Building Pharmaceutical Legacy
with family values

Leadership: Shaping the Future of the Family Pharmaceutical Business

Helsinn Group

Riccardo serves as Executive Chairman and CEO of Helsinn Healthcare SA, the family-run pharmaceutical group founded by his father in 1976.

Under Riccardo’s leadership, Helsinn has reached significant milestones and established itself as a global pharmaceutical company, a leader in supportive care, guided by core family values of integrity, passion and quality, and focused on improving the health and quality of life of patients with cancer and chronic diseases. Through a combination of innovation, strategic foresight, and commitment to addressing critical unmet medical needs in oncological supportive care, Riccardo has guided the company’s expansion into new markets such as USA, Japan and China, diversification into additional therapeutic areas in oncology, and its evolution into a fully integrated pharmaceutical organization, with partnerships spanning 190 countries and a strong footprint in the United States. Riccardo’s strategic vision, talent for building high-performing teams, and unwavering commitment to innovation have been instrumental to Helsinn’s success.

Riccardo’s strategic focus on late-stage licensing has enabled Helsinn to efficiently deliver innovative therapies to market, benefiting patients on a global scale and positioned Helsinn as a global force in the pharmaceutical industry. His leadership is marked by a forward-looking vision, a strong commitment to sustainability, and a nuanced grasp of the rapidly evolving healthcare environment. He understands the necessity of staying attuned to shifting market dynamics, leveraging emerging technologies, and proactively addressing the complex needs of an aging global population.

Riccardo is also Chairman of Helsinn Therapeutics (U.S.), Inc., USA. He serves as Member of the Board of Helsinn Birex Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ireland, Helsinn Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd, China and of Helsinn International (LUX) SA, Luxembourg.

HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis

Riccardo is Chairman of the company HAS Healthcare Advanced Synthesis SA, Switzerland, a leading international developer and producer in the CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) sector delivering high-quality, exclusive, personalized solutions, from the chemical development to the commercialization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), cGMP Advanced Intermediates, High Potency APIs (HPAPIs) and Anticancer compounds to pharma, and the newly acquired Cerbios-Pharma SA, Switzerland, a global manufacturer with almost 50 years’ expertise in the development and industrial scale manufacturing of APIs, including antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), the ideal partners from clinical to commercial supply.

Riccardo has recently driven the acquisition of Cerbios Pharma to create a larger CDMO group in the Swiss space.

Riccardo’s role underscores his comprehensive understanding of the vital importance of a reliable, high-quality, innovative and sustainable supply chain in the pharmaceutical industry. He recognizes that such a supply chain is not only essential for ensuing the consistent availability of life-saving medications, but also for maintaining regulatory compliance, minimizing environmental impact, and fostering long-term resilience in a rapidly evolving global market. His strategic insight reflects a commitment to advancing operational excellence with a strong focus on sustainability, ensuring that innovation and efficiency go hand in hand with responsible environmental and social practices, while supporting patient health and safety across the entire value chain.

3B Future Health Fund

Riccardo plays a pivotal role in the 3B Future Health Fund, where he holds several senior positions. He is Vice Chairman and Group CEO at 3B Future Holding, Switzerland, Chairman and General Partner of 3B Future Health Fund I & II, and Chairman and General Partner of 3B Future Health Ventures. Through a professional team of international experts and with a solid track record and key ethical values and principles, these investment vehicles operate in various financial business activities within the healthcare sector.

Riccardo’s role in the 3B Future Health Fund underscores his strong commitment to advancing transformative healthcare solutions. He is deeply involved in identifying promising early-stage companies focused on oncology and rare diseases which can have a profound impact on patient lives. He provides strategic guidance and offers his extensive network to support their growth. Through his active participation and targeted investments, he aims to accelerate the development of groundbreaking treatments and technologies that drive meaningful improvements in patient outcomes.

