Orion Corporation
A globally operating Nordic pharmaceutical company — a builder of well-being since 1917
Purpose Statement
"Building well-being. Inspired by our Nordic heritage, we strive to empower people around the world to live their lives to the fullest — today and tomorrow."
Core Business
Develops, manufactures, and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Core R&D focus on oncology and pain management.
Strategic Vision 2030
Become a truly global, innovative, patient-focused pharmaceutical company. Key priorities: European expansion, APAC growth, US and Japan entry.
Julia Macharey
Julia Macharey
Location: Espoo, Finland
Network: 3,000+ LinkedIn followers, 500+ connections
Scope: As EVP People & Culture, Julia oversees HR strategy, organizational development, talent management, employee engagement, and corporate culture initiatives across Orion's global operations.
Why She's Interviewing
As EVP People & Culture, Julia likely oversees Corporate Communications as part of the broader "people" function at Orion. Communications at pharma companies often sits within or closely aligns with People/Culture given the emphasis on employee engagement, employer branding, and culture storytelling. Her involvement signals this is a senior-level hire with strategic importance.
Orion's Values & Culture
Rooted in Nordic values: openness, trust, and collaboration
Succeed, face challenges, and learn together. All collaboration is based on mutual trust, appreciation, and diversity.
High performance in everything. Embrace safety and quality. Actively develop operations and work sustainably.
Create solutions together with customers. Fight diseases with innovative treatments to improve quality of life.
Employee Engagement Highlights
- ✓ "I trust my manager" — 4.4/5
- ✓ "I find my work meaningful" — 4.2/5
- ✓ "I feel safe at work" — 4.3/5
- ✓ Above pharma industry benchmarks
Work Environment
- ✓ Low hierarchies, high collaboration
- ✓ "Every voice is heard"
- ✓ 34% internal mobility rate
- ✓ Flexible, respectful of life balance
Recognition
- 🏆 Presidential Award for International Growth (2025)
- 🏆 Recognized employer brand
- 🏆 Strong sustainability credentials
Current Corporate Communications Team
Understanding the existing structure and key contacts
| Name | Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Terhi Ormio | VP Communications | Primary media contact |
| Tuukka Hirvonen | Head of Investor Relations | Financial communications |
| Mari Lautsuo | Communications Manager | Corporate communications |
| Valtteri Manninen | Communications Manager | Corporate communications |
| Verna Vuorinen | Communications & Brand Manager | Brand & communications |
| Samuli Koski | Communications Coordinator | Coordination |
Role Positioning
The "Head of Corporate Communications" role likely reports to Julia (EVP People & Culture) and may either sit alongside or above the current VP Communications. This could signal a reorganization or elevation of the communications function as Orion pursues global expansion.
Company History
A century of Finnish pharmaceutical innovation
Likely Interview Questions
Anticipate and prepare for these topics
-
1
How would you approach corporate communications for a company undergoing significant global expansion?
Orion is actively expanding to US, Japan, and APAC. They need someone who can scale communications globally while maintaining Nordic authenticity.
-
2
What experience do you have with pharma/healthcare communications and regulatory considerations?
Pharmaceutical communications require understanding of compliance, medical accuracy, and stakeholder sensitivities.
-
3
How do you see corporate communications supporting culture and employer branding?
Given Julia's P&C role, expect focus on how external comms aligns with internal culture and talent attraction.
-
4
Tell me about a crisis communication situation you've managed.
Pharma companies face recalls, clinical trial news, regulatory scrutiny. Demonstrate crisis readiness.
-
5
What interests you about moving from NYC to Helsinki?
Personal question — they'll want to assess commitment and cultural fit with Nordic work-life balance.
-
6
How would you elevate Orion's global brand recognition?
Orion is strong in Nordics but building global presence. Discuss brand strategy at scale.
💡 Key Talking Points to Emphasize
- Global media experience: Bloomberg Media is a massive global brand — highlight international media relations, multi-market campaigns
- Crisis communications: Financial media is fast-paced and high-stakes; parallel to pharma's regulatory environment
- Purpose-driven storytelling: Connect Bloomberg's mission to Orion's "building well-being" purpose
- Stakeholder complexity: Experience with investors, regulators, consumers, employees — same mix at Orion
- Nordic values resonance: Authenticity, transparency, low hierarchy — show you understand and value this
- Digital transformation: Modern comms requires digital-first thinking; bring fresh perspective
- Change management: Experience leading through organizational change translates to Orion's growth phase
Questions to Ask Julia
Demonstrate strategic thinking and genuine interest
About the Role
- "How does this role fit within the broader People & Culture strategy?"
- "What are the most important communications priorities for the next 12-18 months?"
- "How do you see internal and external communications working together?"
About Orion's Culture
- "What makes someone thrive at Orion?"
- "How does Orion's Nordic heritage show up in day-to-day leadership?"
- "What's the most rewarding part of your role here?"
About Growth & Strategy
- "As Orion expands globally, how important is maintaining the Nordic identity?"
- "What's the biggest communications challenge you see in the US/APAC expansion?"
- "How does Orion think about sustainability in its corporate narrative?"
About Julia's Vision
- "What does success look like for someone in this role after one year?"
- "What's one thing you'd love the communications function to do differently?"
- "What advice would you give someone transitioning from the US to Finland?"
Bloomberg → Orion: Your Story
How to frame the transition compellingly
| Bloomberg Media | → | Orion |
|---|---|---|
| Global financial media brand | → | Global pharmaceutical company |
| NYC headquarters, global reach | → | Helsinki HQ, 40+ countries |
| Fast-paced, high-stakes news | → | Regulated, mission-critical comms |
| B2B + B2C audiences | → | Patients, HCPs, investors, employees |
| Purpose: informed decision-making | → | Purpose: building well-being |
Narrative Arc
"After years leading global communications for one of the world's most recognized media brands, I'm drawn to Orion's mission of building well-being. The opportunity to combine my experience in high-stakes, multi-stakeholder communications with a purpose-driven Nordic company — while embracing a new chapter personally in Helsinki — is incredibly exciting."
You've Got This 💪
The combination of global media leadership, crisis communications expertise, and genuine interest in Orion's mission makes this a compelling match. Trust your experience and let your authentic curiosity shine through.