Matthias Büttner

The Swiss Business Hub advises small to med-sized companies from Switzerland in their market-entry and business organization in Brazil. We often work with external experts such as business consultants, lawyers, regulatory affairs specialists and headhunters and welcome their contact.

Start-up of a Brazilian distributor of selected pharmaceutical products, cosmeceuticals and medical devices which are either truly novel or smartly challenge existing brands and business models. Advised on the sales force organization and service strategies. Built up the finance, controlling and supply chain function. Lead the implementation of an ERP system. Identified and secured venture capital for start-up funds. Developed business through international networking and product portfolio strategy.

Responsible for all aspects of unbundling the Diabetes Care business into a separate division in all 11 countries of the region. Defined and implemented sales force strategy and organization; overhauled the distribution channel strategy, sales organization and compensation plans. Recruited and trained new managers, field force. Developed an innovative diabetes education concept to be sold to institutional clients in the region. Successfully lead the development and launch of a viral marketing campaign.

Lateral career move into sales of the Laboratory business unit, responsible for public key accounts in São Paulo capital, among them the Hospital das Clínicas, the biggest hospital complex in Latin America.

In 2001, Roche's Diagnostics Division in Brazil and Latin America went through an intense period of changes to improve growth and profitability. Among other measures, a Controller for Brazil and Latin America was appointed (myself) and operations in Brazil were unbundled into a new legal entity with new management, systems and processes. I built up a modern business controlling in Brazil and for Latin America and lead two strategic and innovative projects.

Participated in a project that overhauled the local credit management policy.

Coordinated financing, hedging, tax and intercompany transactions of affiliates in Northern- and Eastern Europe. Analysis of quarterly results of Roche’s operating affiliates worldwide and presentation of results to the CFO.

Marketing

Corporate Finance, Accounting, Controlling. Thesis: Brazil's currency reform in 1994 (Plano Real)