Robert Stanley leads the US Legal organization, partnering with teams across Novartis US to deliver on our patient-centered strategy while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and trust.
In Legal, we do not just manage risk, we help the US business move forward with confidence, integrity, and a clear sense of responsibility to patients, partners, and society.
Robert joined Novartis in 2017 as Global Head of Intellectual Property (IP) Litigation, and in 2020 became Global Head of IP, where he has ensured robust protection of the company’s innovations, safeguarded market exclusivity, and directed the full patent and trademark lifecycle. In 2022 he also became the Head of Global Legal Innovation for Novartis, where, among other responsibilities, he focuses on advancing the use of external counsel and innovative technologies to transform how Legal supports the company and its priorities. He continues in this role in addition to serving as Head US Legal. While at Novartis, Robert has also taken on significant ad interim responsibilities as the Global Head of IP at Sandoz, as well as Head International Legal.
Prior to joining Novartis, Robert spent 15 years in private practice at Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner, where he focused on patent litigation for major pharmaceutical companies.
Robert has a J.D. from the University of Georgia and bachelor's degrees in chemistry and political science from Furman University.