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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name         = Albert Baehny
| name = Albert Baehny
| nationality   = Swiss
| nationality = Swiss
| occupation   = Business executive, corporate chairman
| occupation = Business executive, corporate chairman
| known_for     = Chairman of [[Geberit]], Chairman of [[Lonza Group]]
| known_for = Chairman of [[Geberit]], Chairman of [[Lonza Group]]
| title         = Chairman of the Board of Directors, Geberit (2021–present); Chairman of the Board of Directors, Lonza Group (2018–2024)
| title = Chairman of the Board, Geberit; Former Chairman of the Board, Lonza Group
}}
}}


'''Albert Baehny''' is a Swiss business executive who has served in senior leadership roles at several major Swiss corporations. He is best known for his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Directors of [[Geberit]], the Swiss manufacturer of sanitary products, and for his role as Chairman of [[Lonza Group]], the multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland. During his six-year chairmanship of Lonza, Baehny oversaw a period of significant transformation in the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) sector, navigating leadership transitions and strategic decisions that shaped the company's trajectory in the global biopharmaceuticals industry. His career in Swiss industry has spanned several decades, during which he held executive positions that placed him at the intersection of manufacturing, technology, and life sciences. Baehny announced his retirement from the Lonza chairmanship in January 2024, stepping down in May of that year after guiding the company through a period marked by both rapid growth and organizational upheaval.<ref name="reuters-2024">{{cite news |date=2024-01-26 |title=Lonza chairman to step down, drugmaker confirms targets, shares soar |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lonza-chairman-step-down-confirms-margin-target-2024-01-26/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Albert Baehny''' is a Swiss business executive who has held senior leadership positions at major Swiss multinational corporations. He is known for his role as Chairman of the Board of [[Geberit]], the Swiss manufacturer of sanitary products and piping systems, and for his tenure as Chairman of the Board of [[Lonza Group]], a Swiss multinational company operating in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition sectors. During his six-year chairmanship at Lonza, Baehny oversaw a period of significant strategic transformation for the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), navigating leadership transitions and guiding the company through pivotal moments in the global biopharmaceutical industry. His announcement to step down from the Lonza chairmanship in January 2024, effective May of that year, marked the conclusion of an era defined by both expansion and executive turbulence at the company.<ref name="reuters2024">{{cite news |date=2024-01-26 |title=Lonza chairman to step down, drugmaker confirms targets, shares soar |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lonza-chairman-step-down-confirms-margin-target-2024-01-26/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Baehny also played a direct operational role at Lonza, stepping in as interim executive leader when CEO Marc Funk departed the company after a brief tenure.<ref name="cleanroom-ceo-steps-down">{{cite web |title=Lonza CEO steps down |url=https://cleanroomtechnology.com/lonza-ceo-steps-down--189145 |publisher=Cleanroom Technology |date=2024-03-29 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Geberit ===
=== Geberit ===


Albert Baehny has been closely associated with [[Geberit]], the Swiss multinational group specializing in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. He served as the company's Chief Executive Officer before transitioning to the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. His leadership at Geberit established his reputation as a prominent figure in Swiss corporate governance and industrial management.
Albert Baehny is closely associated with [[Geberit]], the Swiss manufacturer headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona that specialises in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. He served as Chairman of the Board of Geberit, a role through which he became a well-known figure in Swiss corporate governance circles. Geberit, listed on the [[SIX Swiss Exchange]], is a constituent of the [[Swiss Market Index]] and one of the larger industrial companies in Switzerland. Baehny's leadership at Geberit established his reputation as a senior figure in Swiss industry prior to his appointment at Lonza Group.


