Michael Azrak joined Moderna with a clear mission: to help shape the future of healthcare. As General Manager of Moderna in Australia, he has embraced the opportunity to lead a dynamic team, driving the Company’s vision forward while ensuring a meaningful impact on the local community. For Michael, it’s about more than just managing operations—it’s about aligning a global vision with local needs to build something transformative, even when the path isn't always easy.
“My role is to make sure we’re not only fulfilling Moderna’s goals but also addressing the unique challenges we face in Australia,” Michael says. In a world where healthcare demands are constantly evolving, his leadership is focused on ensuring that Moderna’s work in mRNA technology continues to deliver on its promise.
Tomorrow Holds Great Promise
We recently asked Michael if he could define what being a changemaker meant to him. Michael’s story, “Tomorrow holds great promise,” reflects his deep conviction in the power of science and innovation. It’s this sense of optimism that fuels his work at Moderna. “What drew me to Moderna was the science—the potential of mRNA to truly transform healthcare,” he shares.
Under his leadership, Moderna in Australia has made significant strides, including the rapid development of an onshore manufacturing facility. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Australian government, will ensure local vaccine production by 2025, bolstering the country’s preparedness for future pandemics. “We broke ground in 2022 and will be producing vaccines locally. That’s a tremendous achievement,” Michael says. This partnership reflects Moderna’s commitment to fostering long-term collaborations and making a lasting impact on healthcare.
For Michael, this is just the beginning. The rapid progress made in Australia is a testament to one of Moderna’s Mindsets: pushing past possible. “We are always looking to make the impossible possible, and this has been behind much of what we've achieved,” he says. This relentless drive to innovate and challenge the status quo is what sets Moderna apart, and it’s what motivates Michael and his team to keep moving forward.
Empowering a Team to Make a Difference
Michael’s leadership is rooted in empowering his team and fostering a collaborative, purpose-driven culture. “For me, leadership is about building a team that’s united around a shared vision. When people feel empowered, they’re able to do their best work,” he explains. This approach has kept the team focused on Moderna’s mission to deliver the greatest possible impact through mRNA medicines.
However, he also acknowledges that delivering on this vision in a fast-paced environment can be demanding. “We all have that sleeves-rolled-up mentality, where no one is above getting into the details. It’s this sense of ownership and shared responsibility that makes us so effective,” Michael notes.
He is particularly proud of the culture they’ve built at Moderna Australia, blending agility with structured discipline. Looking ahead, Michael sees immense potential. “The science is evolving, and so is our ability to make a real impact on people’s lives,” he says. For Michael, the real key to success is the people. “We have an incredibly talented and passionate team, and that’s what will continue to drive our success,” he adds.