Johrie Alban: This Filipina in Gulf Means Business

Breaking the glass ceiling in the corporate world is no easy feat yet, and Johrie Alban broke many that ceilings to reach where she is now: Director – Head of Communications and CSR for Gulf Countries of Sanofi, one of world's largest pharma companies. 

Being a Filipino, a non-native English speaker, and a women at that in the harsh work environment of the Gulf – the challenges attendant in these never conquered the spirit of Alban who defined her success based on the glass ceilings she broke. 

Arriving in Dubai 14 years ago as a senior account manager in a public relations firm, she managed to establish herself as a Filipino among the clients and peers who were used to seeing whites or Arab expats. 

She then took a career turn to pharmaceutical industry, working for big names like Abbot and Pfizer, where she chiseled her leadership qualities which finally got due recognition at Sanofi, a company which employs over 100,000 persons in more than 170 countries. 

Alban is chosen as the TFT Marketing and Advertising Professional of the Year in 2016. Middle East Public Relations Association award in 2013 for a campaign on diabetes she led Algeria is another major commendation she got.  

She is not resting on her laurels, either. As a member of the Leadership Team and Management Committee at Sanofi, she now grooms women colleagues to advance in leadership roles.