CEO Insights Magazine

The animal health sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and longevity of various species, ranging from livestock to companion animals. It encompasses a wide array of disciplines including preventive care, treatment of diseases, and innovative solutions to promote animal welfare. In this dynamic sector leaders like Jin-Ee Lee, the Country Manager at Ceva Sante Animale stand out as visionary figures driving positive change and empowerment. Graduating as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Putra Malaysia, Jin-Ee Lee brings over a decade of experience to the table. Jin-Ee Lee's strategic vision and leadership skills have been instrumental in empowering the animal health sector, ensuring the delivery of innovative solutions, and driving sustainable growth. Let's hear more from him.

Can you share a bit about your professional background and what drives you in your daily work?

I graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Putra Malaysia and have over a decade of experience in the industry. My journey began in technical veterinary roles before transitioning into marketing, key account management, and business-centric areas like P&L management, strategic planning, and execution. Currently, I serve as the Country Manager for Ceva Sante Animale in Malaysia.

What truly motivates me is witnessing the growth and development of my team members and seeing them reach their full potential. I find immense satisfaction in nurturing their motivation and helping them improve and succeed.

Tell us about Ceva Sante Animale as an organization and its current position in the market.

Ceva Sante Animale is the 5th largest global animal health company, distinguished by its leaders under experienced veterinarians. The company's core mission is to pioneer innovative health solutions for all animals, prioritizing their care and well-being. Operating from its headquarters in Libourne, France, Ceva extends its reach to over 110 countries, embodying its vision as a One Health company. This vision, encapsulated in the motto 'Together, Beyond Animal Health’, underscores the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being. Ceva recognizes that a significant portion of human diseases stem from animal origins, emphasizing the importance of holistic health practices. Through its active involvement in One Health initiatives, Ceva aims to contribute meaningfully to global health and sustainability.

Could you share your leadership approach and the principles you adhere to as a leader?

I focus on being a People-Centric leader aiming to inspire and motivate my team by establishing a clear vision, encouraging innovation, and fostering personal growth. It's crucial to pay attention to each individual's needs, concerns, and development by offering support, coaching, and mentorship to help them reach their full potential. Empowerment plays a key role in personal development, achieved through delegating authority and decision-making responsibilities. I trust my team members to take ownership of their work and make meaningful contributions toward our organizational objectives. I believe that successful leadership comes in various styles, and my goal is to remain authentic to myself as I strive to be a leader who prioritizes people and their growth.

How do you stay informed about industry trends to drive the organization forward?

Given that our focus is on providing animal health solutions across all sectors, particularly in livestock such as poultry and swine, which are crucial for food production, staying abreast of industry trends is paramount. The livestock market is highly dynamic due to evolving consumer demands, such as increased welfare standards and reduced antibiotic use. Therefore, it's essential to gather the right insights to make informed decisions. We rely on various sources for data and analysis, including reputable institutions like Rabobank, which provides global agricultural insights. Internally, we also gather data to understand market needs and disease prevention trends. Our approach is customer-centric and innovative; we anticipate market needs rather than forcing products onto the market. Meeting key stakeholders and major producers helps us understand market dynamic and future trends. This proactive engagement with stakeholders and continuous monitoring of technological advancements ensures that our products remain relevant and in demand in the rapidly evolving agricultural sector.

What is the goal Ceva Sante Animale would like to achieve?

At Ceva, our objective is to pioneer innovative health solutions for all animals, adopting a holistic approach to health. We are dedicated to maintaining a harmonious balance between animals, humans, and the environment. Together, we are committed to making a positive impact on the future of our diverse planet, benefiting everyone.

Our 'COurFuture' initiative, initially launched in Asia with the 'Embrace Chicken and Eggs, to Break the Cycle of Child Stunting' campaign across 11 Asian countries, including Malaysia since 2019, exemplifies our dedication. We've collaborated with numerous poultry producers, donating over 100,000 eggs to Malaysian children.

Our new business purpose was crafted collaboratively, with active participation from all our employees. Each word in our purpose reflects the aspirations and priorities of our 'OneCeva' community. We firmly believe that our employees are our primary driving force and source of inspiration.

Jin-Ee Lee, Country Manager, Ceva Sante Animale

Jin-Ee Lee is the Country Manager at Ceva Sante Animale. His leadership focuses on innovative solutions and strategic planning, driving progress in animal health and welfare.