Robert Stevens

Executive Director and Head of Digital Strategy and Medical Innovation, US Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Novartis

Robert Stevens is Executive Director and Head of Digital Strategy and Medical Innovation in US Clinical Development and Medical Affairs (US CDMA) where he is responsible to the US Chief Scientific Officer for developing and implementing a transformative digital and innovation strategy for US Medical Affairs. He serves on the Novartis US Pharma Leadership Team, US CDMA Leadership Team, and US Medical Innovation Board.

Robert actively seeks out partnerships with Academia (including Tech Transfer Departments, Accelerators, and Incubators), digital start-ups, large tech companies, and venture capital and private equity firms. He also serves as a mentor to digital health start-up companies through Start-Up Health, Tech-Stars, and Jumpstart Foundry among others. Examples of companies Robert has identified early on and helped develop entries into the pharmaceutical industry include PatientsLikeMe.com, DocuSign, and Figure1.

Some of his core interests include digital virtual assistants, voice- enabled technologies, digital sensor technologies, wearables, AI/ML applications, experiential HCP and patient education through VR/AR/XR, diagnostic Chatbots, digital therapeutics, beyond-the-pill solutions, and other emerging digital and innovative capabilities that can ultimately optimize patient care.

Robert has been with Novartis since 2005 and has held leadership roles in Clinical Procurement and Strategic Alliances. Prior to joining Novartis, Robert was an Associate at Pfizer in Global Development Operations.

Robert received his MBA in Pharmaceutical Management from the Stillman School of Business at Seton Hall University and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey where he majored in American Studies.