Matthias Roppel - Deeply connected to Roche and its mission

Outside of work, my greatest joy comes from spending quality time with my family and closest friends, ideally actively outdoors. You will find me biking through forest trails, hiking up alpine paths, skiing down snowy slopes, or playing a lively game of tennis. Movement has always been a part of who I am. 

After more than 40 years on the soccer field, I have transitioned into these new passions with the same energy and love for sports that have defined much of my life. Add to that a good playlist, delicious food, and a glass of red wine shared with loved ones, and you have captured some of my favorite moments.

I am inspired by the people around me, especially colleagues and leaders at Roche who stay grounded, authentic, and committed to what truly matters. Their integrity and openness bring out the best in me and constantly remind me of the power of staying true to oneself.

My career journey

I started my professional path with an apprenticeship in banking, followed by a degree in economics. Beginning my career in the airline industry, I worked in human resources, a field that instantly felt like home. This May 1st, I celebrated 18 years with Roche. This milestone reflects how deeply connected I am to the organization and its mission. Throughout this time, I have always been a People & Culture (P&C) Business Partner, supporting different areas of the business and learning continuously along the way.

Today, I partner with two very distinct and dynamic groups: Global Procurement and RSS which I have had the pleasure of supporting for about five years. Each team brings its own challenges and rhythms, but both remind me daily of why I love what I do… working with people, understanding their needs, and helping them grow and succeed.

What has kept me here for nearly two decades is the powerful combination of people, culture, and purpose. Roche is a place where you feel the difference you make. It is where collaboration and innovation meet genuine care and shared values. That sense of belonging and impact is rare, and this is something I don’t take for granted.

Not every experience has been easy. One of the most difficult yet memorable chapters was the closure of the Roche Nutley site, a place rich in Roche history. Supporting people in pRED through that transition required empathy, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. It was a poignant reminder that being in P&C isn’t just about processes, but people’s lives, stories, and futures. In RSS, I support Ute Hübner with the BPM organization plus Stefan Gamp and Tobias Keller who co-lead EMDM/EFDS.

Like everyone, I have faced obstacles along the way. But my approach has always been rooted in passion and positivity. I stay driven by doing what I love and reminding myself why I started. When things get tough, I lean into what energizes me… meaningful work, movement, connection, and perspective.