=== Chairman of Lonza Group ===
=== Chairman of Lonza Group ===


Baehny assumed the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors of [[Lonza Group]] in 2018.<ref name="reuters-2024" /> Lonza Group, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, is a multinational manufacturing company serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition sectors. The company operates major facilities across Europe, North America, and South Asia, and provides product development services to the pharmaceutical and biologic industries, including custom manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.lonza.com/about-us |publisher=Lonza Group |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Baehny became Chairman of the Board of [[Lonza Group]] in 2018, taking the helm of one of Switzerland's most prominent companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing sector.<ref name="reuters2024" /> Lonza Group, headquartered in Basel, is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) that provides services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition industries. The company operates major facilities in Europe, North America, and South Asia and is a component of the [[Swiss Market Index]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.lonza.com/about-us |publisher=Lonza Group |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


During Baehny's tenure as chairman, Lonza underwent substantial changes in its executive leadership. The company experienced a notable period of CEO turnover that drew attention from industry analysts and investors. In September 2023, CEO Pierre-Alain Ruffieux departed the company unexpectedly. According to industry analysis, the departure was attributed to the board's loss of confidence in Ruffieux's execution of the company's strategy.<ref>{{cite news |date=2023-09-18 |title=Loss of confidence? Another Lonza CEO unexpectedly leaves |url=https://www.bioprocessintl.com/regulations/loss-of-confidence-another-lonza-ceo-unexpectedly-leaves |work=BioProcess International |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This was not the first unexpected leadership change at Lonza; Marc Funk, who had preceded Ruffieux, also left the company after a relatively brief tenure as CEO.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lonza leader Marc Funk quits after just nine months as CEO |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-leader-marc-funk-quits-after-just-nine-months-as-ceo |work=Fierce Pharma |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During Baehny's tenure as chairman, Lonza underwent a period of considerable strategic development and operational change. The company deepened its focus on biopharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning itself as one of the world's leading CDMOs. Lonza's role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain became particularly visible during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], when the company partnered with [[Moderna]] to scale up manufacturing capacity for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine outside the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Moderna scaling up ex-US COVID-19 vaccine capacity as EU deal nears |url=https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/ARTICLE/2020/08/25/MODERNA-SCALING-UP-EX-US-COVID-19-VACCINE-CAPACITY-AS-EU-DEAL-NEARS |work=BioPharma-Reporter |date=2020-08-25 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This partnership brought significant public attention to Lonza and underscored the company's central role in global biopharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure.


In March 2024, it was announced that Marc Funk, who had returned to serve as CEO on an interim basis, would be stepping down again for personal reasons. Baehny himself assumed interim leadership responsibilities during this transition period, taking over operational oversight while the board conducted its search for a permanent replacement.<ref>{{cite news |date=2024-03-29 |title=Lonza CEO steps down |url=https://cleanroomtechnology.com/lonza-ceo-steps-down--189145 |work=Cleanroom Technology |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Under Baehny's board leadership, Lonza also expanded its capabilities in cell and gene therapy, including operations at facilities in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lonza opens cell and gene therapy facility in Pearland, TX |url=https://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/lonza-opens-cell-and-gene-therapy-facility-in-pearland-tx/81255682/ |publisher=Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The company maintained a diversified global manufacturing footprint, with operations in India's Genome Valley and other locations across multiple continents.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lonza to invest Rs 250 cr in Genome Valley |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/lonza-to-invest-rs-250-cr-in-genome-valley-110092500077_1.html |work=Business Standard |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Strategic Decisions at Lonza ===
=== CEO Transitions and Governance Challenges ===


As chairman, Baehny was involved in key strategic decisions regarding Lonza's positioning in the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. In November 2023, amid growing global demand for obesity drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists, Baehny publicly ruled out plans for Lonza to use its capacity to fill syringes and provide final production steps for new obesity treatments. This decision reflected the company's strategic focus on its core competencies in biopharmaceutical manufacturing rather than diversifying into the fill-finish segment of obesity drug production.<ref>{{cite news |date=2023-11-17 |title=Exclusive: Manufacturer Lonza says it will not fill obesity drug syringes |url=https://firstwordpharma.com/story/5802354 |work=FirstWord Pharma |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
One of the defining features of Baehny's chairmanship at Lonza was a series of unexpected leadership changes at the chief executive level, which drew scrutiny from investors and industry analysts.


