In a world where countless lives depend on timely access to breakthrough treatments, there are individuals who refuse to accept the status quo. For them, making a difference in healthcare isn’t just a job; it’s a purpose. Among these changemakers is someone whose journey spans continents, industries, and countless lives touched.
From navigating the challenges of Human Health in fields like Oncology, Diabetes, and Immunology to leading efforts in rare and specialty diseases, his story is one of relentless pursuit. Moving from Moscow to Cairo and later to Switzerland, he’s led teams across Turkey, Russia, and CIS markets, driven by the belief that too much effort is never enough when patients are waiting.
His days begin early, often with physical activity to fuel the energy and focus required for the demanding yet rewarding work ahead. Whether working in regional offices or remotely from Riyadh, he uses every tool at his disposal to break down barriers and deliver solutions that matter. For him, healthcare isn’t a privilege; it’s a fundamental right, and ensuring access to it is a cause he holds close to his heart.
This is Diederik Kok’s story—a leader who will always ask, “What more can we do?” until every patient gets the care they deserve.
A Lifelong Mission
Diederik’s journey into healthcare was shaped early in life, growing up in the Netherlands in a family deeply rooted in the medical field. With a lineage that included pharmacists, surgeons, and healthcare professionals, he developed an intimate connection to the sector and a strong sense of purpose to make a meaningful impact.
Over two decades ago, Diederik began his career at MSD, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, where he quickly realized his true calling: to make a difference for patients by bringing innovative treatments to life and ensuring accessibility for all. During his 16 years at MSD, he held various commercial roles across the Netherlands and Europe, culminating in a significant opportunity to relocate to Moscow, Russia, as Commercial Director for MSD Russia & Eurasia.
After two years in Moscow, Diederik and his family moved to Cairo, Egypt, where he became General Manager for Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company. Leading a team across 13 countries, he gained a broader perspective on healthcare by advancing innovative treatments in animal health.
The journey continued when Diederik relocated to Switzerland to join Biogen, taking on the responsibility of leading business operations in Turkey, Russia, and the CIS markets. Most recently, he and his family moved to Dubai, where he serves as Head of the GCC region for Biogen. In this role, Diederik works closely with regional teams and stakeholders to bring cutting-edge treatments to patients, continuing his lifelong mission of transforming healthcare and improving lives.
Driving Innovation and Advocacy in Healthcare
One of the most pivotal moments in Diederik’s career occurred in his current role when he successfully launched an affordability program for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in one of the GCC countries. SMA is a devastating and progressive disease where early diagnosis and treatment are essential for improving patients’ quality of life. Through this program, several patients, including two young children, were able to access life-saving treatments.
This achievement became a defining moment for Diederik, highlighting the profound responsibility healthcare professionals carry—not just as business leaders but as patient advocates. Through open dialogue and collaboration, he played a critical role in establishing a sustainable, long-term solution to ensure uninterrupted treatment for patients under the program. Such moments serve as a reminder of his enduring commitment to making a tangible difference in patients’ lives.
Diederik’s journey in healthcare began in the Human Health sector, where he gained experience across multiple disease areas, including Diabetes, Cardiovascular, Oncology, Immunology, and, most recently, rare and specialty diseases with Biogen. His tenure in the animal health market provided a unique perspective on healthcare, emphasizing the deep bond many share with their companion animals. As a Rhodesian Ridgeback owner himself, Diederik understands the emotional connection people have with their pets and recognizes the remarkable innovations in animal health, often inspired by advancements in human healthcare.
Currently, Diederik finds renewed purpose in his role at Biogen, particularly in the field of rare and neurological diseases. His work in Alzheimer’s disease holds personal significance, as he has witnessed the devastating effects of the condition through a close family friend’s diagnosis. Watching this individual deteriorate to the point of not recognizing his own children was heartbreaking, further fueling Diederik’s dedication. Leading the introduction of an innovative Alzheimer’s treatment in the UAE and soon across the GCC has been a deeply meaningful achievement, aligning with his mission to transform healthcare and improve lives.
Diederik’s experience in emerging markets has profoundly shaped his understanding of global health challenges, particularly when contrasted with his home country, the Netherlands. Growing up in the Netherlands, he benefitted from a healthcare system where registered treatments were generally accessible to all citizens. While the system had its flaws—such as delays in registration and reimbursement after EMA approval—once treatments were approved, access was straightforward, with citizens only needing to pay a modest annual co-payment.
