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Life Sciences Leader

Bridging Business & Technology

Executive Leader | Strategic Partnerships | Technology & Innovation

Life Sciences • MedTech • Startups • Venture Capital

20+
Years Experience
$46M+
Program Budget
9
Years CTO/Founder
3+
Years MassChallenge
Baris Ersezer
About

Executive Leader Bridging Business & Technology

I am a seasoned executive leader with over 20 years of experience bridging the gap between business strategy and technical execution. My unique expertise spans business development, licensing, technology leadership, and product innovation across Life Sciences, MedTech, and digital health domains.

Throughout my career at Novartis, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson, I've demonstrated the ability to translate complex technical challenges into business opportunities, manage multi-million dollar programs, lead M&A due diligence, and build high-performing cross-functional teams. As a Founder/CTO of Denodia, I secured EU funding, scaled a platform to 5,000+ companies, and successfully negotiated B2B partnerships with global enterprises.

I excel at strategic leadership roles where business acumen meets technical depth—whether as an Executive Director driving organizational transformation, a BD&L leader identifying and closing strategic partnerships, or a CTO/VP Engineering building scalable technology organizations. My passion lies in creating value at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and market needs.

Career Focus

Strategic Leadership Opportunities

Executive roles bridging business strategy, partnerships, and technology

Executive

Life Sciences & MedTech

  • P&L ownership
  • Org transformation
  • Strategic direction

Strategic Partnerships

BD&L, Alliances, M&A

  • M&A due diligence
  • Vendor management
  • Tech licensing

Engineering

MedTech, LS, SaaS

  • Tech vision & strategy
  • Org building & scaling
  • Product architecture

Advisory / Venture

Startups & Investment

  • Board positions
  • Tech due diligence
  • Startup mentoring

Unique Value: Business Strategy • Strategic Partnerships • Technical Execution

20+ Years Experience P&L Management Founder/CTO M&A Expertise MassChallenge Judge
Expertise

Executive Leadership Capabilities

Strategic business leadership combined with deep technical expertise

Strategic Partnerships & BD

  • Identified and closed strategic acquisitions, delivering growth opportunities
  • Secured B2B partnerships accelerating innovation and market access
  • Optimized vendor ecosystem, reducing costs and risks
  • Negotiated technology licensing deals generating revenue streams
  • Guided startups to successful exits through technical due diligence

Executive Leadership & Strategy

  • Delivered multi-million dollar programs on-time, on-budget across 5+ medical domains
  • Transformed legacy operations into agile, cloud-native platforms (40% efficiency gain)
  • Built high-performing teams (20+) with 95%+ retention and engagement scores
  • Secured board and C-suite buy-in for 46 million dollar strategic technology investments
  • Drove organizational adoption of AI/ML, reducing clinical trial timelines 30%

Engineering Excellence

  • Scaled engineering from startup to multi-million dollar operation, launching 50+ products
  • Built teams (5 to 50+) delivering 99.9% uptime platforms serving 5,000+ users
  • Architected cloud-native solutions reducing infrastructure costs
  • Cut time-to-market through Agile/DevOps transformation
  • Generated cost savings with strategic outsourcing (Near and off-shore partnerships)

Life Sciences & MedTech

  • Launched FDA-cleared Class II/III medical devices reaching global markets
  • Achieved zero major findings across FDA/BSI audits (14+ years medical device experience)
  • Created SaMD QMS for digital therapeutics for startups
  • Accelerated clinical development 30% using AI/ML automation platforms
  • Improved patient outcomes with smart drug delivery & connected health solutions
Experience

Executive Track Record in Life Sciences

Delivering business results through technology leadership

Director, Digital Product & Program Lead

2019 - Present
Novartis - Basel, Switzerland
10+
Global programs
5
Therapeutic Domains
AI/ML
Clinical Innovation
  • Led AI/ML/IoT solutions across Ophthalmology, Respiratory, Neurosciences, Immunology, and Cardiovascular
  • Spearheaded VR technologies for surgical training and medical education
  • Implemented Agile & DevOps best practices driving organizational transformation
  • Championed due diligence for strategic acquisitions and technology partnerships
AI/ML Cloud IoT VR DevOps