Under Baehny's chairmanship, Lonza also navigated a period of significant industry demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company played a role in scaling up manufacturing capacity for vaccine production, including work related to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. In 2020, Lonza was involved in scaling up ex-US COVID-19 vaccine capacity as part of broader efforts to address global demand.<ref>{{cite news |title=Moderna scaling up ex-US COVID-19 vaccine capacity as EU deal nears |url=https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/ARTICLE/2020/08/25/MODERNA-SCALING-UP-EX-US-COVID-19-VACCINE-CAPACITY-AS-EU-DEAL-NEARS |work=BioPharma-Reporter |date=2020-08-25 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Lonza announced further developments in its manufacturing capabilities during this period.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lonza News 2020-11-02 |url=https://www.lonza.com/news/2020-11-02-06-00 |publisher=Lonza Group |date=2020-11-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In 2023, Lonza CEO Marc Funk departed the company after serving only approximately nine months in the role. Funk's sudden exit was described by the company as being for "personal reasons."<ref name="cleanroom-ceo-steps-down" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Lonza leader Marc Funk quits after just nine months as CEO |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-leader-marc-funk-quits-after-just-nine-months-as-ceo |work=Fierce Pharma |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In the wake of Funk's departure, Baehny assumed direct operational leadership of Lonza on an interim basis, taking over executive responsibilities while the board conducted a search for a permanent replacement.<ref name="cleanroom-ceo-steps-down" />


By the end of 2023, Lonza reported revenue figures, operating income of CHF 880 million, net income of CHF 655 million, total assets of CHF 16.8 billion, equity of CHF 9.51 billion, and a workforce of approximately 18,000 employees.<ref name="lonza-facts">{{cite web |title=Facts and Figures |url=https://www.lonza.com/about-lonza/company-profile/facts-and-figures/facts.aspx |publisher=Lonza Group |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
This was not the first such disruption during Baehny's tenure. Earlier in 2023, the departure of CEO Pierre-Alain Ruffieux also attracted significant attention from analysts and the financial press. An analyst cited by ''BioProcess International'' suggested that the unexpected exit of Ruffieux was "most likely the Board's loss of confidence in his execution."<ref name="bioprocess-ruffieux">{{cite news |title=Loss of confidence? Another Lonza CEO unexpectedly leaves |url=https://www.bioprocessintl.com/regulations/loss-of-confidence-another-lonza-ceo-unexpectedly-leaves |work=BioProcess International |date=2023-09-18 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The repeated turnover at the CEO level became a focal point of discussion about Lonza's governance and the role of the board, chaired by Baehny, in managing executive leadership.


=== CEO Succession and Retirement ===
Despite these challenges, Baehny worked to maintain strategic continuity for the company. In November 2023, as chairman, Baehny publicly addressed questions about Lonza's strategic direction, notably ruling out plans for the company to use its manufacturing capacity to fill syringes and provide final production steps for new obesity drugs, a market segment that was attracting intense interest across the pharmaceutical industry at the time.<ref name="firstword-obesity">{{cite news |title=Exclusive: Manufacturer Lonza says it will not fill obesity drug syringes |url=https://firstwordpharma.com/story/5802354 |work=FirstWord Pharma |date=2023-11-17 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This decision reflected a strategic focus on Lonza's core biopharmaceutical CDMO business rather than diversification into adjacent manufacturing services.


In January 2024, Lonza announced that Baehny would step down as chairman in May of that year after six years in the role. The announcement was part of a broader senior management reshuffle at the company. The news was received positively by investors, with Lonza shares rising on the announcement as the company simultaneously confirmed its margin targets.<ref name="reuters-2024" />
=== Announcement of Retirement and Succession ===