In emerging markets, however, Diederik witnessed significant disparities in healthcare access, often influenced by insurance coverage and individuals’ ability to pay out-of-pocket. These gaps in access, particularly to life-saving treatments, were a stark contrast and a source of deep frustration for him. Now, as part of Biogen’s team in the GCC, Diederik is dedicated to bridging these gaps by implementing affordability programs designed to ensure equitable access to therapies, regardless of financial circumstances or insurance status.
While he is proud of the progress made, Diederik acknowledges that much work remains to be done. His passion for creating a more equitable healthcare landscape is rooted in his belief that healthcare is a fundamental right. He continues to strive toward a future where everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, can access the treatments they need to lead healthier lives.
Bridging Healthcare Gaps and Transforming Lives
Over two decades, Diederik has witnessed and contributed to transformative changes in the pharmaceutical industry that have significantly improved quality of life. Innovations in cardiovascular diseases, such as statins and antihypertensive drugs, and advancements in diabetes treatments have extended life expectancy for millions. Similarly, progress in Hepatitis C (HCV), oncology, and HIV has revolutionized these once-deadly conditions, turning them into manageable diseases.
Diederik is particularly proud of Biogen’s contributions, including treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS) that have greatly improved patients’ lives. As the industry increasingly focuses on rare and complex diseases, Diederik has been inspired by groundbreaking developments in conditions like Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Prior to 2016, there were no treatments available for SMA; today, there are three therapies on the market. With early diagnosis and treatment, patients have experienced life-changing improvements, even when treatment begins later.
Diederik often reflects on the impact of these treatments, especially when meeting SMA patients who regain abilities many take for granted—such as combing their hair, brushing their teeth, or using a touchscreen. These moments serve as a powerful reminder of why he remains deeply committed to advancing healthcare and improving the lives of patients around the world.
Advancing Healthcare Access and Trust
One of Diederik’s most impactful contributions in healthcare has been in the area of SOD1 ALS, a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disease. In the GCC region, only 20-30 patients are estimated to be diagnosed with this ultra-rare condition, but the profound and aggressive nature of the disease significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life.
At Biogen, Diederik has been instrumental in addressing this urgent need by spearheading an early access program for SOD1 ALS treatments in the GCC. Recognizing the time-sensitive nature of the condition and the lengthy regulatory approval process, the program allows physicians to apply for free treatment for diagnosed patients even before official registration is complete.
This initiative has already made a meaningful difference. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, several patients are currently receiving treatment, with encouraging results. This effort reflects Biogen’s dedication to not only developing innovative therapies but also ensuring they reach patients in critical need as quickly as possible.
Diederik’s leadership is deeply rooted in transparency and trust—qualities he sees as essential in the pharmaceutical sector. He emphasizes open communication with stakeholders, including policymakers, to foster meaningful collaboration. For example, when asked about establishing local manufacturing for certain treatments, Diederik provides honest and practical responses. He explains that for ultra-rare diseases like ALS, setting up local production may not be feasible or sustainable, given the small patient population. Instead, he focuses on alternative solutions, such as building local registries and databases to enhance early diagnosis and detection of genetic diseases.
This approach has enabled Diederik to cultivate productive, long-term relationships with key partners, such as the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Over the past five years, Biogen has collaborated with the ministry on a national program addressing Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). This initiative prioritizes early diagnosis, data generation, and a comprehensive understanding of treatment outcomes, further demonstrating Diederik’s commitment to advancing healthcare and improving patient lives across the region.
Leading Innovation and Collaboration in Healthcare
At Biogen GCC, Diederik leads a geographically dispersed team across the GCC, with members in Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Dubai, as well as coverage for Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. Despite the team’s widespread locations, Diederik values strong in-person connections and encourages team members to meet in the office whenever possible, emphasizing the importance of informal interactions like coffee breaks and lunch conversations. These moments, he believes, are crucial for building trust, fostering collaboration, and solving problems effectively.
