Swiss Biotech Association appoints Nicolas Durand as CEO and Odile Rundquist as Chief Strategy & Growth Officer
The Swiss Biotech Association has appointed Nicolas Durand as CEO, effective January 1, 2027, and Odile Rundquist as Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, as of December 1, 2026. Nicolas Durand will assume overall executive responsibility for the association, while Odile Rundquist will focus on strategic development, partnerships, and access to capital. The association’s priorities remain unchanged: supporting its members and strengthening the Swiss biotech industry.
Nicolas Durand brings experience in biotechnology entrepreneurship, fundraising, and industry representation. He is CEO of Fondation Campus Biotech Geneva and Vice President of economiesuisse. He founded Abionic in 2010 and led the company until 2024, raising approximately CHF 120 million. As CEO, he will oversee the association’s operations, finances, its external representation, and the implementation of the strategy approved by the board.
Odile Rundquist is a partner at Bioqube Ventures and has more than 20 years of experience in life sciences, investment and corporate governance. Her background includes pharmaceutical equity research, family office advisory and venture capital. Reporting to the CEO, she will advance strategic growth initiatives, strengthen engagement with investors and pharmaceutical partners, and enhance the association’s international positioning to create value for members.
Continuity and a smooth leadership transition
«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», says Patrick Amstutz, President of the Swiss Biotech Association. «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.»
Incoming CEO Nicolas Durand said: «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.»
Odile Rundquist added: «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.»
Nicolas Durand – Download high-resolution image here
Odile Rundquist – Download high-resolution image here
Media Contact
Swiss Biotech Association
Sabine Bamert, Head of Communications
bamert@swissbiotech.org
Swiss Biotech and the Swiss Biotech Association
Founded in 1998, the Swiss Biotech Association represents the interests of the Swiss biotech industry. To support its members in a competitive market, the association works to secure favorable framework conditions and facilitate access to talent, novel technologies and financial resources. To strengthen and promote the Swiss biotech industry, the Swiss Biotech Association collaborates with numerous partners and life science clusters globally under the brand Swiss Biotech™.