The search for a new CEO culminated in April 2024 with the appointment of Wolfgang Wienand, who had been serving as CEO of Siegfried, a rival Swiss CDMO. Wienand was set to transition into the role over the summer of 2024.<ref>{{cite news |date=2024-04-02 |title=Lonza appoints new Chief Executive |url=https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/news/225364/lonza-appoints-new-chief-executive/ |work=European Pharmaceutical Review |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2024-04-04 |title=Lonza makes decision on new CEO |url=https://cleanroomtechnology.com/lonza-makes-decision-on-new-ceo |work=Cleanroom Technology |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The hiring was described by industry observers as Lonza "poaching" a CEO from a competitor, reflecting the significance of the appointment in the CDMO sector. Lonza was simultaneously preparing to capitalize on strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of a Roche plant, as it positioned itself for further growth.<ref>{{cite news |date=2024-04-02 |title=Lonza poaches CEO from rival as it prepares to reap rewards of Roche plant buy |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-names-new-ceo-cdmo-giant-gears-major-growth |work=Fierce Pharma |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On 26 January 2024, Lonza announced that Baehny would step down as chairman of the board at the company's annual general meeting in May 2024, ending a six-year tenure in the role. The announcement was made alongside the company's confirmation of its financial targets, and the news was received positively by investors, with Lonza's shares rising on the day of the announcement.<ref name="reuters2024" /> Reuters reported the departure as part of a "second senior management reshuffle" at the company, reflecting the broader pattern of leadership changes that had characterized the preceding period.<ref name="reuters2024" />


Baehny's retirement from Lonza was characterized as a planned transition, with BioProcess International noting that Wienand would "take command of Lonza as Albert Baehny retires."<ref>{{cite news |date=2024-04-04 |title=Ins & Outs Special: Lonza bags CEO from rival CDMO |url=https://www.bioprocessintl.com/facilities-capacity/ins-outs-special-lonza-bags-ceo-from-rival-cdmo |work=BioProcess International |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In March 2024, it was reported that CEO Marc Funk had formally stepped down, and that Baehny would take over executive duties on an interim basis while a successor was identified.<ref name="cleanroom-ceo-steps-down" />


=== Lonza's Global Operations Under Baehny's Chairmanship ===
In April 2024, Lonza announced the appointment of Wolfgang Wienand, who was at that time serving as CEO of the Swiss CDMO [[Siegfried Holding|Siegfried]], as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lonza. Wienand was set to transition into the role over the summer of 2024.<ref name="epr-new-ceo">{{cite news |title=Lonza appoints new Chief Executive |url=https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/news/225364/lonza-appoints-new-chief-executive/ |work=European Pharmaceutical Review |date=2024-04-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref name="cleanroom-new-ceo">{{cite web |title=Lonza makes decision on new CEO |url=https://cleanroomtechnology.com/lonza-makes-decision-on-new-ceo |publisher=Cleanroom Technology |date=2024-04-04 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> ''Fierce Pharma'' described the hire as Lonza "poach[ing] CEO from rival" and noted the appointment came as Lonza was preparing for significant growth, including the integration of a plant acquired from [[Roche]].<ref name="fierce-new-ceo">{{cite news |title=Lonza poaches CEO from rival as it prepares to reap rewards of Roche plant buy |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-names-new-ceo-cdmo-giant-gears-major-growth |work=Fierce Pharma |date=2024-04-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> ''BioProcess International'' framed the appointment in the context of Baehny's retirement, noting that "Wolfgang Wienand will take command of Lonza as Albert Baehny retires."<ref name="bioprocess-ins-outs">{{cite news |title=Ins & Outs Special: Lonza bags CEO from rival CDMO |url=https://www.bioprocessintl.com/facilities-capacity/ins-outs-special-lonza-bags-ceo-from-rival-cdmo |work=BioProcess International |date=2024-04-04 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


During Baehny's period as chairman, Lonza continued to expand its global manufacturing footprint. The company had previously established significant operations in multiple regions. In the United States, Lonza opened a cell and gene therapy facility in Pearland, Texas, reflecting the growing importance of advanced therapy manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical industry.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lonza Opens Cell and Gene Therapy Facility in Pearland, TX |url=https://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/lonza-opens-cell-and-gene-therapy-facility-in-pearland-tx/81255682/ |work=Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
The completion of Baehny's tenure and the appointment of Wienand marked the conclusion of a turbulent governance period for Lonza and the beginning of a new leadership structure for the company.


