Since Sahiba Matta joined Sanofi in 2017, she’s worked in different roles in its Vaccines business unit, moved to the General Medicines business unit, and has since returned to Vaccines, where she is currently the Chief of Staff to the Global Head of Vaccines. This impressive array of work experience doesn’t even account for her time with the company when she was a student or on a temporary contract.

This type of career mobility and trajectory is not uncommon at Sanofi. In fact, whether it’s through formal programs such as Gigs, leadership development tracks, or more informal avenues, the organization encourages mobility across all of its business units so employees can gain a better understanding of the company as a whole. Due to Sahiba’s ambition and performance, she’s had the opportunity to participate in many programs that have helped to develop her skills. As part of Sanofi’s Global Talent Accelerator program, she gained experience outside her home country and improved her understanding of the integrated value chain. A temporary assignment led to her working with the Chief of Staff in Vaccines, which in turn led her to get exposure and experience and take over that Chief of Staff role soon after. She now works in Lyon, France, and has opportunities to travel and learn about the Vaccines business in different countries, demonstrating the effectiveness of the accelerator program.

Sahiba is grateful for the opportunities she’s been given at Sanofi, and it’s important to her to give back to others so that they can have this same experience. She’s the first in her family to graduate from university and, growing up, she didn’t have the guidance to know what career opportunities were available to her. Sanofi’s culture of inclusivity and its desire to accelerate talent has helped give her a platform to succeed. “If you have the ambition and the ability to put in hard work, then they will find the opportunities and programs to support you,” she says.

Sanofi’s culture of support extends beyond just achieving a desired role. When Sahiba recently shared with her manager that she was pregnant, she was a bit worried that her leave might be considered a setback. Instead, she’s received strong support from her direct manager as well as the People & Culture team. They are already planning for her leave and return to ensure a smooth transition. Of the organization’s reaction to her news, she says, “This is the most supported I’ve ever felt. It’s a high-pressure role and everyone has been so supportive to make sure I can still be successful during my pregnancy and also once I’m back.”

Sahiba Matta, Chief of Staff, Vaccines, Sanofi

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