Alumni Spotlight: Elina Levi Gendler, Manager of Global Demand Planning & Integrated Business Planning (IBP) at Apotex Inc., reflects on her bold transition from technical roots to business leadership — and how Chemical Engineering at U of T helped shape the journey.
For Elina Levi Gendler, a love of chemistry and mathematics naturally led her to Chemical Engineering—but it was the field’s breadth and real-world impact that truly captured her interest. “Chemical Engineering felt like a natural fit,” she says. “What really drew me in was how practical and versatile it is. You’re not limited to one industry, and you can start applying your skills in the real world right away.”
That versatility has been the thread through Levi Gendler’s impressive and unconventional career path—from semiconductors to pharmaceuticals, from hands-on engineering to executive strategy. Today, she is the Manager of Global Demand Planning and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) at one of Canada’s largest pharmaceutical companies. But her journey began across the globe, with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Ben-Gurion University in Israel, and early industry experience at Intel and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
It was a move to Toronto that opened the next chapter. “After three years at Teva, I moved to Toronto and knew I wanted to keep growing technically and professionally,” she recalls. “U of T stood out as one of the best places to do that. Just three days after landing, I walked into Professor Ramin Farnood’s office, and four days later, I was officially a Chemical Engineering grad student.”
At the University of Toronto, Levi Gendler worked under the supervision of Professor Farnood, now Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry. Her thesis focused on the theoretical investigation of bioactive papers using Kubelka-Munk light propagation theory—a sharp pivot from her industry work.
“I had never worked on mathematical modeling, coding, or optics calculations before. It was a huge leap from my previous roles,” she says. “But with dedication and Professor Farnood’s support, I pushed through and completed it. That experience taught me something incredibly empowering: with passion and perseverance, I can learn almost anything.”
Another pivotal moment came through a less technical avenue: the Scientific Writing course taught by Mrs. Debby Repka. “It helped me refine how to structure ideas in a clear, focused way,” she explains. “More importantly, it taught me to step outside the purely technical mindset and present complex concepts to broader audiences—skills that have been invaluable in writing, public speaking, and connecting with stakeholders.”
After graduation, Levi Gendler returned to the pharmaceutical industry, joining Apotex in a series of increasingly strategic roles. She began as a Project Manager for New Source Qualification of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), eventually stepping into a new challenge in Supply Chain Program Management role, where she managed a commercial portfolio of top-tier product families, led strategies for growth, cost savings, and ensured continuous supply. She led a Competitive Intelligence Program, developed cost-competitive models through market analysis and operational insights, identified risks and opportunities, and delivered strategic recommendations to executives.
“That shift from the technical side into the business world was one of the biggest turning points in my career,” Levi Gendler says. “I had to develop strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, commercial and financial awareness—and learn to see the business from a much broader perspective.”
In her current role as Manager in Global Demand Planning and IBP at Apotex, Levi Gendler consolidates global demand data, ensures forecast accuracy, and bridges commercial and supply teams to ensure supply continuity. “I manage large datasets that feed into key financial and operational decisions and provide executive leadership with visibility into major demand trends and business drivers,” she explains. “It’s all about turning complex data into clear, actionable insights.”
Reflecting on the most rewarding moments in her career, Levi Gendler doesn’t point to a single project. “Honestly, I’m most proud of the journey itself,” she says. “Moving across continents, shifting from technical roles into business, stepping into leadership—all while raising a family. I had my first child just four weeks before defending my thesis at U of T.”
That balancing act between career ambition and personal life has taught her the importance of community. “It truly takes a village. Strong professional networks, supportive teams, and good friends have been essential.”
She’s also committed to paying that support forward. Levi Gendler regularly mentors current students and recent graduates. “If I can make someone’s path a little clearer or help them open a door, that feels like a meaningful way to give back.”
Her advice for current Chemical Engineering students is grounded in experience: “Don’t be afraid to explore different fields. Learn the basics of business and finance. Become an Excel pro—it really does save you hours. And lean into public speaking. Every time you do it, you build confidence and sharpen your ability to communicate ideas effectively.”
When asked how her ChemEng background still shapes her work, Levi Gendler’s answer is clear: “It helps me understand complex challenges and collaborate effectively with subject matter experts. But it also helps me communicate technical issues clearly to non-technical teams and leadership. That ability to bridge both worlds has been an asset.”
And perhaps most importantly, she keeps her purpose front and centre. “I hope my work ultimately supports something much bigger than business; helping patients get the medications they need. Behind all the data and decisions, there’s real impact on people’s lives.”
As Levi Gendler continues to lead and mentor, her journey reminds us that the Chemical Engineering path is versatile, constantly evolving, and ultimately about people, purpose, and possibility.