Director, Head of Digital Product Excellence

2016 - 2019
Merck - Vaud, Switzerland
€2M
Annual Budget
10+
Suppliers Managed
FDA/BSI
Audit Ready
  • Strategic Leadership: Built and led high-performing software quality engineering team
  • Supplier Management: Supervised 10+ suppliers ensuring quality, validation, and deployment standards
  • Product Innovation: Delivered smart drug delivery solutions (injectors, pens) integrated with EMR/EHR systems for MS, Growth Hormones, and RA
  • Regulatory Excellence: 100% FDA/BSI audit compliance, established cybersecurity strategy and CI/CD pipelines
  • Agile Transformation: Transitioned organization to agile methodology, streamlining workflows and delivery timelines ($2M/year)
Medical Devices IoT Mobile EMR/EHR Cybersecurity

Team Leader & Senior R&D Engineer

2011 - 2016
Johnson & Johnson - Neuchâtel, Switzerland
Class III
Medical Devices
Real-time
Monitoring Systems
ICU
Embedded Systems
  • R&D Leadership: Led multidisciplinary team developing Class III medical devices for neurocritical care
  • Technical Architecture: Designed modular platform for real-time physiological monitoring (ICP, blood pressure, temperature)
  • Process Innovation: Implemented Scrum/Kanban agile methodologies in highly regulated medical device environment
  • Product Development: Delivered FDA-compliant monitoring systems with touchscreen UI, advanced calculations, and secure data storage
C/C++ Embedded Systems ISO 13485 IEC 62304 Agile
Career Timeline

Earlier Career Highlights

20+ years of progressive leadership across technology and life sciences

Senior SW Developer

Techno Trade - Waterloo, Belgium

2001-2002
  • Industrial Edge device development
  • Remote control & data logging systems
  • Embedded Systems - C/C++

IT Specialist

IBM - Belgium

2000-2001
  • Financial applications (Forex & Banking)
  • CLS system development
  • Middleware development, Large Scale Systems

Embedded SW Developer

HyperSecur - Montreal, Canada

1998-2000
  • Contactless smartcard development
  • Security/Encryption applications
  • Low-level development - Assembly

Industry Experience

B2B engineering services & digital solutions across multiple sectors

Automotive
AW Europe (Genivi infotainment)
Telecom
Option NV (USB WiFi/3G)
Printing
Xerox (Continuous-Feed)
Public Transport
TEC (ticketing)
Branding & E-Commerce
Website Development - Payment Integration
Financial
Grants & Forex

Progressive career trajectory from hands-on engineering to executive leadership

Request Full CV
Entrepreneurship

Founder & CTO Journey

Building and scaling a tech startup from ground up

Denodia

Founder & CTO
2002 - 2011
Branding & IT Services Startup
Brussels, Belgium
5,000+
Companies on Platform
EU Funded
Grants & Investment
B2B
Enterprise Clients

Building a Tech Startup from Ground Up

Strategic Leadership & Business Development
  • Defined and executed company's technology vision and strategy
  • Created comprehensive business plan securing EU grants and Bank investment
  • Developed and launched platform hosting 5,000+ service companies
Platform & Product Innovation
  • Built scalable directory and advertising platform becoming market leader
  • Delivered CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, and online advertising services
  • Build and maintain scalable web applications - 180+ domains hosted
  • Implemented Agile and DevSecOps methodologies for quality delivery
B2B Engineering Services
Option NV
XYFI USB Personal Hotspot (WiFi & 3G)
AW Europe
Genivi Infotainment & Navigation
Xerox CFET
GUI for Continuous-Feed Printers
SRWT - Group TEC
Onboard Ticketing Systems
Entrepreneurship Web hosting CRM/ERP E-commerce IoT Automotive DevSecOps

YooDrop

Founder
2010 - Present

Climate Tech & Water Education Platform

Modeling, simulating, and gamifying the global water cycle for education and environmental awareness. Interactive platform combining game industry and Ed-tech with climate technology.

