Francisco Šinigoj
Boston
Summary
Senior Human Resources executive with over 16 years of country, regional, and global HR leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Proven track record of driving HR strategy, talent management, organizational design, and business transformation across US, LATAM, Europe, and global commercial markets. Adept at leading large, cross-functional teams, aligning HR with business objectives, and executing people strategies that accelerate business performance. Recognized for expertise in organizational agility, talent optimization, workforce planning, and culture transformation in complex, evolving markets.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
VP, Head of US
Galderma
10.2024 - Current
- Leading HR strategy for Galderma US (~2,500 employees) across Commercial, R&D, Manufacturing, and Corporate Functions
- Partnering with the US Leadership Team and Global HR to drive workforce efficiency, business transformation, and leadership development
- Executive Leadership: Partnering with the CEO US, CFO, and US Leadership Team to shape and execute a people strategy aligned with growth objectives
- Organizational Design & Workforce Planning: Optimizing structures, workforce capabilities, and leadership pipelines to support business expansion
- Talent Management & Leadership Development: Building succession planning strategies that ensure a strong leadership pipeline
- Culture & Engagement: Enhancing DE&I, performance-driven culture, and employee engagement to attract and retain top talent
- HR Transformation: Implementing operational efficiencies, technology-driven HR processes, and enhanced HR service delivery models
- Implemented a new HR operating model, improving strategic HRBP alignment and HR service efficiency
- Led a workforce optimization initiative, ensuring talent deployment aligns with business expansion and cost efficiency
- Strengthened employer branding and talent acquisition strategies, reducing time-to-fill leadership roles
- Developed and rolled out a structured hybrid work policy, enhancing business productivity and employee flexibility
Human Resources Business Partner Lead – US & Global Commercial
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
11.2022 - 10.2024
- Led HR strategy for the US Commercial and Global Commercial teams (~500 FTEs), directly supporting SVPs and Executive Leadership to scale the business, optimize talent strategies, and enhance employee engagement
- Built the US Commercial organization from the ground up, supporting the launch of Vertex’s first indications in Pain, Heme, and Kidney
- Designed a sales compensation structure, increasing productivity by 15% and engagement by 20%
- Developed a workforce analytics model, improving workforce planning and reducing turnover by 18%
- Revamped leadership development programs, increasing internal promotion rates by 25%
Lead Global HRBP – Oncology, Neurology & Immunology Business Franchises & US Commercial Healthcare
Merck
01.2022 - 10.2022
- Partnered with 5 Senior Vice Presidents, leading HR strategy for 1,500 employees across US, Europe, Japan, and key global markets
- Led HR integration for global business acquisitions, successfully onboarding 500+ new employees
- Redesigned commercial organization structure, improving agility and efficiency
- Implemented an accelerated leadership assessment initiative, strengthening global succession planning
Lead HRBP – North America and Specialty Franchises & Global Market Access, Pricing, Government & Public Affairs
Merck
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Led HR strategy for 1,500 employees across North America and global commercial functions
- Developed an integrated HR strategy for multiple global commercial functions, improving business alignment
- Reduced time-to-fill senior roles by 25%, improving talent acquisition efficiency
- Led DE&I initiatives, resulting in a 35% increase in diverse leadership representation
Regional Head, HR Biopharma Commercial – Latin America
Merck
06.2019 - 12.2020
- Led HR strategy for 1,200 employees across 10+ LATAM countries, overseeing 37 HRBPs
- Transformed the commercial go-to-market model, streamlining operations and improving customer engagement
- Implemented a regional talent mobility program, increasing internal leadership promotions
HRBP Manufacturing Europe
Merck
06.2018 - 05.2019
- HR lead for Manufacturing Operations across multiple European sites
- Implemented lean workforce strategies, optimizing cost structures without affecting productivity
Country HR Lead – Argentina & South Cone
Merck
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Country HR leader for Argentina, Peru, Chile & Uruguay, leading all aspects of HR operations, talent management, and business transformation across multiple business units
- Led country-wide HR transformation, aligning HR strategies with corporate growth plans
- Developed and implemented local talent strategies, improving employee engagement and leadership development
- Modernized HR service delivery, improving HR operational efficiency and compliance
Education
MBA -
Universidad Blas Pascal
Master’s Degree - Human Resources Management
Universidad Blas Pascal
Skills
- Country, Regional & Global HR Strategy
- Organizational Design & Workforce Planning
- HR Transformation & Business Optimization
- Talent Acquisition & Leadership Development
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Integrations
- DE&I, Employee Engagement & Retention
- Change Management & Cultural Transformation
- Data-Driven HR Decision-Making
- HR strategy
- Workforce planning
- Talent management
- Leadership development
Key Strengths And Expertise
- Country, Regional & Global HR Strategy
- Organizational Design & Workforce Planning
- HR Transformation & Business Optimization
- Talent Acquisition & Leadership Development
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Integrations
- DE&I, Employee Engagement & Retention
- Change Management & Cultural Transformation
- Data-Driven HR Decision-Making
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Croatian
Native or Bilingual
German
Full Professional
Portuguese
Full Professional
Slovenian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
VP, Head of US
Galderma
10.2024 - Current
Human Resources Business Partner Lead – US & Global Commercial
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
11.2022 - 10.2024
Lead Global HRBP – Oncology, Neurology & Immunology Business Franchises & US Commercial Healthcare
Merck
01.2022 - 10.2022
Lead HRBP – North America and Specialty Franchises & Global Market Access, Pricing, Government & Public Affairs
Merck
01.2021 - 01.2022
Regional Head, HR Biopharma Commercial – Latin America
Merck
06.2019 - 12.2020
HRBP Manufacturing Europe
Merck
06.2018 - 05.2019
Country HR Lead – Argentina & South Cone
Merck
01.2010 - 01.2017
Master’s Degree - Human Resources Management
Universidad Blas Pascal
MBA -
Universidad Blas Pascal
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