Dr Shyam Bishen has spent more than two decades at the forefront of global health leadership, championing equity, building resilient health systems, and shaping the world’s response to one of the greatest crises of our time: the COVID-19 pandemic. His visionary leadership and far-reaching global influence have seen him work with some of the world’s most significant organisations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Economic Forum.

Born in India, Shyam began his academic journey in his home country before expanding his horizons abroad. He went on to complete an MBA at Washington University, undertook leadership training at Harvard, and earned a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Newcastle. Early in his career, he entered academia, serving as an Assistant Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. This experience reflected his passion for research and education, which later guided his work across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors.

In the corporate sphere, Shyam rose to Vice President and General Manager of Emerging Markets Strategy & Innovation at Merck (MSD) in New Jersey. There, he led initiatives that extended healthcare innovation into new regions, balancing commercial growth with improved outcomes for patients across diverse markets. His commitment to improving health outcomes in developing countries led him to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where he served for seven years as Regional and Deputy Director. In this role, he forged partnerships that expanded access to essential medicines and strengthened healthcare systems in underserved communities.

“I have seen first-hand how cultures, markets and health systems differ. Yet, how human aspiration for dignity, health and opportunity, remains universal.” 

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Shyam’s leadership was pivotal. As shortages of lifesaving medicines threatened low- and middle-income countries, he worked relentlessly to broker licensing and technology transfer agreements between US pharmaceutical companies and Indian manufacturers. These efforts enabled the production and distribution of affordable antiviral drugs, saving countless lives and reinforcing his lifelong commitment to health equity.

Today, Shyam serves as Head of the Centre for Health & Healthcare and Member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum in Geneva. Operating at the highest levels of global leadership, he convenes heads of state, ministers, CEOs, and directors of international organisations to advance strategies that strengthen healthcare systems, prepare for future pandemics, and reduce global health disparities. His work continues to shape critical agendas that impact millions worldwide, aligning with the Forum’s mission to “improve the state of the world.”

“World Economic Forums bring together senior leaders from government, private sector and philanthropy to look at key global health systemic issues such as vaccine supply, strengthening health systems, preparing the world for the next pandemic (if there was one) and looking at climate change and its impact on human health.” 

Beyond health, Shyam’s belief in the transformative power of education led him to establish the Global Girls Scholarship Foundation, creating opportunities for underprivileged girls in India, Kenya, and Malawi to pursue their education. For Shyam, the mission is deeply personal: to break cycles of poverty and empower the next generation of women through education. Already, dozens of young women have been able to continue their schooling, opening new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

“Living and working across five continents and doing business in over 50 countries has shaped my view of leadership in profound ways.”  

Bringing a truly global perspective to every role he undertakes, Shyam has contributed to scientific research through publications in international journals and several patents in drug discovery and development, underscoring the breadth of his impact.

Shyam embodies what it means to lead with both influence and empathy. A proud University of Newcastle alumnus, he carries his Australian education into the most influential rooms in the world, shaping the future of healthcare and creating opportunities for those too often left behind.