Anniken Strid completed a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and biological chemistry at the University of Oslo but eventually felt that laboratory work was not for her. – You need to be very patient to work in a lab, which I am not.
During the final year of her bachelor's degree, she noticed a poster promoting UiO's master's programme in entrepreneurship and innovation management in a bathroom at Blindern, and quickly saw it as a better fit. – Combining these two degrees could give me the opportunity to work with biology and chemistry related subjects, but at a later stage in the development process of new pharmaceuticals, for example.
High Pace
The same day Anniken completed her master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, she started a new job as a product specialist at Astellas Pharma, a large international pharmaceutical company. She was quickly promoted to Key Account Manager, where she was responsible for ensuring new pharmaceuticals are put into use in the best possible way.
– One of the things I worked with was an immunosuppressive drug for transplant patients. The drug was designed to prevent the body's immune system from rejecting a new organ.
Anniken also organized a one-year observational study with 120 patients, and she was involved in product launches. – Astellas was a very innovative company with many products in development at the same time. That was one of the reasons I wanted to work there. Unlike lab work, this role involved frequent travelling to meet with doctors, researchers and partners. It was fast paced, with many meetings. I applied everything I had learned through my master's degree about strategy, pitching, marketing and finance. Ensuring patients have rapid access to medications is a cause I care deeply about – it was also the focus of my master's thesis, says Anniken.
Cross-Cultural Communication
Astellas was founded in Japan and now has operations worldwide. – We collaborated closely with our Nordic colleagues. Twice a year, we all met at the Nordic headquarters in Copenhagen for conferences and team building. One of the best things about the master's degree in Entrepreneurship and innovation management is that it's taught in English and attracts international students. Learning to collaborate across cultures has been extremely valuable in my career.
Experiential Learning through Internships
During her studies, Anniken also participated in Gründerskolen in Houston. – My internship was with a medical technology startup.
– Since it was just the founder and me, I got to do so many different tasks, like participating in meetings where important agreements were made.
– I also interned at Oslo Cancer Cluster as part of my degree. These practical experiences taught me essential skills before starting my career.
The Path to Leadership
Anniken became Sales Manager and Market Access Manager for Astellas Norway, where she worked for 8 years. In addition to pharmaceuticals for transplant patients, she worked with pharmaceuticals for cancer treatment, including prostate cancer and AML (a form of acute blood cancer). She gained extensive experience with personnel management, budget work, sales, and marketing.
She continued working within these areas when she moved on to Novartis as Franchise Head, before becoming managing director of Salts Healthcare Norway in 2023. On March 1, 2025, she was promoted to Scandinavian leader. Salts Healthcare is one of the oldest family-run companies in the UK. It has grown into an international and successful manufacturer of medical equipment.
– In our offices at H?vik, I lead 14 employees.
– I still works on budgets, personnel management, sales, and marketing, but also with customers, cross-functional teamwork, and strategies for further growth. Salts Scandinavia is constantly growing, and now the work of hiring more talented people begins.
In addition to everything she has learned and experienced, the newspaper Dagens N?ringsliv has honoured Anniken's career so far with the distinction ?DN 40 under 40?. It is a special network for young leaders who are selected and invited based on their professional competence and personal qualities. – I would not have been where I am today without my degree in innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme’s practical approach really helps your transition to working life.
About Anniken
- Position: Scandinavian leader of Salts Healthcare
- Education from UiO:
- Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management
- Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry
- Part of ?DN 40 under 40? in 2023