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Carol Ammon M.B.A. '79
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Carol Ammon M.B.A. '79 is chairman of the board of Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc., a market leader in pain management, which she founded in 1997 after serving as president of DuPont Merck's U.S. Pharmaceutical Division. Endo had revenues of $615 million in 2004 and currently has a market cap of approximately $3.5 billion.
Q: How long have you been in the pharmaceutical industry?
A: I have worked in the industry since 1973. I have had a broad and varied career with experience in research and development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and sales, and marketing. I have also been able to enjoy a role on the academic side of pharmacy through my board positions with the Arnold and Marie Schwartz School of Pharmacy and currently the St. Louis School of Pharmacy.
Q: What drew you to the industry in the first place?
A: I always thought I'd go into some form of life sciences, and the pharmaceutical industry has a great deal to offer. I initially was able to use my background in chemistry and biology to do some fairly basic research. This gave me a broader view of the industry and its many facets, from research, to sales, and the many important jobs in between.
Q: What inspired you to start Endo Pharmaceuticals?
A: Pain has been an underserved area. I believed there was opportunity to create a company focused on research and development and commercialization of pain-focused products. I also felt this was a therapeutic category that people could get passionate about. All of the employees at Endo believe they can make a difference in people's lives. To have a prosperous company where you get to work with talented and fun people and where you can make a difference—it doesn't get much better than that.
Q: What has it been like for you as a woman in a largely male dominated field? Have you encountered any specific hurdles?
A: I have always tried to think of myself as an individual working in the industry. I believe approaching positions from being a female versus a male puts the focus on the wrong priorities. I have always tried to do my job in a way that has been most comfortable for me and have not tried to fit into a preconceived notion of how I should act as a "woman in the job." I've always tried to just be myself, and this has worked extremely well.
Q: Do you have advice for other women—or men—looking to enter scientific or technical industries?
A: Be true to yourself and make certain you take charge of your own career development. Don't wait for your supervisor to manage your career. Above all, have a passion about whatever it is you're doing.
Q: How has your Adelphi experience shaped or influenced your career?
A: I was privileged to earn my M.B.A. from Adelphi. It was during the early stages of my career where I was just beginning to get exposure to the business side of pharmaceuticals. I learned so many fundamental business principles and philosophies of management, and I believed I was better situated to fully appreciate and grow in my positions.
Q: What values are important for successful leaders?
A: Honesty, Integrity, Sincerity, Fairness, and Humility.
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