After seven years as Board member and six years as Chair of Lonza, Albert Baehny has decided to not stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) in May 2024.
As well as steering the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, Albert Baehny oversaw the transformation of Lonza from a chemical and pharma conglomerate to one of the largest healthcare manufacturing organisations, serving the pharmaceutical, biotech and nutrition markets.
The Board of Directors recognises the instrumental role of Albert Baehny during his tenure, including leading the company as CEO ad interim during the pandemic and in the current transition to a new CEO.
The Board will propose to shareholders at the 2024 AGM the election of Jean-Marc Huët as the new Chair of the Board.
Jean-Marc Huët is the current Chair of the Supervisory Board of Heineken N.V. and former Chief Financial Officer of Unilever, Bristol-Myers Squibb and the specialized nutrition company Royal Numico N.V.
To ensure continuity and a seamless transition, Albert Baehny will remain CEO ad interim of Lonza until the new CEO commences their tenure.
Christoph Mäder, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Lead Independent Director, Lonza, commented on Albert Baehny's achievements: "With his charismatic and visionary leadership, Albert Baehny has shaped the recent history of Lonza and developed the company into a global market leader in the rapidly growing CDMO industry. With his pioneering spirit, he also played a decisive role in enabling Lonza to make a significant contribution to the fight against the global pandemic."
Jean-Marc Huët, who grew up and currently lives in Switzerland, has a strong international leadership track record, with current chairships at Heineken and the private equity-owned premium caterer Vermaat Groep B.V., amongst other senior responsibilities.
He has extensive international operational and strategic management experience in the consumer, pharma and nutrition industries as former Chief Financial Officer of Unilever, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Royal Numico N.V.
Albert Baehny commented: "I am very pleased that Jean-Marc Huët is nominated to succeed me as Chair. With his comprehensive experience in the strategic and financial management of global companies, Jean-Marc is well placed to further develop Lonza in a constantly changing market and investor environment. With his profile, he fully meets the requirements defined by the Board of Directors to be Chair for the next chapter in Lonza’s story.”
