Marco Gadola appointed new CEO of Straumann

Straumann's Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Marco Gadola as the Group's new Chief Executive Officer, replacing Beat Spalinger, who is leaving the company by mutual agreement with the Board.

Mr Gadola was Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Operations at Straumann from 2006 to 2008, when he left to pursue a career development opportunity at Panalpina, a world leader in supply chain management. Having started as Panalpina's Chief Financial Officer, he became Regional CEO Asia Pacific in 2012, with overall responsibility for the regional business of approx. CHF 1.2 billion.

Mr Gadola will take up his new responsibilities before the beginning of April 2013. Until then, Straumann's Chairman, Gilbert Achermann, will resume responsibility as CEO ad interim. Roland Hess, who heads the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, will act as Lead Director for the same interim period.

Gilbert Achermann commented: "The dental markets have become increasingly challenging, squeezing topline and profitability. The Board is convinced that the Group's Vision, business fundamentals, strategic plan and structure are intact. However, to take the organization forward requires specific leadership qualities and impulses at top level, and we believe that Marco Gadola is the right person to do this. In addition to his excellent understanding of our business and company, he has proven himself as an engaging and entrepreneurial leader who sets himself ambitious objectives and consistently follows through to achieve them. We are convinced that he will revitalize growth, even in this challenging environment".

The outgoing Chief Executive, Beat Spalinger, joined Straumann as CFO in 2008 and took over as CEO in March 2010. Since then, he has navigated Straumann through economic recession, market contraction and stiff currency headwind. He has adapted the organization to the market environment, established a new strategic plan and successfully led the company's largest acquisition to date. During his tenure, Straumann has maintained its position as the global leader in implant dentistry.

"Beat Spalinger has served Straumann untiringly with devotion and passion and the company has benefitted significantly over the past years from his organizational, operational, and strategic skills. On behalf of the Board and everyone at Straumann, I would like to thank him for his valuable contributions and wish him all the best for the future", Mr Achermann added.

About Marco Gadola
Aged 49, Marco Gadola has a strong executive track record in a broad range of global businesses. He returns to Straumann from Panalpina, the company he joined in 2008 as CFO and where he was recently given responsibility for the Asia Pacific business.

Prior to joining Straumann as CFO and Executive Vice President Operations in 2006, he spent five years at Hero, the Swiss-based international food group, where he was also CFO and responsible for IT and Operations. Previously, he spent nine years at the international construction tool manufacturer Hilti, where he held a number of senior commercial/sales and finance-related positions in various countries. Before that, he worked for Sandoz International Ltd. as Audit Manager and for Swiss Bank Corporation, Basel, in Corporate Finance.

Mr Gadola, who is Swiss, graduated from Basel University in business administration and economics and completed various programs at the London School of Economics and at IMD in Lausanne. He has served on the Board of Directors of Calida, the Swiss textile group, since 2011.

About Straumann
Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, the Straumann Group (SIX: STMN) is a global leader in implant and restorative dentistry and oral tissue regeneration. In collaboration with leading clinics, research institutes and universities, Straumann researches, develops and manufactures dental implants, instruments, prosthetics and tissue regeneration products for use in tooth replacement and restoration solutions or to prevent tooth loss. Straumann employs approx. 2500 people worldwide and its products and services are available in more than 70 countries through its broad network of distribution subsidiaries and partners.