In South Asia, Lonza had invested approximately Rs 250 crore in Genome Valley, a biotechnology hub located near Hyderabad, India, establishing a bio-pharma unit as part of the company's strategy to expand its manufacturing presence in the region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Lonza to invest Rs 250 cr in Genome Valley |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/lonza-to-invest-rs-250-cr-in-genome-valley-110092500077_1.html |work=Business Standard |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lonza Group to set up a bio-pharma unit at Genome Valley |url=http://pharma.industry-focus.net/bio-pharmaceuticals/179-lonza-group-to-set-up-a-bio-pharma-unit-at-genome-valley-lonza-group-to-set-up-a-bio-pharma-unit-at-genome-valley.html |publisher=Industry Focus |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The company had received an allotment of 30 acres of land in Genome Valley for this purpose.<ref>{{cite web |title=Allotment 30 acres of land in the Genome Valley |url=https://www.lonza.com/about-lonza/media-center/news/2009/allotment-30-acres-of-land-in-the-genome-valley.aspx |publisher=Lonza Group |date=2009 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Strategic Decisions and Industry Impact ===


Lonza's history as a company dates to the late 19th century, when it was established in Switzerland. The company's evolution from its origins to a modern multinational CDMO represented a significant corporate transformation, much of which accelerated during the period when Baehny served on the board and as chairman.<ref>{{cite web |title=Company History |url=https://www.lonza.com/about-lonza/company-profile/company-history.aspx |publisher=Lonza Group |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lonza |url=https://hls-dhs-dss.ch/fr/articles/041941 |publisher=Historisches Lexikon der Schweiz |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During his chairmanship, Baehny oversaw decisions that shaped Lonza's positioning within the rapidly evolving CDMO industry. The global biopharmaceutical sector experienced significant growth during the late 2010s and early 2020s, driven by advances in biologics, cell and gene therapies, and the urgent demand for vaccine manufacturing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Lonza's shares are traded on the [[SIX Swiss Exchange]] as a component of the [[Swiss Market Index]] (SMI), underscoring the company's position as one of Switzerland's most significant publicly listed corporations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lonza Group Product Search |url=https://www.six-group.com/en/products-services/the-swiss-stock-exchange/market-data/news-tools/product-search.html?security=LONN |publisher=SIX Group |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Lonza's partnership with Moderna for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing was among the most visible developments during Baehny's chairmanship. The company's role in scaling up production of the mRNA-based vaccine outside the United States demonstrated the strategic value of Lonza's large-scale manufacturing infrastructure and its capacity for rapid expansion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lonza and Moderna enter collaboration |url=https://www.lonza.com/news/2020-11-02-06-00 |publisher=Lonza Group |date=2020-11-02 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
Baehny's decision in 2023 to steer Lonza away from the obesity drug fill-finish market, even as competitors and investors showed enthusiasm for the sector, reflected a governance approach that prioritised the company's existing competencies in biologics and custom manufacturing over opportunistic diversification.<ref name="firstword-obesity" />
 
By the end of fiscal year 2023, Lonza reported operating income of CHF 880 million and net income of CHF 655 million, with total assets of CHF 16.8 billion and shareholder equity of CHF 9.51 billion. The company employed approximately 18,000 people globally.<ref name="AR2023">{{cite web |title=Lonza Annual Report 2023 |url=http://www.lonza.com/ |publisher=Lonza Group |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Albert Baehny's tenure at Lonza Group coincided with a transformative period for the global CDMO industry, driven by the increasing outsourcing of pharmaceutical manufacturing and the unprecedented demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his chairmanship, Lonza maintained its position as one of the world's largest CDMOs, with operations spanning multiple continents and a workforce of approximately 18,000 employees by 2023.<ref name="lonza-facts" />
Albert Baehny's tenure at Lonza Group is characterised by a combination of strategic growth and governance challenges. Under his chairmanship, the company strengthened its position as one of the world's leading CDMOs, expanded into cell and gene therapy manufacturing, and played a central role in the global COVID-19 vaccine response through its partnership with Moderna. At the same time, the repeated and unexpected departures of multiple CEOs during his tenure drew attention from investors and industry commentators, raising questions about board-level governance and executive management stability at Lonza.<ref name="bioprocess-ruffieux" /><ref name="reuters2024" />


The multiple CEO transitions during Baehny's chairmanship—including the departures of Marc Funk and Pierre-Alain Ruffieux—attracted scrutiny from analysts and investors, raising questions about board governance and executive stability at the company. However, the positive market reaction to the announcement of his planned retirement and the simultaneous confirmation of financial targets in January 2024 suggested that investors viewed the leadership transition favorably as a step toward organizational stability.<ref name="reuters-2024" />
Baehny's willingness to assume interim executive responsibilities during periods of leadership transition demonstrated an active governance approach, though this dual role of chairman and acting CEO also drew scrutiny regarding the separation of oversight and operational management.


