Navigating the Finance Future: A Conversation with Alessandro Aulisa of GSK

GSK's Global Finance Transformation Model
Aulisa dives into the core of GSK's finance evolution, emphasising the move towards a centralised and standardised model. "Enhancing our expertise and applying standardisation globally strengthens our teams and processes," he states. By strategically placing activities in Hub locations, GSK ensures accountability, efficiency, and fruitful strategic partnerships. He was also present as the keynote speaker at the Malaysia Digital Expo 2023 (MDX 2023) in Kuala Lumpur.

In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a strategic location for the GSK APAC Regional Hub. This hub houses various Finance functions, including Controllership, FP&A, P2P, O2C, Tax, Accounting and Risk Management and Compliance. Additionally, it provides HR services and supports Commercial functions.

Finance digitalisation: Unlocking business value
Aulisa sees digital initiatives as key to unlocking business value in a rapidly evolving pharmaceutical industry. These initiatives aim to develop new competencies, fostering a data mindset and proficiency in digital tools. The goal is to resolve challenges tied to manual processes and establish robust governance for driving innovation.

“GSK as well as any other company, becomes increasingly dependent on data to make smarter, quicker, risk-based decisions. Companies leading in future are those who can scale the data and technology capabilities in meaningful ways with a sense of urgency.

“The Finance Digital Initiatives is a step in the journey to unlock the business value by embracing digital.”

New finance digital competencies:
Aulisa emphasises the cultivation of a data-centric mindset, proficiency in digital tools, and an adaptive approach to shifting priorities within the finance team. Encouraging an environment where extracting valuable insights from internal and external sources is paramount, Aulisa stresses the importance of quick, well-informed decision-making.

The outlined competencies, ranging from a keen understanding of data's significance to driving insights into actionable strategies, reflect a vision for a finance team that excels in agility, innovation, and efficient decision-making.

"We're fostering a data mindset, proficiency in digital tools, and an agile approach to changing priorities," notes Aulisa.

Delivery in digitalisation: The three pillars
The APAC Regional Hub Lead outlines the three pillars crucial to GSK's digitalisation journey – demand generation, management and prioritisation, and delivery and value realisation. The focus is on ideation, prioritisation, and translating ideas into tangible value for the business.

"As we move forward, the focus is on flexibility in business models, developing cross-industry solutions, and achieving scale through consolidation," he says. The commitment extends beyond embracing digital. It's about using it strategically to drive sustainable and value-driven business practices.

As the pharmaceutical giant continues to pioneer change in the digital landscape, Aulisa's insights underscore the importance of innovation, adaptability, and a strategic approach to navigating the complexities of global finance.