Employee Spotlight: an interview with our Deputy CEO, Emil Swanepoel

Technology is reshaping industries at a rapid pace - from AI-powered automation to data-driven innovation and next-gen digital platforms.

Our Deputy CEO, Emil Swanepoel is leading this transformation at Central Pharma, driving initiatives to position us for long-term success. We met up with Emil to explore technology’s role in our business growth and the trends he believes will define the next era of progress…

Your Vision

Q: Emil, how do you see technology transforming the future of our industry?

A: So not solely in our industry but across many, we are currently in a huge state of change. The pace at which technology is growing is simply mind boggling, there’s very little we can imagine that the AI can’t do. In weeks, not months, it’s going to change a lot of industries. Every industry is going to be impacted.
In the past, technology could replace blue collar workers but never brain power, we are currently replacing brain power, not muscle power and the speed at which we can do it, is incredible.

At Central Pharma, we are leaning very heavily into this. Historically, the expense was prohibitive. We would never write our own CRM system for example, it would be outsourced but now we could write our own CRM in one night. The cost to adapt technology to your business has now evaporated. I am 99% sure, we will have a far lesser reliance on dedicated IT functions in the long term, as tools for individuals will simply be available.

Q: What drives your passion for advancing technology within Central Pharma?

A: I’m passionate about technology, I love to use it to automate, whether its self-driving, data mining, or production automation etc. I love applying technology and using it to advance our organisation. 

Strategy and Innovation
Q: Can you share some of the exciting technology initiatives currently in progress at Central Pharma?

A: We are currently looking to use AI to assist/ enhance most of the supporting functions in the business. For the first time, we can take all of the information from the business functions and have it available at your fingertips in real-time.

One thing that we are offering to all of our customers is our AI-powered customer portal. Our AI-inspection systems allow the highest quality product to be produced for the least amount of work, effort, resource and spend for both sides. It's an invaluable platform that allows total visibility of the supply chain. For the first time our customers will be able to run their business with full integration, to oversee everything as if all departments sit physically within your organisation.

Q: What role does collaboration play in driving innovation both internally and externally?

A: Collaboration is vital if the full benefits of the new technologies are to be maximised. To collaborate effectively with customers, you need to understand their pain points and demonstrate what will solve their problems, not add to their complexities.

People & Culture
Q: Often requiring a cultural shift, how do you ensure teams embrace technological change and feel empowered by new processes and tools?

A: Demonstrate that its making their life simpler, that technology is here to take their pain away. We always try to weave these problem solving advances in, making tasks simpler, easier, whilst at the same time enhancing quality.

Q: What skills do you think employees in the future will need to thrive in a technology-driven company?

A: Employees will need to be very clear at being able to verbalise their requirements. Those that can verbalise specifications, will be able to get what they need from their systems. Employees will need to have an affinity for technology.

Looking ahead…
Q: Which Technology trends excite you the most over the next 3-5 years?

A: We are going through an equivalent of the industrial revolution with AI at the moment.
Language was the initial wave, now we are getting to vision and the next will be sensory/ robotics. It's a very exciting time.

Conclusion
Innovation is embedded into our strategy and culture at Central Pharma. Under Emil’s leadership, we continue to explore how technology can deliver smarter, stronger and sustainable growth. To stay updated on our journey and future insights, follow us on LinkedIn.

Learn more about our AI-powered customer portal, available now.

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