Baehny's decision to steer Lonza away from the obesity drug fill-finish market, despite the substantial commercial opportunity presented by GLP-1 receptor agonists, reflected a strategic discipline focused on the company's established strengths in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The appointment of Wolfgang Wienand from Siegfried as his successor's operational counterpart was seen as a signal of Lonza's intent to pursue continued growth in its core CDMO business, including leveraging acquisitions such as the Roche plant purchase to expand capacity.<ref>{{cite news |date=2024-04-02 |title=Lonza poaches CEO from rival as it prepares to reap rewards of Roche plant buy |url=https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-names-new-ceo-cdmo-giant-gears-major-growth |work=Fierce Pharma |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
The appointment of Wolfgang Wienand as CEO in 2024, coinciding with Baehny's planned retirement from the Lonza board, was seen as a stabilising move for the company. Industry publications noted the significance of recruiting a CEO from a rival CDMO, suggesting confidence in the company's strategic direction despite the preceding period of leadership disruption.<ref name="fierce-new-ceo" /><ref name="epr-new-ceo" />


His dual roles at Geberit and Lonza placed Baehny among the more prominent figures in Swiss corporate governance during the early 2020s, with responsibilities spanning the industrial manufacturing and life sciences sectors.
Baehny's career across Geberit and Lonza established him as a notable figure in Swiss corporate governance, with experience spanning industrial manufacturing and the biopharmaceutical sector.


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 05:18, 24 February 2026




Albert Baehny
NationalitySwiss
OccupationBusiness executive, corporate chairman
TitleChairman of the Board, Geberit; Former Chairman of the Board, Lonza Group
Known forChairman of Geberit, Chairman of Lonza Group

Albert Baehny is a Swiss business executive who has held senior leadership positions at major Swiss multinational corporations. He is known for his role as Chairman of the Board of Geberit, the Swiss manufacturer of sanitary products and piping systems, and for his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Lonza Group, a Swiss multinational company operating in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition sectors. During his six-year chairmanship at Lonza, Baehny oversaw a period of significant strategic transformation for the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), navigating leadership transitions and guiding the company through pivotal moments in the global biopharmaceutical industry. His announcement to step down from the Lonza chairmanship in January 2024, effective May of that year, marked the conclusion of an era defined by both expansion and executive turbulence at the company.[1] Baehny also played a direct operational role at Lonza, stepping in as interim executive leader when CEO Marc Funk departed the company after a brief tenure.[2]

Career

Geberit

Albert Baehny is closely associated with Geberit, the Swiss manufacturer headquartered in Rapperswil-Jona that specialises in sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. He served as Chairman of the Board of Geberit, a role through which he became a well-known figure in Swiss corporate governance circles. Geberit, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, is a constituent of the Swiss Market Index and one of the larger industrial companies in Switzerland. Baehny's leadership at Geberit established his reputation as a senior figure in Swiss industry prior to his appointment at Lonza Group.

Chairman of Lonza Group

Baehny became Chairman of the Board of Lonza Group in 2018, taking the helm of one of Switzerland's most prominent companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing sector.[1] Lonza Group, headquartered in Basel, is a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) that provides services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and nutrition industries. The company operates major facilities in Europe, North America, and South Asia and is a component of the Swiss Market Index.[3]

During Baehny's tenure as chairman, Lonza underwent a period of considerable strategic development and operational change. The company deepened its focus on biopharmaceutical manufacturing, positioning itself as one of the world's leading CDMOs. Lonza's role in the global pharmaceutical supply chain became particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the company partnered with Moderna to scale up manufacturing capacity for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine outside the United States.[4] This partnership brought significant public attention to Lonza and underscored the company's central role in global biopharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure.

