Andreas Bohrer did not set out to be a leading figure in one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, though he seems to have possessed the necessary qualities from the start. A mountaineer and admirer of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, Bohrer understands that endurance and integrity matter just as much as influence when navigating the complex world of corporate affairs.   

Trained as a lawyer, Bohrer left university with a doctorate in law and completed a Fulbright LL.M. at New York University, then joined corporate law firms in Zurich, Geneva and New York, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, private equity and capital markets. It was a solid start to a legal career.

But Bohrer gradually realised he wanted to work closer to the strategic decisions that shape entire industries.

“While I was learning a lot in law firms, I found myself drawn to the intersections of law, governance and business strategy,” he recalls. “I wanted a role where I could influence outcomes at scale.”

Joining Lonza Group in 2015 as Group General Counsel and Company Secretary, Bohrer found that role. Over the next decade, his responsibilities expanded steadily, culminating in his appointment as Chief Legal & Corporate Affairs Officer and member of the Executive Committee in 2025. 

Today, he leads legal, intellectual property, ethics and compliance, ESG and sustainability, enterprise risk management, insurance and public affairs for one of Switzerland’s premier contract development and manufacturing companies.

Lonza operates globally, partnering with biotech and pharmaceutical innovators to develop and manufacture high-quality medicines and biologics. Its mission is to accelerate scientific progress while maintaining the highest standards of governance, safety and sustainability.

“At Lonza, we don’t just manage risk or compliance,” Bohrer explains. “We create frameworks that allow the company to grow responsibly, innovate effectively, and respond to global challenges.”

Public affairs is a particularly complex part of that mission. Bohrer leads Lonza’s engagement with governments, regulators, and industry bodies worldwide, ensuring the company’s perspective shapes policies affecting pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.

One of the most significant milestones in his career has been leading Lonza’s global Coronavirus Task Force from 2020 to 2022. Under his guidance, the company scaled up biologics and vaccine manufacturing at unprecedented speed, supporting global public health efforts while reinforcing Lonza’s reputation as a trusted partner for pharmaceutical innovators.

“Leading the Task Force was a defining moment,” Bohrer says. “It required coordination across continents, disciplines, and teams. The success of the effort depended entirely on the people around me.”

Bohrer credits mentors and colleagues across his career for fostering his growth, from early law firm mentors to executive colleagues at UBS and Novartis. His leadership philosophy centres on empowerment, teamwork, and trust, reflecting the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Outside the office, Bohrer is an avid mountaineer and fencer, and values time with his family to recharge and gain perspective. These pursuits, he says, reinforce his calm, disciplined approach to decision-making in high-stakes, complex environments.

Under Bohrer’s leadership, Lonza continues to grow as a globally connected, innovative and resilient organisation, delivering medicines that improve lives worldwide while setting high standards in corporate governance, sustainability and scientific excellence.

Quickfire Q&A

What do people outside the “Westminster Tunnel” get wrong about public affairs?

Misunderstanding that you must give and take, build up a long-term reputation of being trustworthy, walk your talk, act with integrity, and play no games with constituencies and counterparties.

What’s your leadership philosophy?

Empowerment, teamwork and trust. At Lonza, I succeed through the success of my team, based on having the best talents, and by empowering them.

Any mentor and/or piece of advice that has stayed with you? 

“Don’t pick a job, pick a boss.” Success in public policy requires continuity, humility, and putting the interests of the goal or of the company before personal preferences. 

How has AI changed public affairs engagement? Are you worried about the “human factor”?

AI and technology are helpful to facilitate fact-finding, to some extent, even ideation. They are not replacing, at this point, the judgment that is based on real-life experience.

Do you work with agencies? Any advice for a beauty parade?

Agencies are used when we see a gap in-house. To close the gap, agencies need to integrate into our own project organisation, work as a team, and abstain from “primadonna” behaviour. 

Outside the Westminster village, how do you unwind? 

Fencing, mountaineering and spending time with family.

Which historical figure inspires you?

Sir Ernest Shackleton for bringing the entire crew of Endurance safely home, against all odds. He defined a goal, based on humanity and integrity, and followed through with self-discipline.

What song sums up your approach to life?

“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python.