"Drivers, barriers and policy frameworks for Urban_Trans_Formation" – Rolf Soiron, Chairman Advisory Board, Holcim Foundation and Chairman Board of Directors, Holcim Ltd (Switzerland) moderated the panel discussion at the Holcim Forum 2007

Rolf Soiron is Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holcim Ltd.

He studied history and art history at the University of Basel, Switzerland, where he obtained a PhD in philosophy in 1972. He also holds a post masters degree from the Harvard Business School, USA, which he obtained in 1980.

He began his professional career in Switzerland in 1970 with the Sandoz Group, Basel, where he held various positions, ultimately as CEO of Sandoz Pharma AG with the responsibility for the global pharmaceuticals business.

From 1993 until June 2003, Rolf Soiron managed the Jungbunzlauer group in Basel, ultimately as managing director. In early 2003, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nobel Biocare. Furthermore, he became Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lonza Group Ltd in April 2005.

He became a member of the Board of Directors of Holcim Ltd in 1994, and was elected Chairman in June 2003.

From 1996 until 2005 he held the part-time role of President of the Basel University Council. Founded in 1459, Basel University is Switzerland's oldest university.

[last update: 21-April-2007]