Alenka Jajac-Knez, Chief Executive Officer of JGL, took part in the WiA Connect panel discussion organised by Women in Adria, held on 26 February 2026 in Zagreb. The event brought together women in science, medicine and pharmacy with the aim of fostering connections, strengthening their professional position, sharing examples of good practice and providing additional education.
Together with Nikolina Dizdar Čehulić, President of the Management Board of Pliva, Jajac-Knez shared insights into her professional journey and navigating the industry amid daily change. The panellists also addressed the importance of implementing new technologies to modernise operations and revealed strategies for managing large and complex systems.
Alenka opened the discussion by reflecting on JGL’s long-standing growth and transformation dynamics, highlighting that such an environment – one that encourages development and advancement – played a significant role in shaping her professional path towards leading positions within the Company. She placed particular emphasis on the importance of teamwork.
"For any success, the team is key. No individual can lead a company alone. It is extremely important to select competent people – the right team – and even more important to retain them. JGL is a company that has grown very rapidly within the pharmaceutical industry. The dynamism and creativity that such development requires create an environment that suits me professionally," said the JGL Chief Executive Officer, adding that she is proud that JGL transfers knowledge and innovative processes to as many as 60 markets worldwide, having started its story in Rijeka.
"We invest heavily in education because today specialisation and focus, alongside openness and collaboration through strategic partnerships, are of utmost importance. It is essential to align the trio of people, processes and technology, while always striving for excellence," Jajac-Knez emphasised.
Speaking about the future of the industry and rapid technological advancement, she underlined that agility must now, more than ever, be embedded in organisations’ DNA, noting that JGL is implementing AI tools that facilitate administrative tasks and everyday processes.
This participation once again highlighted the importance of open dialogue on leadership, innovation, and talent development within the pharmaceutical industry. Alenka’s insights confirmed that continuous learning, adaptability, and investment in people form the foundation of long-term success – principles that JGL consistently nurtures and develops.