February 21, 2023
Thomas Glanzmann new Grifols Executive Chairman, after Steven F. Mayer resignation
- Mr. Glanzmann, with more than 16 years serving as a Grifols board member and acting as Vice Chairman since 2017, will be the new Grifols Executive Chairperson, effective immediately
- The Grifols Board has accepted the resignation of Mr. Steven F. Mayer as Executive Chairman for health and other personal reasons
- With extensive professional expertise in the healthcare and financial sectors, Mr. Glanzmann is a devotee of innovation and sustainability, being Chairman of Grifols’ Sustainability Committee since 2020
- Thomas Glanzmann will continue to drive the company’s long-term strategy, implementing the recently announced operational improvement plan to its full extent to increase value for all shareholders and reducing debt levels
Barcelona, Spain, February 21, 2023 - Today, the Board of Directors of Grifols announced the resignation of Steven F. Mayer as Executive Chairman, and the appointment of Thomas Glanzmann as the new Executive Chairperson of Grifols and its Board of Directors.
Mr. Mayer, who was appointed to the role on 30th of September 2022, has taken the decision to resign due to health and other personal reasons.
The Board of Directors appointed Mr. Mayer to accelerate the execution of the company’s strategic plan. The designation of Mr. Glanzmann builds on this commitment to continue to drive the company’s long-term strategy and increase value for all shareholders, with emphasis on the reduction of debt levels and cash generation.
Over the last months, the company initiated a comprehensive operational improvement plan to enhance organizational efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and to position the company for future growth. Mr. Glanzmann is committed to the execution of the plan to its full extent.
The Board of Directors accepted Mr. Mayer’s resignation with great appreciation for his contribution and personal commitment over these past months.
Said Mr. Mayer, “Grifols is a great company with strong values and an important mission. Being able to help shape an operational improvement plan and contribute to other aspects of the company’s organization, business, and strategy has been a privilege. I am confident that the work that was done over the last months, and will continue into the future, will, in the long term, have a significant positive effect on the company and on its many patients, donors, employees, and other stakeholders. Unfortunately, due to health issues and other personal reasons I have decided to step aside at this time. I wish Grifols and the new Executive Chairperson, whom I've known well for many years, every success in the future.”
Thomas Glanzmann, a Swiss national who has served as a director of Grifols since 2006 and as Grifols' Vice-Chair since January 2017, has been associated with the plasma industry for most of his professional career. He has held key roles as President of Baxter Bioscience, CEO of Immuno International, and President of the European Biotech group.
He will assume the Chairman's role from Steven F. Mayer, effective immediately.
According to the Board of Directors, “We believe that the appointment of Mr. Glanzmann, with his strong international and operational background and deep understanding of the industry and the company will be key to successfully implementing the upcoming actions to drive the company to the next chapter of growth”
Raimon Grifols Roura has been appointed to succeed Thomas Glanzmann as the Vice-Chair of Grifols' Board, a duty that he will combine with his current Co-CEO responsibility.
The Board of Directors has also approved the appointment of James Costos as member and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee, substituting Thomas Glanzmann in such position and the removal of Mr. Costos as member and Chairman of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee. Additionally, Carina Szpilka has been appointed as member and Chairperson of the Appointments and Remuneration Committee, a responsibility that she will combine with her current responsibilities as the Company's Lead Independent Director and member of the Audit Committee.
Mr. Mayer will not continue as a board member and the Board of Directors has expressed its gratitude for his services.
Thomas Glanzmann
Mr. Glanzmann has served as director of Grifols since April 2006 and has been Vice-Chairman of the Board since January 2017. He has led the Sustainability Committee since December 2020.
Thomas Glanzmann is the former CEO of Gambro and HemoCue AB. From 1988 to 2004 he held leading positions at Baxter Healthcare and Baxter International where, from 1998 to 2004, he served as Senior VP and President of Baxter Bioscience.
He has also been the CEO of Immuno International, a leading global plasma and vaccines company. He was a Managing Director at The World Economic Forum, and for 10 years he also served as a Healthcare Advisor for Madison Dearborn Partners, a Chicago based private equity company.
Currently, Mr. Glanzmann serves as a Board member of Alcon, Inc., where he chairs the Innovation Committee and is a member of the Compensation and Governance Committees. He is a Founding Partner of a San Francisco based MedTech Fund.
Thomas Glanzmann is a graduate of Dartmouth College and holds an MBA from IMD in Switzerland and a Board of Directors Certification from the UCLA Anderson School of Management.