Severin Schwan

Severin Schwan is an Austrian-born business executive. He is best known for his role as the Chairman of the Board and former CEO of the Roche Group, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies. Schwan's tenure as CEO spanned from 2008 to 2023, during which he played a significant role in shaping the company's strategic direction and driving its growth and innovation.

Schwan's association with Roche began in 1993 when he joined the company as a trainee. Over the years, he steadily progressed within the organization, assuming various leadership positions that allowed him to gain extensive experience in different aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. His dedication and contributions to the company led to his appointment as CEO in 2008, where he successfully steered Roche through numerous challenges and solidified its position as a global leader in the healthcare sector.

Under Schwan's leadership, Roche witnessed significant advancements in personalized healthcare, breakthroughs in scientific research, and efforts to improve access to healthcare solutions worldwide. He is known for his belief in fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and openness to new ideas within the organization.

Throughout his career, Schwan has been recognized for his leadership acumen and contributions to the pharmaceutical industry. His commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives through healthcare innovation has earned him respect and admiration in the business community.

Severin Schwan's tenure as the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Roche has left a lasting legacy, establishing him as a prominent figure in the pharmaceutical sector and a driving force behind the company's continued success and growth.

Severin Schwan was born on November 17, 1967, in Hall in Tirol. He completed his early education at the Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck and went on to pursue studies in economics and law at various renowned universities, including the University of Innsbruck, the University of York, and the University of Oxford. In 1991, he obtained master's degrees in both economics (Mag. rer. soc. oec.) and law (Mag. iur.), and later in 1993, he earned his Doctorate in Law from the University of Innsbruck.

Schwan's journey with the Roche Group began in 1993 when he joined as a trainee in the Basel office. Over the years, he held several key positions within the organization, showcasing his exceptional talent and leadership abilities. Notably, he served as the Managing Director of Roche's Diagnostics Division. In recognition of his contributions and expertise, Schwan was appointed CEO of the Roche Group at the company's Annual General Meeting on March 4, 2008, taking over from Franz B. Humer.

In addition to his role as CEO, Schwan has been a member of the Board of Directors of Roche Holding AG since 2013. At the Annual General Meeting on March 14, 2023, he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, succeeding Christoph Franz. As Chairman, he assumed the responsibility of leading the company's strategic direction and ensuring its continued success. Thomas Schinecker succeeded him as CEO.

Schwan's remarkable leadership skills have extended beyond his involvement with Roche. He served as a member of the board of directors of Credit Suisse from 2014 to 2022, where he also held the position of Vice Chairman from 2017 until his departure in March 2022. He has also been a member of the International Business Leaders Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC) since 2009, and in 2022, he was appointed Vice President of IBLAC.

Within the pharmaceutical industry, Schwan has actively contributed to various organizations and initiatives. From 2016 to 2020, he served as Vice President of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA), demonstrating his commitment to advancing the industry's interests and promoting global health.

Severin Schwan, throughout his career as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, has demonstrated a strong vision for the future of healthcare. His vision encompasses several key areas that drive his strategic decisions and shape the direction of the organizations he leads.

One of the central aspects of Schwan's vision is the pursuit of scientific excellence. He believes in the power of research and innovation to transform the field of medicine and improve patient outcomes. Under his leadership, Schwan has emphasized the importance of investing in cutting-edge research approaches and technologies to develop breakthrough treatments and therapies. He recognizes the potential of advancements in areas like gene therapy and personalized healthcare to address the needs of patients, particularly those with rare diseases.

Another crucial element of Schwan's vision is the commitment to making a meaningful impact on people's lives. He firmly believes that healthcare companies have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities. This perspective has driven him to prioritize the development and accessibility of diagnostic solutions and medicines that can address critical health challenges. Schwan advocates for ensuring broad access to healthcare, and he has been a proponent of differentiated pricing models to improve affordability and equitable access to Roche's products globally.

In line with his vision, Schwan recognizes the significance of collaboration and inclusivity in achieving transformative outcomes. He values interdisciplinary approaches and encourages an environment that fosters the sharing of ideas and independent thinking. Schwan believes that fostering innovation requires creating conditions that enable researchers to explore new ideas and take calculated risks. By cultivating a culture of openness and encouraging diverse perspectives, he aims to harness the full potential of scientific talent and drive forward advancements in healthcare.

Schwan's vision also extends to the role of healthcare in addressing societal challenges. He emphasizes the importance of solidarity and community, believing that shared efforts can overcome obstacles and lead to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been inspired by the ability of the healthcare industry, including Roche, to make a meaningful difference in the fight against the virus. He envisions healthcare organizations playing an active role in addressing global health crises and working collaboratively to improve public health outcomes.