Swiss Biotech Association appoints Michael Altorfer as CEO

The Swiss Biotech Association (SBA) has appointed Michael Altorfer as its new chief executive officer with effect from January 1 2018.

He joins the trade body after more than 20 years in the life sciences industry, working for both pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Most recently he served at Polyphor as its CEO, and he has held many senior roles at the Swiss pharmaceutical company, including chief operating officer.

His other roles include scientists for Roche and Sandoz and he has held programme management and line management roles at the investment banking firm UBS Warburg.

He said: “I look forward to further strengthening 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 SBA further bolstered its board with two other additions. Dr Patrick Amstutz is CEO and co-founder of Molecular Partners and has been a member of the company’s management team since its launch in 2004.

At the company he is responsible for business development, alliance management and research and development operations.

Filippo Riva also joins the board and currently serves Humbas Biomed as its CEO and chief financial officer following 15 years’ management experience in both privately-held and venture-backed biotech groups.

Dr Dominik Escher, president, SBA, said: “The management changes we announce today will enable the SBA to implement its mission more intensively and effectively.

“We are very glad to strengthen our board through Filippo’s and Patrick’s experience, personal network of international industry contacts and deep understanding of the needs and strengthens of the Swiss biotech industry.”