Personal Commitment to Oncology and Healthcare

Riccardo’s dedication to oncology stems from a deeply personal journey. His own battle with cancer against Leukemia, along with the experiences of loved ones, has profoundly influenced his mission to improve the lives of those affected by the disease. These experiences have shaped him into a passionate advocate for cancer research, early detection, and patient-centered care.

Motivated by empathy and firsthand insight, Riccardo is committed to advancing more effective treatments and transforming healthcare delivery. His efforts extend beyond oncology to include chronic and age-related conditions, where he seeks to drive meaningful improvements for patients and their families.

At the heart of his advocacy is a focus on raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis, expanding access to quality care, and championing policies that accelerate medical innovation. Braglia’s personal connection to cancer fuels his unwavering pursuit of progress, compassion, and impact in healthcare.

Commitment to Philanthropy

Riccardo plays a significant role in the broader healthcare ecosystem through his active engagement with various funds and foundations. In these roles, Riccardo applies his entrepreneurial expertise to drive investments in innovative startups and support medical institutions through targeted grants.

His engagement goes far beyond financial backing. Riccardo is deeply involved in strategic decision-making, provides guidance to portfolio companies, and leverages his extensive network to connect researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors. This hands-on approach, combined with his deep industry insight, underscores his enduring commitment to fostering medical innovation, advancing research, and ultimately enhancing patient care.

Conquer Cancer, The ASCO Foundation

Riccardo’s determination to contribute to the advancement of healthcare is clearly reflected in his active involvement as a Board Member of the Conquer Cancer, The ASCO Foundation, USA.

Riccardo serves on the Board of the Conquer Cancer, The ASCO Foundation since 2019, a leading organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and improving prevention, treatment, and patient care. His involvement reflects a deep personal and professional commitment to accelerating progress in the fight against cancer.

As a board member, Riccardo plays an active role in shaping the foundation’s strategic direction, guiding resource allocation to high-impact research initiatives, and promoting awareness of the critical importance of cancer research. His contributions help drive innovation, support groundbreaking studies, and bring promising new treatments to patients more quickly. Through his work with the foundation and fellow board members, Ricacrdo is committed to driving progress toward a future where cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately defeated: a world where cancer is no longer a life-threatening disease.

Helmut Horten Foundation

Riccardo is also Member of the Board of the Helmut Horten Foundation which promotes healthcare by providing grants to medical centers, hospitals, and other healthcare institutions, as well as offering support to individuals in need of medical care.

Riccardo serves on the Board of the Helmut Horten Foundation, an esteemed Swiss philanthropic foundation dedicated to advancing healthcare through strategic grant-making. In this role, he supports initiatives that enhance medical care and improve the well-being of individuals in need.

Riccardo collaborates with fellow board members to identify impactful healthcare projects, evaluate grant proposals, and ensure that funding is directed toward initiatives with significant outcomes. His involvement reflects a strong commitment to supporting healthcare innovation and accessibility in Switzerland. Through his contributions, the foundation is able to maximize the effectiveness of its resources and drive meaningful improvements in patient care.

Ticino Foundation for Cancer Research

He also serves as Board Member of the Ticino Foundation for Cancer Research, a regional organization dedicated to supporting innovative cancer research and improving treatment outcomes for patients in the Ticino region. His support helps foster a culture of innovation and scientific inquiry, empowering the next generation of researchers and healthcare professionals to pursue groundbreaking work in medicine and life sciences.

New Flower in Africa Foundation

Riccardo’s deep commitment to empowering young people through education is exemplified by his role as co-founder and Chairman of the New Flower in Africa Foundation, a philanthropic initiative based in Switzerland, focused on promoting access to quality basic education for children and youth across the African continent. The Foundation founded by Riccardo and his wife, Giuseppina Giavatto Braglia, provides educational and vocational training initiatives, through the building and management of schools across sub-Saharan Africa. By creating new opportunities for young people and their families, the Foundation plays a transformative role in uplifting entire communities. Its mission is rooted in the belief that education is a powerful tool to combat illiteracy, reduce social injustice, and foster long-term, sustainable development and under Riccardo’s leadership, the foundation has successfully launched over 30 educational projects, benefiting over 34,000 students and making a meaningful contribution to reducing social inequity through access to quality education. Riccardo plays a central role in overseeing the foundation’s operations, ensuring that its mission – to empower communities through education-is effectively carried out. His deep personal involvement includes traveling to Africa to visit project sites, engaging with local leaders and educators, and closely monitoring the sustainability and impact of each initiative.