Under Baehny's board leadership, Lonza also expanded its capabilities in cell and gene therapy, including operations at facilities in the United States.[5] The company maintained a diversified global manufacturing footprint, with operations in India's Genome Valley and other locations across multiple continents.[6]

CEO Transitions and Governance Challenges

One of the defining features of Baehny's chairmanship at Lonza was a series of unexpected leadership changes at the chief executive level, which drew scrutiny from investors and industry analysts.

In 2023, Lonza CEO Marc Funk departed the company after serving only approximately nine months in the role. Funk's sudden exit was described by the company as being for "personal reasons."[2][7] In the wake of Funk's departure, Baehny assumed direct operational leadership of Lonza on an interim basis, taking over executive responsibilities while the board conducted a search for a permanent replacement.[2]

This was not the first such disruption during Baehny's tenure. Earlier in 2023, the departure of CEO Pierre-Alain Ruffieux also attracted significant attention from analysts and the financial press. An analyst cited by BioProcess International suggested that the unexpected exit of Ruffieux was "most likely the Board's loss of confidence in his execution."[8] The repeated turnover at the CEO level became a focal point of discussion about Lonza's governance and the role of the board, chaired by Baehny, in managing executive leadership.

Despite these challenges, Baehny worked to maintain strategic continuity for the company. In November 2023, as chairman, Baehny publicly addressed questions about Lonza's strategic direction, notably ruling out plans for the company to use its manufacturing capacity to fill syringes and provide final production steps for new obesity drugs, a market segment that was attracting intense interest across the pharmaceutical industry at the time.[9] This decision reflected a strategic focus on Lonza's core biopharmaceutical CDMO business rather than diversification into adjacent manufacturing services.

Announcement of Retirement and Succession

On 26 January 2024, Lonza announced that Baehny would step down as chairman of the board at the company's annual general meeting in May 2024, ending a six-year tenure in the role. The announcement was made alongside the company's confirmation of its financial targets, and the news was received positively by investors, with Lonza's shares rising on the day of the announcement.[1] Reuters reported the departure as part of a "second senior management reshuffle" at the company, reflecting the broader pattern of leadership changes that had characterized the preceding period.[1]

In March 2024, it was reported that CEO Marc Funk had formally stepped down, and that Baehny would take over executive duties on an interim basis while a successor was identified.[2]

In April 2024, Lonza announced the appointment of Wolfgang Wienand, who was at that time serving as CEO of the Swiss CDMO Siegfried, as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lonza. Wienand was set to transition into the role over the summer of 2024.[10][11] Fierce Pharma described the hire as Lonza "poach[ing] CEO from rival" and noted the appointment came as Lonza was preparing for significant growth, including the integration of a plant acquired from Roche.[12] BioProcess International framed the appointment in the context of Baehny's retirement, noting that "Wolfgang Wienand will take command of Lonza as Albert Baehny retires."[13]

The completion of Baehny's tenure and the appointment of Wienand marked the conclusion of a turbulent governance period for Lonza and the beginning of a new leadership structure for the company.

Strategic Decisions and Industry Impact

During his chairmanship, Baehny oversaw decisions that shaped Lonza's positioning within the rapidly evolving CDMO industry. The global biopharmaceutical sector experienced significant growth during the late 2010s and early 2020s, driven by advances in biologics, cell and gene therapies, and the urgent demand for vaccine manufacturing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lonza's partnership with Moderna for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing was among the most visible developments during Baehny's chairmanship. The company's role in scaling up production of the mRNA-based vaccine outside the United States demonstrated the strategic value of Lonza's large-scale manufacturing infrastructure and its capacity for rapid expansion.[14]

Baehny's decision in 2023 to steer Lonza away from the obesity drug fill-finish market, even as competitors and investors showed enthusiasm for the sector, reflected a governance approach that prioritised the company's existing competencies in biologics and custom manufacturing over opportunistic diversification.[9]

