A brief summary of your role and what your company does.
The focus of my role is to create conditions for success, aligning people, strategies and resources to drive innovation in cell and gene therapy. As a company, Miltenyi Biotec is transforming lives through groundbreaking medical advancements, so it’s incredibly exciting to have the chance to contribute to something that’s bigger than myself and help transform the future of healthcare.
How did you start working in general management?
My journey was fueled by curiosity, and the willingness to step outside my comfort zone. Early on in my career, I worked in advisory roles that exposed me to a diverse range of industries and cultures.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career to date?
One of the most fulfilling moments in my career was during a challenging expansion into new markets. It wasn’t just about the metrics and hitting targets, it was about uniting a diverse team, navigating cultural differences and building something meaningful together.
For me, success isn’t just about how well a particular initiative has gone. Instead, it’s about the journey you’ve taken as a team and the camaraderie that journey has created. Moments of shared achievement will always remind me why I do what I’m doing.
Which emerging trend do you think will be most crucial in your industry in the next ten years?
Personalised medicine will continue to define the next decade – particularly in the cell and gene therapy space, where the potential to treat diseases at the cellular level is really becoming a reality.
What excites me most about these new innovations is how we can make them accessible to everyone. My experience at the World Bank earlier in my career shaped my belief in creating systems that are both innovative and equitable. We’re really focusing on bridging the gaps where we can improve patient access and foster trust to make these treatments available to all.
If you could spend a day in the life of another profession, what would it be and why?
I’d work as a diplomat. Early on in my career, I did an internship at the Austrian embassy. I was fascinated by the art of diplomacy when navigating diverse interests and finding common ground. Diplomacy reminds me of what leadership often requires, because they’re both about patience, empathy and the ability to unite others around a shared vision.
Outside work, what helps you feel like the best version of yourself?
Connecting with others and giving back is what keeps me grounded. I’ve spent a lot of time volunteering with organisations like City Year, which help me stay true to my values and contribute to something bigger than myself.
Spending time with my family is also a very important foundation in my life. The time we have together reminds me of the importance of joy, growth and balance . Enjoying time with my loved ones is what makes me feel whole.
Connect with Markus on LinkedIn.
