Novartis: What is Korab Zuka's Sustainability Impact?

Sustainability Magazine has named Korab Zuka, Global Head of Social Impact and Chief Sustainability Officer at Novartis, as the 10th leading sustainability figure in its Top 250 Sustainability Leaders 2026 ranking.

The pharmaceutical executive has earned recognition for his work on decarbonisation efforts and his focus on connecting climate action with health outcomes.

Taking to LinkedIn to acknowledge the honour, Korab says: "I'm grateful to be named in Sustainability Magazine's Top 10 Sustainability Leaders for 2026, but I'm also mindful that lists like this are only a snapshot of work that's fundamentally collective.

"Congratulations to my peers on this list and to the partners, scientists and advocates across sectors who set the bar higher and keep pushing us towards what's urgent and what's possible.

"This progress is only possible because of the broader health ecosystem we operate in. None of us can do this work alone."

Korab's career background

Before joining Novartis, Korab developed his expertise across healthcare, life sciences and biotechnology. His career included an eight-year tenure at biotech firm Gilead Sciences, where he held responsibilities in Public Affairs and Corporate Responsibility.

During this period, he managed the company's investor relations activities, with particular emphasis on ESG strategy.

His most recent position before Novartis was Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Purpose Communications and ESG at Bristol Myers Squibb.

Korab assumed his current role at Novartis in November 2024.

Embedding sustainability across Novartis

Speaking to Sustainability Magazine about his approach, Korab explains the company's strategic positioning. "We view sustainability as a strategic lever that drives long-term value," he says.

"As a company we are very clear about where we can have the greatest impact and what underpins how we do business.

"Our greatest impact comes from embedding inclusion and access principles across every stage of innovation – from R&D to commercialisation to operations – ensuring that we do our part in enabling our medicines to reach patients who need them."

Novartis has established concrete environmental targets spanning emissions, water management and waste reduction. According to the company's sustainability roadmap, Novartis aims to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% and Scope 3 emissions by 42% by 2030, using 2022 as the baseline year.

The organisation has committed to water stewardship practices designed to prevent negative impacts on water quality from both its manufacturing facilities and high-risk suppliers.

Additionally, Novartis has set a target to reduce waste sent for disposal by 30% from 2022 levels by 2030.

Product design represents another key focus area. The company applies sustainable design principles throughout product development to minimise supply chain impacts on planetary health.

This approach includes prioritising sustainable and non-hazardous materials early in the product lifecycle, optimising shipment volumes, recovering reusable devices and factoring recyclability into the design of devices and packaging.

All sustainability, net zero and sustainable supply chain leaders should attend:

• Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit - QEII Centre, London, March 4-5
• Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit - Navy Pier, Chicago, April 21-22

Co-located with Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE, these events brings together CSOs, ESG leaders and senior decision-makers at a moment when sustainability, supply chains and commercial performance are increasingly interconnected.

Tickets can be booked online today for The Net Zero Summit and The US Summit. Group discounts available.

A collaborative approach to impact

Drawing on his background in corporate affairs, sustainability and health equity, Korab oversees how Novartis integrates social impact and sustainability strategies across its operations.

"There is real potential to rethink how we deliver impact, whether through innovative access models, new partnerships or a pipeline that reflects the evolving needs of patients," Korab says.

"And while we are proud of the role we play, we know we are only one part of a much broader ecosystem.

"Progress depends on collaboration across governments, civil society and industry to build solutions that are sustainable, scalable and centred on patient impact."