Leadership Insights from Regeneron’s Christine Enciso: Priorities, Projects and Personal Growth
By: Vera Kovacevic, PhD
Interviewee: Christine Enciso, Vice President of Development Services and Operational Excellence, Regeneron
Leadership Insights from Regeneron’s Christine Enciso: Priorities, Projects and Personal Growth
By: Vera Kovacevic, PhD
Interviewee: Christine Enciso, Vice President of Development Services and Operational Excellence, Regeneron
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, a leading biotech company, is renowned for its commitment to developing life-transforming medicines for serious diseases. With a strong emphasis on science, Regeneron has consistently delivered groundbreaking therapies across various therapeutic areas, including ophthalmology, oncology, immunology and infectious diseases.
At the heart of this dynamic organization is Christine Enciso, Vice President of Development Services and Operational Excellence at Regeneron. Christine plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and fostering innovation.
In this interview with Xtalks, Christine shares her experiences and insights on overcoming challenges, leading with vision and shaping the future of pharmaceutical development.
Overcoming the Pandemic Crisis and Achieving Global Expansion
During her tenure at Regeneron, Christine has faced significant projects that tested her team’s resilience and creativity. One of the most challenging periods was the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on this time, she said, “The challenging aspect was the unprecedented speed and sense of urgency we had to work under.” Despite the pressures, the experience empowered her team. “The rewarding part was answering that call and being more empowered and creative in the solutions we came up with, having the autonomy to make risk-based decisions in a way we never had before.”
Another noteworthy project was Regeneron’s global expansion, where Christine’s team had to support the company’s infrastructure as it expanded into 12 new countries. This involved hiring hundreds of people and setting them up to perform efficiently in a tight timeline. The process was challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Through this endeavor, her team learned a great deal about themselves, refined their processes and emerged stronger and more capable.
Evolving Leadership Styles
Christine’s leadership style has evolved significantly over the years. Today, she emphasizes inspiration, motivation and setting a clear vision that her team can rally behind. She believes in role modeling positive buy-in and providing a clear understanding of the goals and benefits of their work. By removing obstacles and offering resources, she supports her leaders in achieving their objectives.
Earlier in her career, Christine’s approach was more consensus-driven and focused on team building, where shared accountability and collective decision-making were key. However, as she advanced to leading other leaders, she recognized the need to shift her style.
“Once you become a leader of leaders, it requires you to shift. You keep some of the strengths that make you unique but also learn to help other leaders lead.”
Guidance for Aspiring Leaders
For those aspiring to leadership positions in pharmaceutical development, Christine offers valuable advice. She emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation in science and technology and gaining comprehensive exposure to the drug development lifecycle.
She advises, “Make sure you are scientifically and technology-focused and get a strong foundation in these areas.” Understanding the big picture enables better decision-making and leadership.
Building a robust network is crucial, along with seeking mentors and sponsors who can provide guidance and feedback. Christine stresses the importance of continuous learning, given the fast-paced nature of the industry and the rapid advancements in technology that constantly reshape the landscape. Aspiring leaders should know their strengths, manage their development needs and stay adaptable.
“Once you become a leader of leaders, it requires you to shift. You keep some of the strengths that make you unique but also learn to help other leaders lead.”
— Christine Enciso, Vice President of Development Services and Operational Excellence, Regeneron
“Once you become a leader of leaders, it requires you to shift. You keep some of the strengths that make you unique but also learn to help other leaders lead.”
— Christine Enciso, Vice President of Development Services and Operational Excellence, Regeneron
Enhancing Diversity in Clinical Trials
Diversity in clinical trials is a critical focus for Regeneron. While Christine may not be the primary expert in this area, she plays a supportive role and stays closely connected to her peers who lead these efforts. Regeneron collaborates with industry consortiums to share best practices and engages with patient advocacy groups to learn from their experiences and perspectives.
“In-house, we’ve created dedicated roles at the study level within feasibility and patient engagement functions to address diversity within our programs and studies,” Christine explained. Her team supports the business by developing SOPs and work instructions that accommodate diversity plans in clinical trials, ensuring that their initiatives are well-structured and impactful.
Future Priorities: Stakeholders, Technology and Employee Engagement
Looking ahead, Christine outlines three key priorities for the next few years. First, she emphasizes focusing on stakeholders and customers to enhance their experience. Her goal is to ensure that the work her team does directly improves the lives and experiences of those they serve.
Second, Christine aims to increase efficiency by leveraging automation, artificial intelligence and other technological advancements. As an infrastructure group that doesn’t grow as rapidly as others tied directly to the portfolio, continuous improvement and technological integration are essential.
Lastly, Christine places high importance on employee engagement. In the complex, high-paced and ever-changing environment at Regeneron, maintaining high levels of employee engagement is crucial.
“Involving colleagues in decisions and innovations and motivating them to bring their best selves to work every day is essential,” she asserts. By focusing on these priorities, Christine ensures that her team remains motivated and productive, enabling Regeneron to deliver on its impressive pipeline.
Christine Enciso’s insights reveal a leader deeply committed to innovation and employee well-being, guiding Regeneron through challenges and towards a future of sustained excellence.
ABOUT Christine Enciso
Christine’s academic background in biomedical science and nursing has paved the way for her 30-year career in the pharmaceutical industry. She has held various leadership roles in operations, data management, statistical programming and study & program management. During her 23-year tenure at Pfizer, she served as the Head of Global Clinical Data Services and Head of Strategic Alliances & Development.
In 2019, Christine joined Regeneron as the Head of Vendor and Relationship Management. Her responsibilities included designing clinical trial execution sourcing strategy and operating models, as well as overseeing the health, performance and value of preferred partnerships.
In 2022, she was promoted to Vice President, Development Services and Operational Excellence. In this role, she established a shared services group consisting of five core functions: vendor and relationship management, project management of business transformation initiatives, clinical trial records management, SOPs and training design and delivery. Her scope of work has recently expanded to include Communications and Planning and Operations functions.
As a strategic thinker, collaborator and change champion, Christine has played a pivotal role in enhancing the team’s support of Global Development. She has improved business partner engagement, integrated business best practices and fostered a culture of quality as a co-sponsor of Global Development’s QMS.