Lonza has appointed Jason Berndt as head of group operations and executive vice president, effective 1 October 2025. He will also join the company’s executive committee.

Berndt succeeds Maria Soler Nunez, who becomes chief quality officer and executive vice president, a newly created role that elevates Lonza’s quality function to executive committee level. Soler Nunez, who joined Lonza in 2022, previously served as head of group operations and will now oversee quality standards, regulatory affairs and compliance across the company’s global network.

Berndt brings more than 20 years of international experience in operations, supply chain, and manufacturing. He most recently served as senior vice president and head of global technical services at Bristol Myers Squibb, following leadership positions at Teva, Procter & Gamble, and McKinsey.

Oliver Schläfli, currently global head of quality, will retire in 2026. He will transfer responsibilities to Soler Nunez and support the transition during the interim.

Wolfgang Wienand, CEO of Lonza, said: “I am pleased to welcome Jason to our One Lonza Team and to warmly congratulate Maria on her new role. With our ambition to further elevate Lonza’s execution excellence in manufacturing, engineering and large capital projects, Jason will be a strong addition to the team with his hands-on experience and proven leadership. Jason will work closely with Maria and our three business platforms to further strengthen the operational, technical and quality foundations for the growth journey ahead of us.

“With her deep knowledge of our business, her first-hand experience and passion for quality and her collaborative leadership style, Maria is perfectly positioned to take on the new and elevated role of chief quality officer in the Lonza executive leadership team.”