Marco Petti is a globally experienced and strategically driven medical executive whose career reflects an extraordinary blend of clinical expertise, regional leadership, and visionary strategy. Currently serving as the Head of Medical Affairs for Emerging Therapy Areas in the United States at Novo Nordisk, Marco brings over two decades of progressive leadership in medical affairs, regulatory strategy, clinical research, and business development across North and Latin America. His professional path underscores a passion for innovation, a deep commitment to patient-centric development, and a proven ability to scale global strategies across diverse markets.
Marco’s most recent role as Vice President and Head of Strategy for Clinical Research, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality (CMRQ) for Latin America at Novo Nordisk positioned him at the forefront of integrated pharmaceutical leadership. In this capacity, he orchestrated regional development plans, implemented complex trial strategies, and ensured regulatory compliance while connecting local execution with global headquarters’ vision. His leadership directly impacted therapeutic areas such as diabetes, obesity, and rare diseases, contributing to Novo Nordisk’s sustained impact across the Latin American region.
Prior to joining Novo Nordisk, Marco served as Executive Medical Director and Country Medical Director for Brazil at Teva Pharmaceuticals. He led strategic development for women’s health initiatives across Latin America, harmonizing regional needs with global priorities while overseeing diverse medical and pharmacovigilance teams. His tenure at Teva exemplified his ability to align regulatory rigor, commercial acumen, and medical innovation, with his role on the executive committee highlighting his influence on regional direction and enterprise-wide decisions.
Marco’s tenure at Merck (MSD) and Boehringer Ingelheim further demonstrates his breadth across therapeutic areas and business models. At MSD, he spearheaded market access and emerging market strategies while assessing new business models and facilitating public-private partnerships with the Brazilian government. His earlier clinical and medical affairs contributions at Pfizer provided a strong foundation in hospital-based medicine, infectious diseases, cardiology, and women’s health, where he led significant product launches, clinical trials, and strategic marketing integration. Notably, Marco was instrumental in expanding formulary inclusion for key products, achieving remarkable growth and impact in hospital settings.
Fluent in English and Spanish, with full professional proficiency, Marco also brings a multinational lens to every role. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Universidade de São Paulo and has pursued multiple postgraduate specializations, including pharmaceutical medicine, infertility, gynecology, and marketing. He is certified by Harvard in Digital Health and has contributed to clinical literature, including studies on antifungal treatments in Latin America.
Marco’s leadership style is defined by his strategic foresight, cultural intelligence, and deep belief in talent development. Whether he is guiding clinical operations, aligning regulatory strategies, or leading high-performance teams, he consistently champions innovation, integrity, and excellence. As a sought-after expert in emerging therapies and a strong voice in executive medical leadership, Marco Petti continues to shape the future of healthcare across continents—delivering on the promise of science for patients everywhere.
Character
Marco Petti demonstrates unwavering integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a deep commitment to advancing patient care, consistently leading with empathy, humility, and respect for diverse perspectives across global healthcare environments.
Knowledge
With a medical degree, multiple postgraduate specializations, and certifications including Harvard Digital Health, Marco brings a comprehensive foundation in clinical medicine, regulatory science, and pharmaceutical strategy, spanning therapeutic areas such as diabetes, obesity, women’s health, and rare diseases.
Strategic
Marco excels in connecting local execution with global strategy, building and leading high-impact regional initiatives in Latin America and the United States, while driving product development, regulatory alignment, and long-term medical affairs planning that supports enterprise growth.
Communication
Fluent in English and Spanish, Marco communicates effectively across functions and cultures, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, guiding cross-functional teams, and aligning medical, regulatory, and commercial objectives through clear and collaborative dialogue.