Although virtual meetings via platforms like Teams and Zoom have become invaluable tools—especially after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—Diederik insists that nothing can replace face-to-face engagement. A prime example of the team’s collaborative spirit came during their annual kick-off event in Muscat, Oman, where the team reflected on achievements, set goals for the year ahead, and participated in team-building activities. This balance of work and enjoyment reflects Biogen GCC’s commitment to creating a strong, engaged, and motivated workforce.
The team’s culture of collaboration is further reflected in Biogen GCC’s recent recognition as a ‘Great Place to Work,’ which Diederik proudly highlights. During a recent conversation with a new joiner in Riyadh, the employee shared how much they enjoy their role and the company’s positive atmosphere. For Diederik, hearing such feedback underscores the importance of maintaining a workplace that fosters passion and purpose in its employees, which, in turn, leads to effective collaboration.
Diederik is also deeply committed to innovation in healthcare, particularly in addressing rare diseases. He believes that the pharmaceutical industry must focus not only on discovering new treatments but also on improving the patient’s experience and making care more accessible. For example, he points to the current invasive diagnostic processes in Alzheimer’s disease, such as cerebrospinal fluid tests and PET scans, and envisions the potential of blood-based biomarkers that could simplify the process for patients.
Similarly, Diederik advocates for reducing the burden on patients by exploring alternatives to hospital-based treatments, such as subcutaneous administration options that could be used at home. These innovations are vital for improving patient outcomes and making treatment more accessible.
At Biogen GCC, Diederik is leading initiatives to support such innovations. One notable project aims to make genetic testing easier for physicians by fully funding the process, recognizing that early diagnosis and genetic testing are crucial for treating rare diseases. By improving accessibility to these tools, Diederik believes Biogen can facilitate earlier interventions and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
As an industry leader, Diederik remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation—not just in developing new therapies but in enhancing the overall patient journey from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. His approach embraces a holistic view of healthcare innovation, ensuring that every step of the patient’s experience is improved for better outcomes and quality of life.
Embracing Growth, Balance, and Innovation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Diederik strongly believes in the “work hard, play hard” ethos, striving to lead by example when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. His day typically begins around 06:30, depending on his location, and he prioritizes physical activity—whether hitting the gym for cardio and weights, swimming laps, or attending a spinning class. He finds that staying physically active not only fuels his energy but also clears his mind for the day ahead.
At Biogen, Diederik encourages a culture of well-being, exemplified by initiatives such as the November Fitness Challenge, where teams compete to log the most fitness minutes on Strava. These events not only promote physical health but also foster team bonding outside of work. Diederik emphasizes that maintaining balance is crucial, believing strongly in the importance of time for family, friends, and personal pursuits. This balance helps ensure long-term productivity and overall well-being.
To safeguard against work overwhelming personal time, Diederik doesn’t schedule meetings outside of regular working hours. He also ensures that emails and messages are not sent over weekends or public holidays, and he encourages his team to follow suit. By respecting personal boundaries, he helps maintain motivation and allows everyone the opportunity to recharge. Diederik believes that a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustainable success and that it’s a leader’s responsibility to foster an environment where individuals feel empowered to take care of themselves both personally and professionally.
As for advice to young professionals entering the pharmaceutical industry, Diederik urges them to embrace growth opportunities and challenge themselves by stepping outside their comfort zones. Companies like Biogen offer diverse career paths across various functions—from medical to marketing to leadership roles. He encourages professionals in one department to consider exploring roles in others, as these transitions broaden skillsets and perspectives.
In this dynamic and fast-paced industry, there are ample opportunities to work in different regions and countries. Diederik highlights the exciting prospect of working in a place like Riyadh but also considers opportunities in Biogen’s headquarters in Switzerland or the US. The chance to take on new challenges not only enhances personal and professional growth but also allows individuals to bring unique insights from one market to a global audience.
Diederik emphasizes that the pharmaceutical industry is rich in learning opportunities. Every role provides new skills and experiences, from understanding diverse go-to-market models to immersing oneself in different cultures. It’s an industry that attracts curious, adaptable, and driven individuals who are committed to making a meaningful impact and pioneering solutions. For those who embrace these challenges, Diederik believes it offers a thrilling and rewarding career.
“I firmly believe in the ‘work hard, play hard’ ethos, and I try to lead by example when it comes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