By the end of fiscal year 2023, Lonza reported operating income of CHF 880 million and net income of CHF 655 million, with total assets of CHF 16.8 billion and shareholder equity of CHF 9.51 billion. The company employed approximately 18,000 people globally.[15]

Legacy

Albert Baehny's tenure at Lonza Group is characterised by a combination of strategic growth and governance challenges. Under his chairmanship, the company strengthened its position as one of the world's leading CDMOs, expanded into cell and gene therapy manufacturing, and played a central role in the global COVID-19 vaccine response through its partnership with Moderna. At the same time, the repeated and unexpected departures of multiple CEOs during his tenure drew attention from investors and industry commentators, raising questions about board-level governance and executive management stability at Lonza.[8][1]

Baehny's willingness to assume interim executive responsibilities during periods of leadership transition demonstrated an active governance approach, though this dual role of chairman and acting CEO also drew scrutiny regarding the separation of oversight and operational management.

The appointment of Wolfgang Wienand as CEO in 2024, coinciding with Baehny's planned retirement from the Lonza board, was seen as a stabilising move for the company. Industry publications noted the significance of recruiting a CEO from a rival CDMO, suggesting confidence in the company's strategic direction despite the preceding period of leadership disruption.[12][10]

Baehny's career across Geberit and Lonza established him as a notable figure in Swiss corporate governance, with experience spanning industrial manufacturing and the biopharmaceutical sector.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Lonza chairman to step down, drugmaker confirms targets, shares soar".Reuters.2024-01-26.https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/lonza-chairman-step-down-confirms-margin-target-2024-01-26/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Lonza CEO steps down".Cleanroom Technology.2024-03-29.https://cleanroomtechnology.com/lonza-ceo-steps-down--189145.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. "About Us".Lonza Group.https://www.lonza.com/about-us.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. "Moderna scaling up ex-US COVID-19 vaccine capacity as EU deal nears".BioPharma-Reporter.2020-08-25.https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/ARTICLE/2020/08/25/MODERNA-SCALING-UP-EX-US-COVID-19-VACCINE-CAPACITY-AS-EU-DEAL-NEARS.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. "Lonza opens cell and gene therapy facility in Pearland, TX".Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News.https://www.genengnews.com/gen-news-highlights/lonza-opens-cell-and-gene-therapy-facility-in-pearland-tx/81255682/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. "Lonza to invest Rs 250 cr in Genome Valley".Business Standard.http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/lonza-to-invest-rs-250-cr-in-genome-valley-110092500077_1.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. "Lonza leader Marc Funk quits after just nine months as CEO".Fierce Pharma.https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-leader-marc-funk-quits-after-just-nine-months-as-ceo.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Loss of confidence? Another Lonza CEO unexpectedly leaves".BioProcess International.2023-09-18.https://www.bioprocessintl.com/regulations/loss-of-confidence-another-lonza-ceo-unexpectedly-leaves.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Exclusive: Manufacturer Lonza says it will not fill obesity drug syringes".FirstWord Pharma.2023-11-17.https://firstwordpharma.com/story/5802354.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. 10.0 10.1 "Lonza appoints new Chief Executive".European Pharmaceutical Review.2024-04-02.https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/news/225364/lonza-appoints-new-chief-executive/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. "Lonza makes decision on new CEO".Cleanroom Technology.2024-04-04.https://cleanroomtechnology.com/lonza-makes-decision-on-new-ceo.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Lonza poaches CEO from rival as it prepares to reap rewards of Roche plant buy".Fierce Pharma.2024-04-02.https://www.fiercepharma.com/manufacturing/lonza-names-new-ceo-cdmo-giant-gears-major-growth.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. "Ins & Outs Special: Lonza bags CEO from rival CDMO".BioProcess International.2024-04-04.https://www.bioprocessintl.com/facilities-capacity/ins-outs-special-lonza-bags-ceo-from-rival-cdmo.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. "Lonza and Moderna enter collaboration".Lonza Group.2020-11-02.https://www.lonza.com/news/2020-11-02-06-00.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. "Lonza Annual Report 2023".Lonza Group.http://www.lonza.com/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.