked for Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. In addition, she is chair emeritus of the HBA. Additionally, she is past president of the Pharmaceutical Business Research & Intelligence Group (PBIRG). She is also an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

Read the Woman of the Year Luncheon Opening Comments by Ceci Zak

Read the HBA Year in Review by Laurie Cooke, RPh

Read the Woman of the Year Comments by Meryl Zausner

Read the introduction of the 2008 Woman of the Year by Matthew Emmens

Read the speech by 2008 Woman of the Year Charlotte E. Sibley

All information in the honoree’s bio is reflective of the time they won the award.