Thomas Merle

Business Advisor | Board Member | Former CEO & Executive Leader | Corporate Governance | Sustainable Growth | Transformation & Innovation | Life Science Industry & Advanced Technologies

Lörrach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

About

A seasoned Strategic Advisor and Board Member with more than 30 years of executive leadership across Life Sciences, Pharma, BioPharma and advanced manufacturing. I support companies and boards in navigating complex strategic decisions, strengthening governance and driving innovation as well as sustainable growth. My background includes CEO, Executive Director and Managing Director roles in global technology organizations, where I implemented and led transformation programs, international expansion, digitalization and operational excellence. I have a proven track record in OSD processing, containment, process and serialization technologies, combined with deep experience in M&A, cross‑border organizational development and commercial strategy. Known as a people‑centric, servant leader, I build agile, high‑performance teams and guide organizations through high‑stakes environments with clarity, integrity and long‑term vision. Today, I focus on advisory mandates, board assignments, governance, strategy and supporting investors, CEOs and leadership teams in shaping resilient, future‑ready organizations.

Experience

  • Business Advisor & Board Member at Mentor
    Mar 2026 - Present · 5 mos

    - Corporate governance, strategy and sustainable growth - Transformation, innovation and organizational development - International channel management and executive leadership guidance - Life Science industry and technology expertise - Advisory for investors, boards and leadership teams - M&A assessments, due diligence - Technology and market evaluations - Strategic sparring partner for CEOs and executives

  • Chairman of the Supervisory Board at BGGW - Baugenossenschaft Grenzach Wyhlen
    1998 - Present · 28 yrs 7 mos

    Summary Ensuring the successful path of a building association with more than 70 Mio Euro balance volume and 1000 apartments, granting and promoting the interest and satisfaction of shareholders and members. Implementing, conducting the control functions and review processes of the business from the Supervisory Board, hiring and supervising the executive directors. Directing key strategic decisions of the organization. Executing merger and acquisition (M&A) with other association to build a sustainable organization. Key Words Investment and Finance Management, Business Planning, commercial and technical Assessment of Projects, Review Process, Risk Matrix, Conducting Shareholder Conferences, Domicile Management, Real Estate, Board Management. Acquisition and Integration, Organisational Development.

  • Managing Director at Romaco Innojet GmbH
    Jul 2023 - Feb 2026 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Spearheaded strategic direction and operational leadership for a global pharma technology provider. • Drove innovation in OSD equipment and technology • Boosted market competitiveness and strengthened international channel management • Progressed digitalization and improved process efficiency. • Championed a customer-centric culture and agile operation to enhance responsiveness as well as value delivery. • Implemented KPIs and strengthened financial and strategic oversight, improving cash performance. • Collaborated closely with the Romaco Group to align cross-division objectives, investments and transformation initiatives as well as Group projects • Strong SCM focus, operational excellence, finance, transparent project management emphasizing on deliverables.

  • Member of The Supervisory Board at Horizon Life Sciences Group
    Jan 2016 - Nov 2024 · 8 yrs 11 mos

    Summary Strengthen prosperous development of the group with further engineering, project and vendor management capabilities, ensuring sustainable growth by internationalizing the business, stronger market penetration and implementing professional and sustainable structures. Integrating the pioneering brand SeriCode with its product portfolio, serving the market with complete offering and creating additional values for clients by providing outstanding services and expertise to the Life Sciences Industry and supporting them on their successful path. Developing mission and vision statement along with creating a customer focused company culture based on values. Company assessments, executing DDs and acquisition to establish nucleus for a production site. Key Words: Business Strategy, Market Intelligence, Business Development, Business Structure and Planning, Branding, Product- and Marketing Mix, Portfolio Management, Route to Market, Corporate Finance. Engineering and Management, Serialisation and Aggregation, Fill-finish, Packaging, Vendor Management. M&A, DD, Pharma Manufacturing.

  • CEO at Andocksysteme G. Untch GmbH
    Nov 2017 - Jun 2023 · 5 yrs 8 mos

    Summary The reliable partner to the Life Sciences Industry for advanced and innovative Containment Solutions as interface management for processes. These unique and cutting-edge Containment systems as SUT Single Use or MUT Multi Use Technologies are used mainly for applications in Biopharma, Pharma, Cosmetic as well as Chemistry. Implementing ERP system, KPI’s and balanced score card to drive for Lean and Operational Excellence as well as developing Sales strategy for sustainable market penetration. Forming a culture and an organization of passionate and competent talents focusing on innovation, customer empathy, deliverables as well as Corporate development. Key Words Containment Solutions, SUT Single Use Technology, Multi Use Docking System, Split Butterfly Valve. SMEPAC, OEL / OEB. Sales Strategy, Route to Market, Alliances, Channel Management. Product Life Cycle, Product Launch and Positioning, IP Intellectual Property, NDA. Talent Management, Operational Excellence, Corporate Development.