Lonza has appointed Bertha Steinmetz Vilela as Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Vice President and member of the Executive Committee, effective January 1, 2027. She succeeds Nicoleta Baumgärtner, who has served as CHRO and Executive Committee member since 2024 and decided to pursue a new opportunity outside of Lonza after more than five years with the company.
In the role, Steinmetz Vilela will lead Lonza's global HR function, strengthen organizational effectiveness and leadership capabilities, and advance the company's cultural transformation and talent agenda.
Steinmetz Vilela currently serves as Head of International Human Resources at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, leading HR across Europe, Canada and Japan. Her experience spans organizational transformation, talent and leadership development, culture, and HR business partnering. She has worked closely with global manufacturing, commercial and technical operations organizations, and previously held senior roles at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Novartis and Sandoz. She holds a Business Administration degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais in Brazil.
CEO Wolfgang Wienand said Steinmetz Vilela's experience will help strengthen Lonza's high performance culture and develop the leadership capabilities enabling long-term success. He also thanked Baumgärtner for her leadership and contributions.
Baumgärtner joined Lonza in 2021, initially leading HR for the Capsules and Health Ingredients division and later for Biologics. As CHRO, she helped guide Lonza through significant organizational change and advance its global HR strategy, operating model and agenda. She previously held senior roles at Novartis and Roche and will work with Steinmetz Vilela and the HR organization to ensure a smooth transition.
The appointment follows recent leadership additions including Samanta Cimitan as Chief Commercial Officer, Matt Moorcroft as Chief Intelligence & Analytics Officer and Hans Trees as Global Head of Communications.