Roche Announces Key Leadership Transitions Within Enlarged Corporate Executive Committee
Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced significant changes to its leadership team, as two esteemed members of its enlarged Corporate Executive Committee prepare to retire. Dr. Johannes (Hans) Clevers, Head of Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), and Barbara Schädler, Head of Group Communications, will both be stepping down from their respective roles in the coming months.
Dr. Hans Clevers to Retire from Roche pRED
Dr. Hans Clevers (born 1957), a renowned scientist and leading figure in molecular biology and regenerative medicine, will retire from his role as Head of Roche pRED at the end of August 2025. Dr. Clevers joined Roche’s Board of Directors in 2019 and was appointed to lead the pRED organization in March 2022. Since then, he has overseen a pivotal period of growth and innovation in Roche’s early-stage pharmaceutical pipeline.
Under his leadership, Roche pRED has made remarkable strides in progressing numerous potentially transformational therapies into late-stage development. His strategic vision and scientific rigor helped accelerate innovative programs aimed at delivering groundbreaking treatments for patients across a range of serious diseases.
Thomas Schinecker, Chief Executive Officer of Roche, expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Clevers’ contributions:
“Hans is an exceptional scientist who has been instrumental in translating cutting-edge science into improved patient outcomes. Under his leadership, the pRED organisation has accelerated several potentially transformational medicines into the final phase of development that will shape the company for the years to come. It has been a pleasure working with him, and I am thankful for his many contributions to our company and patients.”
Although Dr. Clevers will step down from his executive position, he will continue to serve Roche in another capacity. He will remain at the helm of the Institute of Human Biology (IHB), a pioneering research initiative founded under his leadership, until a successor is appointed. The IHB has been at the forefront of organoid research and systems biology, playing a key role in Roche’s long-term innovation strategy.
Barbara Schädler to Retire After Leading Group Communications
In addition to Dr. Clevers’ retirement, Roche also announced that Barbara Schädler (born 1962), Head of Group Communications and member of the enlarged Corporate Executive Committee, will retire at the end of 2025. Schädler joined Roche in 2019 and has since transformed the company’s communications strategy, aligning it with Roche’s evolving identity and global impact.
Throughout her six-year tenure, Schädler led a significant modernization and integration of Roche’s communications infrastructure. Her efforts helped position Roche as a trusted voice in the healthcare and life sciences sector—both internally among employees and externally with key stakeholders.
Her leadership was especially critical during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she spearheaded Roche’s internal crisis response and played a central role in coordinating communications and engagement across the organization.
Reflecting on her impact, CEO Schinecker remarked:
“During more than six years at Roche, Barbara Schädler has fully integrated and modernised our company’s communication function. Communications is a core pillar representing who we are as Roche. Through Barbara’s expertise and leadership, she has successfully represented our company both internally and externally. Her resilience and determination were especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when she championed our internal taskforce. I am thankful for everything that she has achieved and for our excellent collaboration.”
Looking Ahead
These leadership changes come at a time of strategic importance for Roche as the company continues to evolve its innovation engine and enhance its global reach in patient-centric care. While both Dr. Clevers and Ms. Schädler will be greatly missed, their legacies are expected to have a lasting influence on the organization’s future.
Roche stated that successors for both roles will be announced in due course, ensuring a smooth transition and continued momentum for the company’s R&D and communications strategies.
