Ivan Benson
Sr. HR Business Partner
Novartis Pharma AG
East Hanover, NJ
Age: 35
Ivan Benson has a passion for helping people to succeed both professionally and personally. As the senior human resources business partner for Novartis Pharma AG in Basel, Switzerland, Benson has been able to realize this mission through supporting global marketing professionals focusing on talent development, change leadership and project management. His current job at Novartis allows him not only to enhance his professional pursuits, but it also provides him the opportunity to satisfy his passion to travel. “I’ve always said that the only way to expand your thinking is live outside of your comfort zone. Living this philosophy through travel has given me a great appreciation for the beauty and diversity that we have in this world,” he states.
A former football player at the University of Illinois, Benson uses the lessons he learned in leadership and teamwork as a framework to coach others to success in business and in life in general. “Having an impact in people’s lives has always been my goal, which is why transitioning to a career in human resources was a natural choice,” he says. As a human resources professional, he contends, you are a trusted adviser who can help employees manage some of the most crucial decisions in their lives. The results of these moments will help to shape the course of their careers.
Benson is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a master’s degree in human resources management. He is certified as a senior professional in human resources management and an associate certified coach from the International Coaching Federation. Benson credits his late mother, Malinda, with teaching him the importance of hard work and sacrifice. His father, brothers and sisters were also instrumental in encouraging a spirit of determination and willpower.
Fun Facts
Favorite singer: Luther Vandross
Dish you cook best: Chili
Countries visited: Turkey, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland
