Early Life
Johann Georg Wyss, known as Hansjörg Wyss, was born in Bern, Switzerland, on September 19, 1935. He earned a Master of Science degree in civil and structural engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in 1959, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1965. His upbringing in Switzerland instilled a love for nature, which later influenced his philanthropic endeavors.
Rise to Success
Wyss's career began in the textile industry before he transitioned into the medical device sector. In 1977, he founded Synthes USA, the American division of the Swiss medical device manufacturer Synthes. Under his leadership, Synthes USA grew to become a leading provider of implants for bone fractures. Wyss served as the CEO and Chairman of Synthes until its acquisition by Johnson & Johnson in 2012 for $20.2 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Wyss's success with Synthes USA was built on several key strategies. He focused on establishing a strong sales team, training surgeons on the use of Synthes products, and expanding the company's manufacturing capabilities. He also emphasized innovation, which led to the development of advanced medical devices.
Philanthropy
After selling Synthes, Wyss dedicated himself to philanthropy, focusing on environmental protection, scientific research, and progressive causes. He established the Wyss Foundation in 1998, which has contributed billions of dollars to various initiatives. Wyss has pledged to donate the majority of his fortune to charitable causes.
