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Our Impact

Viatris colleagues rang the opening bell at Nasdaq in New York City.

November 16, 2021

By Jennifer C. Yates

Surrounded by colleagues, Viatris CEO Michael Goettler, Executive Chairman Robert J. Coury, President Rajiv Malik and CFO Sanjeev Narula today rang the opening bell at Nasdaq in celebration of the company’s first year of empowering patients worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. 

The celebration also comes as a part of the company’s inaugural Impact Week, a time set aside for the company’s 38,000 colleagues to reflect upon the difference they are making for patients around the world.  

“When we created Viatris a year ago, we set out with a strong foundation in corporate social responsibility and a deep commitment to doing our part to address some of the world's most pressing health needs,” Goettler said in an interview with Nasdaq. “I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in such a short time.” 

During Tuesday’s bell ringing ceremony in New York, employees around the globe participated by submitting photos used on a large Nasdaq billboard in Times Square or through videos of them applauding from around the world. At the ceremony, Goettler was joined by several colleagues representing teams around the world.

“Today was such an exciting opportunity to celebrate Viatris and all of the hard work that has been done to get us to our one-year anniversary," said Anne Wilson, head of Public Affairs and Strategic Partnerships. "I was so proud and excited to be on that stage with our leadership – it was a once in a lifetime experience!”

In just its first year, the company has marked several milestones, including the historic approval and launch of the first U.S. FDA interchangeable biosimilar. The approval is an example of the kind of work Viatris is doing to increase access for patients while empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life.  

The company also received notable external recognition this year after being ranked No. 5 on Fortune’s prestigious 2021 Change the World list for our success in expanding access to innovative HIV drugs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. A few weeks later, Forbes ranked Viatris among the World’s Best Employers.  

“We’re excited to receive these rankings in our inaugural year and in recognition of all that we have accomplished together,” Goettler said.  

Driven by our mission, Goettler said he’s looking forward to year two and beyond. 

“We want to ensure high-quality treatments get in the hands of those who need them the most,” Goettler said. “And with our talented global workforce, I have great confidence in our ability to deliver today and into the future.” 

Michael Goettler is the former CEO of Viatris.