Bildnachweis: Swiss Biotech Association.
The Swiss Biotech Association is reshaping its leadership team with two new appointments. Nicolas Durand will take over as CEO on 1 January 2027, while Odile Rundquist will assume the newly announced role of Chief Strategy & Growth Officer on 1 December 2026. The appointments are intended to strengthen the association’s strategic development, investor relations and support for its members. Its overarching goal remains to reinforce Switzerland’s position as a leading biotech hub.
Durand brings extensive experience in biotechnology entrepreneurship, fundraising and industry representation. He is currently CEO of Fondation Campus Biotech Geneva and Vice President of economiesuisse. In 2010, he founded Abionic, which he led until 2024, raising approximately CHF 120m. In his new role, he will oversee the association’s operations, finances and external representation, as well as the implementation of the strategy approved by the board. “I am honored to have been entrusted with leading the Swiss Biotech Association and building on the work of Michael Altorfer, the board, and the team. I am looking forward to an open dialogue with our members, strengthening the practical value the association provides and ensuring that the voice of Swiss biotech is heard in political and economic debates. I look forward to shaping the association’s next chapter”, said Durand.
Rundquist is a partner at Bioqube Ventures and has more than 20 years of experience in life sciences, investment and corporate governance. Her professional background includes pharmaceutical equity research, family office advisory and Venture Capital. Reporting to the CEO, she will drive strategic growth initiatives, strengthen relationships with investors and pharmaceutical partners, and enhance the association’s international positioning. “Switzerland has an exceptional biotech ecosystem, with world-class science, entrepreneurial talent and a strong pharmaceutical industry. The Swiss Biotech Association can play an increasingly important role in connecting these strengths, helping entrepreneurs navigate the ecosystem and facilitating access to the right partners and capital at every stage of their development. I look forward to working with Nicolas, the board and the team, to create even greater value for our members”, said Rundquist.
Ensuring continuity and strengthening the ecosystem
“We are pleased to welcome Nicolas and Odile to the Swiss Biotech Association. As a founder and biotech CEO, Nicolas brings entrepreneurial experience and credibility to lead the association. Odile is well positioned to strengthen our relations with investors and pharmaceutical partners. Together, they will build on the strong foundation established by Michael Altorfer and his team”, said Patrick Amstutz, President of the Swiss Biotech Association. He also thanked outgoing CEO Michael Altorfer for his decade of leadership: “On behalf of the Swiss biotech industry, I thank Michael for his leadership over the past decade. He has established the association as a central resource for our industry and helped positioning Switzerland as a leading international biotech hub. Michael is working closely with Nicolas and Odile to ensure a smooth transition. Our priorities remain unchanged: creating value for members, facilitating access to talent, technology, and capital, fostering favorable conditions and industry platforms, such as the Swiss Biotech Day, one of the ecosystem’s leading global events.”
