Zurich, Switzerland
I am Alessandro Vezzoli, Chief Scientific and Regulatory Officer with global responsibility for scientific innovation, regulatory compliance and technical strategy. I oversee R&D, product development, laboratory operations, regulatory affairs and technical support across multiple regions and markets. My mandate includes registering our technologies under complex regulatory frameworks such as FIFRA, BPR and other international legislations. With a background in Biotechnology, a PhD in Genetics and Biomolecular Sciences and an MBA, I combine scientific depth with strategic leadership. My experience covers microbial control, biocides and industrial preservation across sectors including paints and coatings, CASE, home and personal care, cosmetics, plastics and water treatment. I have led the development and commercialisation of new products, secured multiple patent applications and created advanced testing methodologies such as the TAUNOVATE(SM) III high-throughput biocide efficacy platform. These innovations strengthened our capabilities, improved operations and supported global commercial growth. I am leading the design and build of two new laboratories to expand our microbiology, analytical and application testing infrastructure. My work focuses on scientific excellence, regulatory integrity and sustainable innovation while aligning technical strategy with business objectives. I actively engage with the industry through scientific communication, conferences and thought-leadership initiatives. I value partnerships that promote responsible innovation and solutions for a safer, more sustainable future. Expert in microbial control (biocides, disinfectants, sanitizers), hygiene audits, and molecular biology techniques like PCR, RT-PCR, qPCR, CRISPR, protein expression across bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems, ChIP, and various chromatography methods. Skilled in biochemistry, in vitro diagnostics and cell-based assays. Know-how of custom and standard methods (ASTM D2574, EN 15457, Ph. Eur. 5.1.3, ISO 11930, BS 3900:G6, JIS Z2801, and many others). Regulatory compliance (BPR, CLP, REACH, Cosmetics, Ecolabels), dossier submissions, GMP and ISO 9001 standards, quality control and audits. Project management from concept to commercialization for high CAPEX projects. Team leadership in a matrix environment. Strong collaborator with experience in product management and strategic marketing. Effective communication: delivery of technical presentations, training, technical reports, SOPs, and TDS. Proficient with MS Office, CRM Salesforce, SAP, and other tools.
•Technical and market research on companies and products in the specialty chemicals sector (e.g. biocides). •Various temporary assignments within the specialty chemical industries, including: A high-end cosmetic manufacturer: leadership of a microbiology and diagnostic lab; biodegradability studies according to OECD 301/302 and cosmetics preservation tests; regulatory submissions of cosmetics products. A biocide manufacturer: technical sales and R&D on biocides for paints & coatings and other industrial markets in EMEA.
Arxada (former Lonza Solutions (LSI)) • Technical support and R&D leader and focal point on biocidal products for paints & coatings, plastics, and other industrial markets. Customer support on biocidal product regulation (BPR-related support), CLP and Ecolabels. • Led a team of 6 professionals across EMEA and India, 1 microbiology lab and 1 analytical chemistry-formulation lab. • Achievements: 1 patent application; 2 product launches; reorganized Arxada tech centre; hired several collaborators; presented 2 webinars and at 2 conferences.
Lonza Solutions (LSI) now is Arxada • Technical support and R&D leader and focal point on biocidal products for paints & coatings, plastics, and other industrial markets. Customer support on biocidal product regulation (BPR-related support), CLP and Ecolabels. • Led a team of 6 professionals across EMEA and India, 1 microbiology lab and 1 analytical chemistry-formulation lab. • Achievements: 1 patent application; 2 product launches; reorganized Arxada tech centre; hired several collaborators; presented 2 webinars and at 2 conferences.
Lonza Solutions (LSI) now is Arxada • Technical support focal point for multiple market segments in Europe with a strong focus on biocidal products for paints & coatings and plastics. Customer support on biocidal product regulation (BPR-related support) and Ecolabels. • Achievements: key role in standardizing and promoting adherence to procedures and methods.
• Technical support focal point for multiple market segments in Europe with a strong focus on biocidal products for home and personal care, hygiene, paints & coatings, water treatment, life sciences, oil&gas, and leather. • Achievements: 4 patent applications (2 granted); 1 conference paper and 1 presentation at a conference; participated in data gathering for dossier submission under BPR.
• Microbiologist and Molecular Biologist: led implementation of novel microbiology and molecular biology techniques and protocols, improving lab capabilities and team expertise. • Project management of several international and cross-functional projects within DMC. • Biosafety Officer at DMC Horgen (2012-2018). • Recruiting, management and coaching of collaborators. • Achievements: ideated, designed, and created TAUNOVATE(SM) III, the DMC high throughput biocide efficacy testing platform; set up a molecular biology lab (DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, NGS, and microbial community profile analysis); performed technical due diligence on M&A targets.