In a field traditionally dominated by challenges, Evie Yulin has emerged as a powerful force in Indonesia’s pharmaceutical industry. As the President Director of PT Merck Tbk, a subsidiary of Germany’s pharmaceutical giant Merck KGaA, she has not only led the company to remarkable success but also become a role model for female leadership.

Born in Jember, East Java, in 1967, Evie grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. Her parents, both employees in Indonesia’s state-owned banking sector, inspired her to excel academically. She spent her early years in Yogyakarta, attending prestigious schools such as SMAN 3 Yogyakarta before pursuing her passion for pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), where she completed both her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Evie’s fascination with organic chemistry and mathematics during high school cemented her decision to enter the pharmaceutical field, even when encouraged by teachers to pursue medicine. This passion led her to early professional opportunities at local pharmaceutical companies while still in university. Her journey began as a product specialist, marketing pharmaceutical products to hospitals—a role that shaped her career trajectory.

Her professional career took off in 1992 when she joined PT Bayer Diagnostic as a Diagnostic Specialist. Over the years, Evie honed her expertise in marketing and product development, working with leading companies such as PT Kalbe Farma, PT Tempo Scan Pacific, and PT Roche Indonesia. These experiences equipped her with the strategic acumen to drive growth and innovation in a competitive industry.

In 2010, Evie joined PT Merck Tbk as the Country Head of Healthcare Business Indonesia. Within a year, she was appointed to the board of directors and, in 2020, she assumed the role of President Director. Notably, she became the only female General Manager in Merck Healthcare Asia Pacific at the time. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), fostering an environment where employees, irrespective of gender, can thrive.

Under Evie’s guidance, PT Merck has implemented initiatives to make healthcare more accessible and affordable in Indonesia. She has tackled significant challenges, such as improving public awareness of disease management and ensuring equitable access to essential medicines. Her commitment to excellence has earned her multiple accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 Business Women of the Year (2017, 2019-2021, 2024) and receiving the Indonesia Most Powerful Women Award in 2023.

Beyond her professional achievements, Evie is an advocate for work-life balance. On LinkedIn, she shares her passion for local art, hydroponic gardening, culinary exploration, baking, pilates, jogging, and supporting cancer patient communities in Indonesia. These pursuits reflect her belief in holistic well-being as a cornerstone of effective leadership.

Evie Yulin’s story is a testament to how vision, determination, and a commitment to inclusivity can drive meaningful change in an industry as vital as healthcare. Her journey continues to inspire the next generation of leaders, proving that gender is no barrier to excellence.