Early Life
Wilhelm "Willy" Michel was born on April 29, 1947, in Burgdorf, Switzerland. Growing up in a small town, he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for entrepreneurship. He spent his childhood in Burgdorf as the son of a railway shunter. He began his career as a chemist at Ciba-Geigy in Basel before gaining experience in various industrial and pharmaceutical companies across development, sales, and marketing.
Rise to Success
In 1984, Willy Michel founded Disetronic AG with his brother Peter. The company focused on manufacturing and distributing infusion systems. Disetronic developed advanced insulin pumps for diabetes treatment. In 1996, Disetronic went public. In 2003, he sold a portion of the company to Roche. As part of the sale, Michel reacquired the injection systems business for $310 million and founded Ypsomed in 2003. Ypsomed specializes in developing and manufacturing cutting-edge medical devices and systems, including insulin pumps and pen needles. He brought Ypsomed to the Swiss Stock Exchange in 2004.
Key Business Strategies
A key business strategy was Michel's decision to reacquire the injection systems business, which enabled him to build Ypsomed into a global leader. He holds a controlling 71% stake in Ypsomed, giving him significant control. The company has expanded its operations to over 80 countries. Michel's strategy also included diversification, with investments in watchmaking and biotech.
Philanthropy
Willy Michel is known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to social responsibility. He has made significant donations to various charitable organizations and educational institutions. He also founded the Diabetes Center Bern, contributing significantly to its funding.