Harry Kirsch brings extensive experience in financial leadership, strategic transformation and value creation within the global healthcare industry. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Novartis from 2013 until his retirement in March 2026, following 22 years with the company. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining a strong financial position, supporting innovation and delivering long-term sustainable value.
During his tenure, Mr. Kirsch led a range of major strategic transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, and other business development deals that helped reinforce the company’s pipeline and strengthen long-term value creation. These included the spin-off of Alcon in 2019, the sale of Novartis’ stake in Roche in 2021, and the spin-off of Sandoz as an independent, publicly-listed company in 2023. Between 2018 and 2024, he also played a key role in significantly strengthening the company’s financial performance, operational performance and long-term growth prospects.
Mr. Kirsch joined Novartis in 2003, having previously held senior finance roles at P&G. He holds a Master-equivalent degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe.