Overview

Gender

male

Investor Type

Angel

Dr. Humer joined Pappas Ventures in October 2013 as a Venture Partner, bringing a wealth of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical and life science industry. Currently the chairman of Roche Holding Ltd, he will retire from that position in March 2014. He became Chief Executive Officer for Roche Group in 1998, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Pharmaceuticals (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd). Franz began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1973, joining Schering Plough Corporation as assistant to the vice president of Europe, Africa, Middle East operations and general manager of Ecuador, UK and Portugal. After leaving Schering Plough, he held various managerial positions (including director) at Glaxo Holdings plc, where he was responsible for research, business development, manufacturing, commercial strategy, and all operations outside the United States. In addition to his role as Chairman of Roche, Franz currently serves as the Chairman of Diageo plc and as a director of CitiGroup Inc.

Franz also serves as Chairman for INSEAD, for the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children and for the Friends of Phelophepa Foundation. In 2000, he received the Oliver R. Grace Award for distinguished service in advancing cancer research. Franz holds a Doctor of Law from the University of Innsbruck and an MBA from INSEAD. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Basel and from the School of Pharmacy, University of London.

Franz is reuniting with Art Pappas and Ernie Mario, who all served together in the early 1990s as senior executives and board members for Glaxo Holdings.