Christoph Hüls, PhD

Managing Director @ Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH

About

🚀 **Innovation Executive | Biotech and Pharma Leader | Start Up & Grown Up Leader** Welcome to my professional journey, where I've harnessed over 25 years of dynamic leadership across diverse industry sectors and company cultures. With a Ph.D. in immunology/molecular biology and extensive hands-on business experience, I've consistently driven success in R&D, business development, marketing, sales, and operational excellence. 🌐 **Global Impact & Multifaceted Expertise** My career spans renowned organizations such as Hoechst AG, Novartis SA, Protagen AG, and Merck KGaA. Having navigated pharmaceuticals, generics, diagnostics, GMP conform services, life science tools, software and app development, and specialty chemicals, I bring a unique blend of insights to the table. I've successfully managed large teams worldwide, executed strategic ventures, and delivered results in Europe, North America, and Asia. 🛠️ **Proven Track Record in P&L Responsibilities** With a strategic mindset and a firm belief in the power of people and teams, I've excelled in various P&L responsibilities. From shaping and implementing strategies to negotiating effectively and establishing a broad network, I've consistently delivered impactful results. 🌍 **Entrepreneurial Thinker | Executive Coach** As an entrepreneurial thinker, I understand the pulse of innovation. I don't just lead; I inspire and coach. My commitment to nurturing talent is evident in my role as an Executive Coach, where I actively contribute to developing strong leaders. 📈 **Communication, Leadership, and Negotiation Expertise** My journey has honed my excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills. I thrive on building bridges, connecting with diverse stakeholders, and driving collaborative success. Let's connect and explore how we can create value together!

Country

Germany

City

Ingelheim am Rhein

Industry

Biotechnology

Skill

Pharmaceutical Industry, Lifesciences, Biopharmaceuticals, Oncology, Biotechnology, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Clinical Development, Commercialization, Clinical Trials, Infectious Diseases, Technology Transfer, Immunology, Vaccines, Regulatory Affairs, CRO, Venture Capital, Pharmacology, Cancer, Biomarkers

Experience

Managing Director

Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH

2025-1 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Max Planck Innovation is responsible for the technology transfer of the 86 Institutes of the Max Planck Society and, as such, the link between industry and basic research. With our interdisciplinary team we advise and support scientists in evaluating their inventions, filing patents, advance their technology and founding companies. We offer industry a unique access to the inventions of the various Max Planck Institutes. Thus we perform an important task - fostering innovation by the transfer of basic research results into products, which contribute to the economic and social progress.

Member Of The Supervisory Board

Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH

2021-2 - 2024-12 · 3 yrs 11 mos

Metropolregion München

Senior Advisor | FocusFirst Advisor Network

FocusFirst

2024-7 - Present · 2 yrs 3 mos

Ingelheim am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

FocusFirst is a boutique consulting firm for transformation & strategic change projects. We are the specialised firm in the industry that combines former top executives and an award-winning method to accelerate transformations. This unique “double helix” of capabilities equips us to help our customers deliver results faster against demanding business goals. Executives work with FocusFirst to develop organisations, structure & accelerate transformations. FocusFirst works with leading Fortune 500 companies such as Merck, Novartis, E.ON, BASF, as well as established mid-sized companies.

Founder

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

2022-1 - 2024-12 · 3 yrs

Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany

transforming innovation ideas into innovation projects and internal start-ups

Founder Additive Manufacturing of Tablets

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

2019-4 - 2021-12 · 2 yrs 9 mos

Darmstadt Area, Germany

creating a business plan on clinical supply via 3D printing of pills/tablets executing the plan and creating an internal start-up preparing the production of 3d printed pills under GMP

Head of Technology Foresight & Scouting

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

2016-5 - 2019-4 · 3 yrs

Darmstadt Area, Germany

development of a corporate innovation strategy for Merck executing on innovation areas executing on specific innovation projects

Head of Business Field Performance Solutions

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

2013-10 - 2016-4 · 2 yrs 7 mos

Darmstadt Area, Germany

Exploration and implementation of new business for Performance Materials in the Chemicals division of Merck KGaA

Member of the Board of Directors

Protagen Protein Services GmbH

2014-4 - 2021-6 · 7 yrs 3 mos

Dortmund Area, Germany

Member of The Supervisory Board

UCLA Technology Development Group

2016-5 - 2019-10 · 3 yrs 6 mos

Los Angeles Metropolitan Area

Member of the Board of Directors

Ipal GmbH

2012-1 - 2014-12 · 3 yrs

Berlin

Ipal GmbH was the Technology Transfer agency of the the Berlin Universities. It wa dismantled and the technology transfer was individualozed for the different universities of Berlin.

VP, Head of Merck Serono Biopartnering

Merck Healthcare

2012-3 - 2013-9 · 1 yr 7 mos

Darmstadt

managing all strategic alliances on a global basis, including the corporate venture fund, incubators and broad academic as well as biotech alliances Corporate Venture Fund

Vice President Early Stage Licensing

Merck Healthcare

2010-1 - 2012-3 · 2 yrs 3 mos

executing on in and out licensing preclinical development projects and technologies relevant for R&D establishment of a corporate venture fund

Vice President Operational Excellence R&D

Merck Healthcare

2008-8 - 2009-12 · 1 yr 5 mos

Member of the Board of Directors

AFFiRiS AG

2009-1 - 2011-12 · 3 yrs

Vienna

CEO

Protagen AG

2001-6 - 2008-7 · 7 yrs 2 mos

Head of Portfoliomanagement

Sandoz

1999-6 - 2001-5 · 2 yrs

Stuttgart

Portfolio management & heading group doing project management for introducing new products into German generics market. Additionally responsible for trade marks.