5 questions for Martin Künzel, CEO Merz Pharma Schweiz AG

He was unable to realize his dream job in neurology. Nevertheless, a classic career path in the clinic seemed to be mapped out. But then Dr. Martin Künzel decided otherwise - and found a career path that better suited his interests and personality. "I preferred being around people rather than equipment," he says looking back today.

In conversation, it becomes clear what is important to him: Being close to people, meaningful work, the opportunity to take on responsibility. The move from the clinic to the healthcare and life science industry was not a break for him, but a step that opened up new perspectives - both professionally and personally.

His career began with his medical studies, took him into the clinic - and then, with a certain pragmatism and a great deal of curiosity, into industry. There he started in medical marketing, worked at Roche, later moved to Serono and finally to Merz Pharmawhere he has now been working for over 20 years. The list of his functions is long: sales, marketing, product management, team leadership - and always new product areas, new challenges. What has remained constant: the will to take on responsibility, to develop further and to take people with him.

For the experienced managing director, leadership means taking responsibility seriously. Trust, openness, directness: these are not just buzzwords for him, but working principles. "I don't keep my head down. It's not equally good for everyone, but I think it creates trust."

He sees potential in the exchange with young people in particular - not as a one-way street, but as a genuine dialog. For him, mentoring means not only passing on knowledge, but also allowing yourself to be challenged. "They challenge us. And that's a good thing."

These values - respect, togetherness, meaning - not only shape his work, but also his personal environment. Family, friends and social relationships are fundamental to him - as are charitable work and commitment to meaningful projects that go beyond traditional career goals.

"We spend so much time at work - something positive should come out of it."

Dr. Martin Künzel, CEO Merz Pharma

Even after decades in the industry, you can tell that Martin Künzel does not follow a routine, but an attitude. Work should create meaning, not just function. What drives him is not to arrive, but to create. And the willingness to remain curious and constantly challenge himself anew.

Mr. Künzel, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?

"I would probably have become a specialist in a hospital or practice. My university career began with a degree in pharmacy, followed by a doctorate in medicine and several years as a junior doctor in the field of internal medicine. I was often the contact person in the team for hormonal, metabolic and medication-related issues when dealing with patients.

However, I was only able to develop my interest in economic relationships and sales topics to a limited extent there - and so my professional development ultimately took a different direction. Today, I am grateful for this path: it has not only given me a lot of fulfillment, but also valuable insights into HealthCare systems, structures and valuable opportunities that I might otherwise have missed."

What is your favorite way to start your day?
"Ideally, I start with a ten-minute workout - stretching exercises, push-ups and variations. If the weather is nice, it can also be a short jog in the countryside. A cold shower afterwards gives me a mental boost. I enjoy breakfast consciously and calmly, usually accompanied by a look at the latest news portals. Afterwards, I plan the day and mentally prepare myself for the tasks ahead."

What does success mean to you personally?
"For me, success means seeing people and structures around me who work with joy, purpose and passion. When this succeeds, it creates a positive dynamic that radiates and goes far beyond individual achievements."

What would you work for free for a week?
"I would work for free for a week to teach young people in a practical way what good leadership, a sense of responsibility and entrepreneurial thinking mean - for example as part of a university project or mentoring program."

What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"As a child, my mother advised me - somewhat angrily - to become a vacuum cleaner salesman or take up a related sales job. The reason was that I had successfully raided the pantry with my cousin and sold the fruit we had stored for the winter to passers-by. Years later, when I gave up my hospital career in favor of my business-oriented career, she was a little sad at first. I reminded her then with a smile, but also with a certain seriousness, "that I had only followed her early advice - and could now combine my medical knowledge with business and sales-oriented thinking."

We would like to thank Mr. Künzel for his contribution to this article.