Job title, company, and location:
General Manager, PULONA Emerging Markets FZE, United Arab Emirates
Biography:
Ilona is a prominent healthcare executive and the founder of PULONA Emerging Markets, a UAE-based consultancy established in 2008. With nearly four decades of expertise in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, PULONA specialises in market access and regulatory frameworks across the Middle East and North Africa. Ilona began her career in 1988, holding vital commercial and regulatory roles at multinational firms like MSD, Glaxo SmithKline Beecham, and HEXAL. Notably, she served as the Regional Head for the Middle East at Sandoz International, driving extensive commercial growth and market entry strategies throughout the region. Academically, Ilona holds an MBA from George Washington University and completed a prestigious finance programme at Harvard Business School. As a recognised authority, she frequently presents at global platforms like the DIA Europe Meeting and the Global Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs Summit. Since 2006, Ilona has been a speaker for Management Forum UK/IPI Academy, speaking regularly on various topics such as pharmaceutical/medical device regulatory affairs in the MENA region. She also contributes heavily to industry literature, publishing detailed analyses of medical device regulations in various countries. Today, she continues to bridge global healthcare innovators with emerging Middle Eastern markets.
Areas of expertise:
Market intelligence, due diligence
Regulatory jurisdictions covered:
MENA region
Education:
MBA Project Management
Certifications:
Project Management Professional
Professional/social links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilona-putz-26296720/
