Rainer Platz, PhD

CEO | Director | MedTech Expert | Strategy | Product Life Cycle

Colombier, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

About

Senior Executive with proven track record of bringing innovations to market in innovation- and quality-driven industries. In-depth experience covering the full product life cycle, from technologies over development and industrialization to volume manufacturing. Proven ability to develop and execute business strategies in B2C and B2B environments. Passionate about shaping organizations for growth through operational excellence and customer focus. Driven by improving patients’ life through medical device technology and innovation.

Experience

  • CEO Ceramaret Group at Ceramaret SA
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

  • CEO Valtronic Technologies Group at Valtronic Technologies Group
    Nov 2015 - Nov 2024 · 9 yrs 1 mo

    Valtronic is committed to designing and manufacturing innovations that empower our medical device customers to create improved patient care and outcomes. With Headquarters in Les Charbonnières / Switzerland and sites in Cleveland OH / USA and Casablanca / Morocco we have the right global footprint to serve our customers worldwide. Our solutions comprise Design & Development, Manufacturing Services and Supply Chain Management.

  • Advanced Bionics (Full-time · 4 yrs 9 mos)
    • President Advanced Bionics, LLC
      Apr 2013 - Oct 2015 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    • Vice President Global Research, Development & Technologies Advanced Bionics, LLC
      Sep 2012 - Oct 2015 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    • Director of Applied Research Advanced Bionics AG
      Dec 2011 - Aug 2012 · 9 mos

      Management of the Corporate Research & Technology Program with Research teams in Los Angeles (USA), Hanover (Germany) and Switzerland as well as an IP team in Los Angeles. Definition and implementation of a mid to long term innovation & research strategy, leading into winning platforms and mid to long term product roadmaps.

  • Sonova Group (3280 Murten, Switzerland)
    • Director of Research & Development Phonak Communications AG
      Jan 2006 - Jan 2011 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      Owner and main driver for the technology and product road map in the company's business units (wireless systems for audiological applications, hearing protection, systems for covert and overt professional communication, studio). Ensured technology and market leadership in the domain of ultra-miniaturized wireless communication for audiological applications, ensuring high growth rates and outstanding margins. Developed organization and people from a high-tech product supplier into a provider of advanced systems, ensuring the continued market leadership. Responsible for Research & Development, Regulatory Affairs and Intellectual Property as well as Application Engineering.

    • Head of Research & Development Phonak Communications AG
      Jan 2003 - Dec 2005 · 3 yrs

      Developed breakthrough platform and product portfolio, which allowed doubling the company sales within a few years. Significant contribution to making the company the market leader with far above 50% WW market share. Built the technological and organizational basis to expand the company business into three new business areas.

    • Project Manager
      Jun 2001 - Dec 2002 · 1 yr 7 mos

      Management of a large ASIC and platform project. Management of the development of the system of products and services around this key component.

  • Adjoint Scientifique ETA SA Fabriques d'Ebauches at Swatch Group
    Apr 1999 - May 2001 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Assessment of new technologies in the domains of microsystems, MEMS, integrated circuits, displays, optoelectronics and optics. Management of external development and research projects. Coordination of ASIC development projects with IC supplier.