Franz joined Pappas Capital in 2013 as a Venture Partner and Senior Advisor, reuniting with Art Pappas and Ernie Mario, who all served together in the early 1990s as senior executives and board members for Glaxo Holdings.

In March 2014, Franz retired as Chairman of Roche Holding Ltd., capping a transformative 15-year tenure as Chairman and/or Chief Executive Officer. He became the CEO for Roche Group in 1998, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Pharmaceuticals (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd). Franz began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1973, joining Schering Plough Corporation as assistant to the vice president of Europe, Africa, Middle East operations and general manager of Ecuador, UK and Portugal. After leaving Schering Plough, he held various managerial positions (including director) at Glaxo Holdings plc, where he was responsible for research, business development, manufacturing, commercial strategy, and all operations outside the United States. Franz joined the Board of Diageo plc, the world’s leading spirits company, in 2005, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2008 through 2016. He is an Independent Director of Allogene Therapeutics (San Francisco), LetterOne Holdings, and Walter Frey Holding, and Chairman of HMNC Munich.

Franz also serves as member of the board of directors for the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2000, he received the Oliver R. Grace Award for distinguished service in advancing cancer research.

Education:

University of Innsbruck (PhD in Law)
INSEAD (MBA)
Faculty of Science from the University of Basel (Honorary Doctorate)
School of Pharmacy, University of London (Honorary Doctorate)