
Zhike Lei & Marcus Schindler on exploration and purpose at Novo Nordisk
IMD’s Zhike Lei talks with Marcus Schindler on driving innovation at Novo Nordisk, balancing delivery and discovery, and preparing R&D teams for AI....
October 28, 2021 in CEO Dialogue podcast series • Podcast available
Gilbert Achermann, Chairman of dental juggernaut Straumann, gives insights into the changing leadership demands of the boardroom...
Apple Google SpotifyAs the Chairman of Straumann Group, IMD EMBA graduate Gilbert Acherman knows the essential value of strong corporate leadership.
Having joined the global dentistry powerhouse in 1998, he served first as CFO and then as CEO before joining the board in 2009 and becoming chairman a year later. Now with more than a decade under his belt in this position, Achermann is one of a select few people to maintain such a longstanding record. The average length of chairmanship in any industry is typically four-and-a-half years.Â
This week, he tells IMD President Jean-François Manzoni how he’s kept his edge. Highlights of their conversation include tips on being an effective board member, how the ’08 financial crash helped him navigate the coronavirus pandemic, and why Swiss companies are so well placed to take on international markets.
Credits:
Host: IMD President Jean-François ManzoniÂ
Guest: Gilbert Achermann
Produced by JohnJo Devlin

December 8, 2025 • by Zhike Lei in Podcasts
IMD’s Zhike Lei talks with Marcus Schindler on driving innovation at Novo Nordisk, balancing delivery and discovery, and preparing R&D teams for AI....

December 1, 2025 • by Julia Binder, Knut Haanaes in Podcasts
In the second episode of IMD’s sustainability series, IMD's Julia Binder and Knut Haanaes welcome Kunal Chandra of RWE to discuss the energy transition....

November 17, 2025 • by Alyson Meister, David Bach in Podcasts
Walmex CEO Guilherme “Gui” Loureiro on reinventing Walmart Mexico into a purpose-driven digital powerhouse – by overcoming his own ego. ...

November 17, 2025 • by Didier Bonnet in Podcasts
AI has leapt from obscurity to ubiquity, reshaping work and society. But its flaws run deep, forcing leaders to balance its promise with its dangerous limitations. ...
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