Gabriel Baertschi

Chairman of the Corporate Executive Board

Gabriel Baertschi is someone who rolls up his sleeves and a forward thinker whose mission is dedicated to growing our business and driving our scientific leadership.

Although a trained biologist, his love of science and dedication to improving patient’s lives led him to work for the pharmaceutical industry. Gabriel’s commitment to ensuring our business is sustainable moving forward is hugely valued; he is the epitome of entrepreneurial spirit, courage and diversity.

Originally from Switzerland, he joined the Grünenthal Group in October 2016 as Chairman of the Corporate Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer bringing with him over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry primarily working for AstraZeneca.

Gabriel Baertschi at a glance

• Nationality: Swiss
• Year of birth: 1974
• Education: Harvard Business School, USA: leading enterprise transformation; Université de Neuchâtel, Switzerland: Master of Science in biology; his research received a Nobel Foundation Award and the distinction “Excellent” at the Swiss Youth Research
• Family status: Married, one daughter
• Leisure time: Family, photography, travelling and scuba diving

Career Highlights

• Since 2016: Chairman of the Corporate Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, Grünenthal
• 2013-2016: Company President Japan, AstraZeneca
• 2010-2012: Company President Germany, AstraZeneca
• 2009-2010: Company President Thailand, AstraZeneca
• 2006-2009: General Manager Vietnam & Indonesia, AstraZeneca
• Since 2021: Member of the Board of MedXCell, a Swiss biotech company dedicated to transforming healthcare through the development and production of affordable and accessible new therapies utilizing the unique powers of living cells
• Since March 2023: Non-executive Board Member at DKSH. The company delivers growth for companies in Asia and beyond across its Business Units Healthcare, Consumer Goods, Performance Materials, and Technology. As a leading Market Expansion Services provider, DKS offers sourcing, market insights, marketing and sales, eCommerce, distribution, and logistics, as well as after-sales services.
• Since May 2026: Member of the Board of Directors of Idorsia (responsible for Nominating, Governance, & Compensation Committee Chair). Idorsia is a Swiss biotech company. One of its key focuses is QUVIVIQ™ (daridorexant), a novel treatment for insomnia that has the potential to revolutionise this growing public health issue.