The Lonza Board of Directors has nominated Stephen Fry as an Independent Member of the Board, subject to election at the company's Annual General Meeting in May 2026. If elected, Fry will also serve on the People and Governance Committee and the Audit and Compliance Committee. The nomination underscores Lonza's focus on enhancing its performance culture and governance structure.
Fry brings over three decades of experience from Eli Lilly and Company, where he held various international and executive leadership roles, including serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for 12 years. During his tenure, he led large-scale organizational transformations and shaped high-performance cultures, which align with Lonza's ambition to attract and retain top talent. His expertise in succession planning and people strategy development is expected to complement the existing board capabilities.
Jean-Marc Huet, Chairman of the Lonza Board, commented on the nomination, highlighting Fry's extensive international experience and track record in organizational governance. Huet stated that Fry will play a key role in embedding a performance culture and advancing the company's talent strategy. The nomination comes as Lonza, the world's largest contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), continues to expand its global footprint, operating across five continents with approximately 20,000 employees. In 2025, the company reported sales of CHF 6.5 billion and CORE EBITDA of CHF 2.1 billion.
Fry's appointment reflects a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry of strengthening board composition with leaders who have deep operational and human capital expertise. His experience at Eli Lilly, a major pharmaceutical company, provides him with insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the CDMO sector. Fry also serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees at the University of Indianapolis, adding to his governance experience.
Lonza's focus on performance culture is critical as it aims to maintain its leadership in the healthcare industry. The company works with pharma and biotech firms to turn innovations into viable therapies, relying on cutting-edge science and lean manufacturing. With Fry's nomination, Lonza signals its commitment to strong governance and strategic human resource management, which are essential for sustaining growth and innovation.
