Nationality: Dutch | Year of birth: 1963

As Chief Audit Officer of Novartis, Kees Roks and his team provide risk-based assurance and advice on key strategic topics to the Board and senior management, acting as a key partner to the organization to help manage major risks and achieve the company’s long-term objectives.

Kees took up the role on May 1, 2022. He brings more than 30 years of experience at Novartis driving innovation, operational excellence and access to medicines across a variety of business functions and markets. One of his focus areas as Chief Audit Officer is to simplify processes and controls, while using digital tools and data to deliver ‘real-time’ insights that can help identify trends and root causes of recurring issues.

My career has given me a range of perspectives on why innovation, access, affordability, and accessibility to healthcare are more critical than ever. Internal Audit plays a vital role in supporting the business to ensure Novartis continues to deliver life-changing treatments to patients who need them.

Kees joined Novartis in 1985 in the Netherlands. Since then, he has worked in increasingly senior roles throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He was most recently Head of Oncology for Region Europe.

Outside of Novartis, Kees serves as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for the Open Research Europe initiative, and acts as a mentor for the EIC Women Leadership Program – both for the European Commission. He is also a member of the board at Junior Achievement Europe, the largest non-profit organization in Europe dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship.

Kees holds a degree in medical microbiology and a postgraduate degree in business administration from the University of Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He leads an active life outside of work, with interests including scuba diving, hiking and traveling.