Climate Tech Ed-tech Gaming Simulation Big Data
Visit YooDrop

MassChallenge

Judge, Mentor & Speaker
2022 - Present (3+ years)

Switzerland's Leading Startup Accelerator

  • Judge for startup selection and competitions
  • Mentor for digital health and tech startups
  • Speaker at MassChallenge : Startups and Pharma collaboration
Mentorship Judging Speaking
View Speaking Event

Advisory & Strategic Consulting

Available for board positions, advisory roles, strategic consulting, and venture capital partnerships. Expertise spans digital health innovation, medical device development, technology transformation, startup scaling, and climate tech.

Corporate / Enterprise

  • Digital Transformation initiatives
  • Strategic consulting engagements
  • Technology due diligence for M&A
  • Vendor/partner management strategy

Startups / Venture Capital

  • VC technical due diligence
  • Startup mentoring & advisory
  • Portfolio company support (CTO/CPO role)
  • Investment thesis development
Board Advisory Strategic Consulting VC Due Diligence Startup Mentoring Vendor/Partner Strategy Climate Tech Digital Health MedTech
Portfolio

Featured Projects

Ongoing ventures and proven business impact

Data & AI for Clinical Innovation
Ongoing 2024 - Present

Data & AI for Clinical Innovation

Role:

Technical Program Lead, Data & AI at Novartis

Challenge:

Accelerate drug development and clinical trials through AI/ML-powered products across multiple therapeutic domains

Solution:

Leading co-development of AI/ML products, managing partnerships with cross-functional teams

Impact:

Delivering solutions across Neurosciences and Cardiovascular therapeutic areas

AI/ML Cloud Platforms IoT Data Analytics Clinical Development
Success Story 2019 - 2024

Digital Therapeutics & Endpoints in Ophthalmology

Role:

Director, Digital Products at Novartis

Challenge:

Develop innovative digital solutions for ophthalmology to improve patient outcomes and clinical trial endpoints

Solution:

Spearheaded binocular and dichoptic technologies and digital therapeutic platforms, collaborating with gaming partner (Ubisoft) and research institutions (McGill University)

Business Impact:

Delivered FDA-ready digital endpoints and innovative patient engagement tools, advancing ophthalmology digital transformation

3D Gaming Mobile Digital Therapeutics Ophthalmology
Digital Therapeutics & Endpoints in Ophthalmology
Digital Transformation in MedTech - Drug Delivery
Success Story 2016 - 2019

Digital Transformation in MedTech - Drug Delivery

Role:

Director, Head of Digital Product Excellence at Merck

Challenge:

Transform drug delivery ecosystem with connected devices and mHealth while ensuring regulatory compliance

Solution:

Built high-performing team, managed 10+ suppliers, delivered smart injectors with mobile/web apps for MS, Growth Hormones, and RA

Business Impact:

100% FDA/BSI audit compliance, established cybersecurity strategy, streamlined agile workflows, enhanced patient experience

IoT Mobile Apps mHealth Cybersecurity Medical Devices Agile Transformation
Ongoing 2010 - Present

Digital Twin of Water Cycle

Role:

Founder at YooDrop

Mission:

Make water cycle education engaging and accessible through gamification and simulation technology

Solution:

Building interactive platform modeling, simulating, and gamifying the global water cycle with digital twin technology

Impact:

Empowering students and adults to explore the scientific and climate-driven complexities of the water cycle through an immersive 3D interface, merging environmental education with next-generation climate technology.

Founder Digital Twin Gaming/Simulation Nature Modeling Climate Tech Education
Visit YooDrop
Digital Twin of Water Cycle - YooDrop
SaaS Platform - Denodia
Success Story 2002 - 2011

SaaS Platform - Tech Startup

Role:

Founder & CTO at Denodia

Challenge:

Build a SaaS technology company from scratch serving B2B and B2C markets in Belgium

Solution:

Founded and led as CTO, created comprehensive business plan securing EU grants and KBC Bank investment, built scalable platform

Business Impact:

Enabled over 5,000 companies to establish and grow their online presence, boosting visibility, marketplace access, and business performance through our platform.

