Eimear Caslin

Tell us more about your background

I am currently a General Manager with GSK Ireland, which is a role I have held since 2017, and have over 30 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry. I am accountable for aligning a high-performance team to deliver results while being ambitious for patients, accountable for impact and always doing the right thing. I pride myself on our ability to navigate complex and ambiguous situations and for developing effective solutions which ultimately deliver on GSK’s purpose of getting ahead of disease together.

I am also the Deputy Vice President of the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), and I am also currently a Board member for Barretstown Children’s Charity and a proud mother of three teenage sons. Additionally, I hold a B.Comm, Higher Diploma in Marketing Practice, an MSc in Strategic Management, and a Diploma in Company Direction from IoD Ireland.

How has membership of IoD Ireland helped you feel more equipped in your role as General Manager at GSK Pharmaceuticals?

Completing the IoD Diploma in Company Direction before being appointed as General Manager at GSK Pharmaceuticals enhanced my leadership skills and provided me with a wider lens when working as a company director. This, combined with the strategic networking opportunities, and access to expert opinions provided by IoD Ireland, has supported the evolution of my performance as GM and director of GSK.

What are the biggest business challenges or/and opportunities that you have seen over your career to date? And how did you help to overcome or/and optimise these?

During COVID-19, ensuring continuity of supply of medicines and vaccines was a significant challenge. We worked hard to ensure there was minimal disruptions in the supply chain during that time. During this extended period of uncertainty, I also needed to ensure the team was motivated and engaged. Like all organisations I quickly mobilised virtual check-ins, mental health support, and flexible working arrangements. These efforts maintained high morale and operational efficiency, ensuring patients continued to receive their medications without interruption.

What is the most important lesson, from your personal or business life, that has guided you the most in being a business leader?

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable in life but the ability to bounce back from failures, learn from mistakes, and adapt to changing circumstances are crucial for long-term growth and success. For me this is why resilience is so important, not only has it built personal strength but by demonstrating resilience during tough times, it has inspired confidence and perseverance in teams.

Is there someone who has had a major impact on you as a leader? Why and how did this person impact your life?

My father, as a business owner in Ireland during the 1960s - 1980s, was a significant influence on me as a leader. He taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and hard work. He exhibited an ability to connect with people from all walks of life and was driven to seek out opportunities even in the face of challenge. Watching him navigate the challenges of running a business, inspired me to adopt a similar approach in my own career, striving to balance a people-centric leadership with a focus on performance and growth.

What is the one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

I believe every leader should possess is empathy. Empathy allows leaders to understand and relate to the emotions, perspectives, and needs of their team members. This fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, promotes effective communication, and helps in building strong, trusting relationships, which are essential for team cohesion and productivity.

What do you value most about being a member of IoD Ireland?

IoD Ireland provides excellent learning and professional development opportunities, such as the Diploma in Company Direction, which has been instrumental in enhancing my skills required at director level. The wealth of resources available on the member website, including research reports and policy updates, has also been invaluable for making informed decisions.

The unique combination of continuous learning, access to high-quality educational resources, and the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded professionals - all of which are readily accessible to members is very important benefit to me.

How do you think business leaders can best prepare for the future?

Anticipating future opportunities and maintaining agility are crucial for sustained success. Businesses thrive when they have the right people with the right skills and mindset. Leaders must promote diversity and inclusion and invest in people development. This should prepare organisations to effectively navigate future challenges, fostering innovation and resilience.

What advice would you offer to new or aspiring directors in Ireland?

Understand your duties, legal obligations, and board expectations so you can perform your role as a director effectively. Seek mentorship from experienced directors and build strong relationships with board members and stakeholders. Finally uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency.