Swiss Biotech Association Appoints Michael Altorfer As Its New CEO

Since 1998, the Swiss Biotech Association (SBA) represents the interests of the Swiss biotech industry in Switzerland and abroad. The Swiss biotech industry is one of the most innovative and successful industries. Currently, more than 15’000 employees are directly engaged in Swiss biotech companies and additional 40’000 indirect jobs in suppliers and service providers contribute to the success of Swiss biotech sector.

To further strengthen its resources and network, the SBA appointed Dr. Patrick Amstutz (CEO of Molecular Partners) and Filippo Riva (CEO of Humabs Biomed) at its General Assembly as new board members and today announces the appointment of Dr. Michael Altorfer (former CEO of Polyphor) as its new CEO, effective January 1, 2018.

Dr. Dominik Escher, president of the SBA, commented: “The management changes we announce today will enable the SBA to implement its mission more intensively and effectively. Filippo Riva and Patrick Amstutz represent the classical biotech companies from private to public and from more early stage to late stage development. We are very glad to strengthen our board through their experience, personal network of international industry contacts and deep understanding of the needs and strengths of the Swiss biotech industry.
Michael Altorfer has more than 20 years of experience in the Swiss life science industry and operational know-how at all management levels. He succeeds the former SBA CEO, Domenico (Nic) Alexakis to whom I would like to express my gratitude. Nic has been dedicated to position the SBA as a central resource for the Swiss biotech industry over the last 15 years. I would like to welcome Michael as the new CEO of the Swiss Biotech Association. With his deep industry experience, he is best positioned to move the Association forward. The Biotech industry has grown over the last years to an important and sizable industry for Switzerland and we need a strong Association to reflect this in order to improve the framework conditions further.”

Michael Altorfer added: “I look forward to further strengthen SBA’s impact and contribution to the industry and to expand our networks, platforms and products to support our member companies as well as the Swiss biotech industry. The Swiss biotech companies play a crucial role in discovering and developing new, innovative technologies, diagnostics, medicine and healthcare treatment options. They work in close collaboration with their network of industry partners, including leading Swiss universities, hospitals and innovative technology and service suppliers, to address the most pressing medical needs. The SBA is dedicated to supporting them in this effort and to help creating an environment in which these companies can work effectively.”

Dr. Michael Altorfer has more than 20 years of experience in the life science industry comprising both big pharma and smaller biotech organizations. As a member of the Executive Committee he supported the build-up of Polyphor Ltd in Allschwil in many different roles (Head BD&L, CFO, COO and CEO). Michael started his career as a scientist in pharmaceutical research at Sandoz, Ciba-Geigy (Summit, NJ, USA), and Roche. From 1996 to 2001 he held program management and line management roles at the investment bank UBS Warburg.

(SK)