Founder/CTO SaaS Platform Full-Stack Development CRM/ERP B2B/B2C Bootstrap
Insights

Perspectives & Thought Leadership

The Aligned Leader Interview
Podcast

The Aligned Leader Interview

Discussion with Daniel Jordi about digital transformation, leadership in life sciences, and driving innovation within regulatory frameworks.

30 min listen
Listen Now
Testimonials

What Industry Leaders Say

Recognition from peers and industry experts

"

Need Digital Excellence? Call Baris. He is a very strong leader who cares about his teams, helps them grow and always delivers above and beyond. I would hire Baris to lead development efforts and reliably deliver with high quality standards.

Erwan Rivet
Former Manager, Merck
"

Baris is a remarkable professional in verification, validation and Product Excellence for medical devices. I was amazed by his ability to digest new technologies, his management skills and commitment to quality and integrity. I warmly recommend Baris.

Claude-Alain Piguet
Medical Device Expert, Merck
"

I have been impressed by his ability to stay focused on our target despite all changes. Baris has been a great buddy, helping me get up to speed when I joined. He's a keen learner that makes him a very knowledgeable person.

Nathalie Ruax-Copin
Colleague, Merck
"

Baris was always a very professional person that I could trust. He was always very responsive with work challenges and new requirements and always delivered high quality work and documentation. A very knowledgeable person always open to learn more.

Asun Rubio
Head of NPD Quality, Johnson & Johnson
"

Baris is a real asset for the team, he provides his strong analysis competences to the project, his leadership makes him achieve challenging tasks. He actively contributed to the great team spirit we have in R&D. It is a pleasure to work with Baris.

Elodie Fournier
R&D Colleague, Johnson & Johnson (4+ years)
"

Baris is a great team leader. He cares about his team, knows what they're doing, guides them in the right direction. With tight time constraints and challenges, Baris guided the team to implement automation strategies while ensuring delivery.

Jordi Duran Batidor
Team Member, Merck

Additional recommendations from Andrew McVey, Christine Janssen, Joachim Vandersleyen, and more

View All Testimonials on LinkedIn
Credentials

Certifications & Recognition

Professional Certifications

PMP®

Project Management Professional

Project Management Institute (PMI)

CSQE

Certified Software Quality Engineer

American Society for Quality (ASQ)

Advanced Management Program

Executive Leadership

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Supervised Machine Learning

AI/ML Specialization

Stanford University

Introduction to AI

Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals

IBM

Certified Scrum Master

Agile Project Management

Scrum Alliance

Additional Certifications:
  • Certified Security Penetration Tester
  • Certified Mobile Application Tester
  • ISTQB Foundation Tester
Education
BSc Computer Science
University of Science and Technology
Lille, France (1998)
ERASMUS Program
International Exchange
Finland
Speaking & Recognition
MassChallenge Switzerland
Judge, Mentor & Speaker (3+ years)
The Aligned Leader Podcast
Featured Interview on Digital Leadership
Available for conferences, webinars, and panels
Trusted By

Companies & Partners

Collaborated with leading global organizations across Life Sciences, Technology, and Innovation

Organizations

Novartis

Novartis

Merck KGaA

Merck

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson

Xerox

Xerox

IBM

IBM

YooDrop

YooDrop

Denodia

Denodia

TEC

TEC

Option NV

Option NV

AW Europe

AW Europe

Strategic Partners & Vendors

AWS

AWS

Microsoft Azure

Azure

Google Cloud

Google Cloud

Capgemini

Capgemini

HCL

HCL Technologies

Cognizant

Cognizant

Zühlke

Zühlke

Ubisoft

Ubisoft

McGill University

McGill University

BBT

Blue Bridge Tech

TeamConsulting

Team Consulting

TransPerfect

TransPerfect

BoardOfInnovation

Board of Innovation

BrightInsights

BrightInsight

CVO

CVO Europe

SmartPatient

SmartPatients

Retinov

Retinov

Explose.lu

Explose

+ Many more technology and consulting partners across Europe and North America

Get In Touch

Let's Connect

Available for consulting, speaking engagements, and advisory roles in digital health innovation

Location
Lausanne, Switzerland

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