Mohammad Sammour CMgr MCMI is the Business Support Manager - GCC at Hikma Pharmaceuticals. Based in Dubai, Mohammad oversees strategic commercial operations across the Gulf region, driving market access and operational efficiency in one of the world’s most complex healthcare landscapes. Here, he discusses how the Chartered Manager (CMgr) status provides the structured framework necessary to lead across borders and cultures.

A decade of impact in healthcare

In the pharmaceutical industry, leadership is inextricably linked to patient outcomes. For Mohammad Sammour, a career spanning more than a decade has been defined by a singular mission: ensuring patients across the Middle East have access to high-quality, affordable medicines.

Joining Hikma Pharmaceuticals early in his journey, Mohammad has risen through the ranks by balancing technical pharmaceutical expertise with a sophisticated understanding of regional market development. Today, as Business Support Manager for the GCC, he sits at the intersection of commercial strategy and cross-functional operations.

“Working in highly regulated healthcare markets requires close collaboration between commercial, regulatory, medical, and supply chain teams. Being part of initiatives that bring innovative medicines to patients is one of my greatest professional achievements.”

From academic excellence to professional validation

Mohammad is no stranger to high-level education. With an Executive MBA from the University of Bradford and executive education from INSEAD and Columbia Business School, his theoretical foundation was already world-class. However, he sought a way to benchmark his practical leadership against a globally recognised professional standard.

I decided to pursue Chartered Manager status because I believe leadership should be continuously developed and benchmarked. After my EMBA, I wanted to strengthen the practical application of management principles in my day-to-day role. The Chartered Manager designation offered the structured framework to validate those competencies.

As the only professional body able to award Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, CMI provided Mohammad with the ultimate management accolade - a badge of excellence that transcends borders.

Navigating the complexity of the GCC

The GCC pharmaceutical market is a dynamic environment characterised by rapid regulatory changes, pricing pressures, and intense competition. For Mohammad, being a Chartered Manager means having a ‘strategic compass’ to navigate this uncertainty.

He points to a recent example involving the fast-track registration of a critical medicine in a key GCC market. The project required seamless alignment between internal stakeholders - regulatory affairs, supply chain, and commercial teams - and external partners.

Becoming a Chartered Manager has strengthened my ability to approach these situations with a structured management mindset. It reinforced the importance of stakeholder mapping and aligning different perspectives toward a common objective.

By applying the CMI Professional Standard, Mohammad was able to facilitate open discussions that balanced regulatory compliance with operational speed. The result? Accelerated patient access to a vital treatment.

The meaning of the badge: credibility, confidence, and growth

For Mohammad, the impact of Chartership is best described through three core pillars:

  1. Credibility: “It provides recognised professional validation that your skills meet high international standards, strengthening trust among colleagues and partners.”
  2. Confidence: “The journey reinforces confidence in applying structured leadership. It provides reassurance that your decisions are aligned with recognised best practices.”
  3. Professional Growth: “It is not just a milestone but part of a continuous development journey. It encourages the reflection and improvement essential for leaders in evolving industries.”

Leading by example

A key lesson Mohammad carries from a mentor early in his career is that a manager’s role is to create an environment where people feel trusted and supported. This "lead by example" philosophy is central to his work at Hikma.

I believe that effective leaders enable their teams to grow and feel part of the organisation’s success.

This commitment to people-centric leadership is a hallmark of effective, empathetic leadership - being a relatable, supportive peer while having the courage to lead through high-stakes challenges.

A platform for lifelong leadership

For Mohammad, the value of being a Chartered Manager extends far beyond the post-nominal letters. It is an active commitment to a global ecosystem of excellence. By tapping into CMI’s extensive knowledge resources and research, Mohammad ensures his leadership at Hikma Pharmaceuticals remains evidence-based and aligned with emerging global trends. Beyond the data, he values the professional network of like-minded leaders who share a dedication to high ethical standards.

“It’s not only about professional recognition but also about having access to a platform and community that supports lifelong learning and leadership development. I value being part of a global community that reinforces the importance of continuous development and encourages the exchange of ideas and experiences across industries and regions.”

A message to future leaders

To those in the Middle East healthcare and pharmaceutical sector considering the jump to Chartership, Mohammad’s advice is clear:

I would strongly recommend it. The process encourages managers to reflect on their leadership approach, strengthen their management capabilities, and align their work with internationally recognised professional standards. Investing in your development is one of the most valuable commitments you can make to both your career and the organisations you serve.

As Mohammad continues to drive growth for Hikma across the GCC, his Chartered status remains a testament to his dedication to ethical, evidence-based management and, ultimately, the advancement of healthcare systems across the region.