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Parag Patel

Senior PartnerChicago

Global coleader of the Life Sciences Operations Practice, serving pharmaceutical and medical device companies on operations, strategy, and post-merger management

Parag is a senior partner in McKinsey’s Chicago office and is a global coleader of our operations work in the Life Sciences Practice. He works with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical technology companies on operations topics, including digital and analytics, future of work, organizational design, mergers and post-merger management, manufacturing, supply chain, product development, quality and risk assessment, and procurement.

Parag has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, having spearheaded multiple engagements on future manufacturing strategies, balancing clinical, development, launch, and commercial supply approaches. Additionally, he has conducted numerous operations rapid assessments to identify opportunities for margin expansion and developed implementation road maps for various sectors, including animal health, pharmaceuticals, medical technology, and biologics. Parag has also led the development of a future of work strategy with insights spanning frontline and executive management. Notably, Parag led the global pharmaceutical operations COVID-19 task force, addressing all aspects of vaccine supply and manufacturing readiness.

Parag’s work is recognized across the life sciences industry through articles appearing in publications such as Pharma Manufacturing Magazine and regularly speaks at industry convenings.

PUBLISHED WORK

Gen AI: A game changer for biopharma operations,” McKinsey & Company, January 2025

Reimagining the future of biopharma manufacturing,” McKinsey & Company, October 2022

Four ways to make sure your pharma manufacturing strategy delivers value,” McKinsey & Company, March 2022

Four ways pharma companies can make their supply chains more resilient,” McKinsey & Company, September 2021

The risks and challenges of the global COVID-19 vaccine rollout,” McKinsey & Company, January 2021

PAST EXPERIENCE

Merck & Co.
Operations, tech, product development, and supply chain management

Education

MIT Sloan School of Management
MBA

University of Pennsylvania
MS, chemical and biomolecular engineering

Cornell University
BS, chemical engineering