Interview: Bernard Seiser, vice-president of digital, data and IT, AOP Health

For Bernard Seiser, being vice-president of digital, data and IT at healthcare specialist AOP Health is the latest leg in a digital leadership journey that’s included some of the biggest names in the life sciences industry. He describes the opportunity to bring change to AOP as exciting. “We are working in interesting times,” he says. “We’re doing a lot of things around digitisation. We are an attractive place to work. We have a clear vision. We want to grow and ensure that we meet the unmet needs of our patients.” Founded in 1996, Vienna-based AOP Health is a pioneer in integrated therapies for rare diseases and critical care. Seiser says this focus means the company’s day-to-day activities differ from those of Europe’s other big pharmaceutical firms, many of which he’s worked for previously. What is similar, however, is the ever-growing importance of digital and data. “AOP is a great environment to work in, especially in my role, because we have introduced a lot of changes, with big initiatives and digital transformational activities,” he says. “What excites me is the opportunity to shape the digital and IT landscape – improving how AOP works as an organisation. Being part of this transformation journey is super exciting.” Establishing targets Seiser joined AOP Health in September 2024. Having formerly worked at Bayer, he’s also held senior IT leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, Hookipa Pharma and AstraZeneca. He reports to the AOP CEO. “Initially, a lot of my role was about designing the digital and IT strategy,” says Seiser, reflecting on his 18 months with the company. “That responsibility took up probably 80% of my day-to-day job, where I was developing the digital strategy with the business.” With the long-term direction agreed, his responsibilities are now more focused on rolling out initiatives, working with...