The New Flower in Africa Foundation stands as a testament to Riccardo’s belief in education as a catalyst for transformation. Through his guidance, the foundation continues to expand its reach, offering thousands of children the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Gabriele and Anna Braglia Foundation

His passion for art is reflected in his active role as a Board Member of the Gabriele and Anna Braglia Foundation, which organizes art exhibitions, lectures, and other cultural activities related to modern and contemporary art, both in Switzerland and internationally.

Riccardo is actively involved with the Gabriele and Anna Braglia Foundation; an art institution founded in 2015 to preserve and promote his parents’ art collection. His engagement reflects a deep personal passion for art and culture, as well as a commitment to honoring his family’s artistic legacy.

The foundation stands as a tribute to his parents’ lifelong love of art, and Braglia family commitment helps to safeguard their vision for future generations, ensure that the collections remain accessible to the public through exhibitions and catalogues, foster greater appreciation for the arts and to enrich the local cultural landscape.

Global Vision and Impact

Riccardo brings a truly international perspective to his work, shaped by a rich blend of academic and professional experiences across multiple countries. Fluent in English, Italian, French and Portuguese, he navigates global markets with ease, fostering strong relationships with partners and stakeholders around the world.

His leadership is marked by a commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of the global healthcare landscape. Riccardo recognizes the value of building relationships across cultures, navigating complex regulatory environments, and promoting international cooperation. His multilingual communication skills enhance his ability to connect with diverse audiences and build trust with partners worldwide, making him a figure in advancing global healthcare solutions.

Academic Background

Riccardo’s academic journey spans several esteemed institutions, equipping him with a solid foundation in business economics and management.

Luigi Bocconi University, Milan

Riccardo earned a degree in Business Economics with a specialization in Business Industrial Management from Luigi Bocconi University in Milan, Italy (1979–1984). Widely recognized as one of Italy’s most prestigious universities, Bocconi is known for its rigorous academic standards and its focus on developing future business leaders.

During his studies, Riccardo gained a broad and in-depth understanding of key business disciplines, including finance, marketing, accounting, and organizational behavior. His specialization provided him with advanced knowledge in industrial management, particularly in areas such as production processes, supply chain optimization, and operations strategy.

This academic foundation has been instrumental throughout his career, especially in his leadership at Helsinn Group, where he has overseen global manufacturing operations and strategic market expansion. Beyond technical expertise, his time at Bocconi instilled in him a strong work ethic, a commitment to excellence, and a lifelong passion for learning—values that continue to shape his approach to leadership and innovation.

IMD (International Institute for Management Development)

Riccardo has completed executive programs at IMD Business School, including Mastering Board Governance and Global Family Business (1997). These programs provided him with advanced expertise in corporate governance and the strategic management of family-owned enterprises.

IMD, a globally renowned institution for executive education, is known for equipping senior leaders with tools to navigate complex business environments. Riccardo’s participation in these programs reflects his commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of best practices in leadership and governance.

The Mastering Board Governance program deepened Braglia’s understanding of board responsibilities, risk oversight, and strategic decision-making, while the Global Family Business program offered valuable insights into the unique dynamics, succession planning, and long-term sustainability of family-run companies. This knowledge has been particularly relevant in his leadership at his family-owned business, where he has applied these principles to support growth, continuity, and governance excellence.

Harvard Medical School

Riccardo has furthered his expertise in healthcare innovation through continuing education at Harvard Medical School, completing courses in Digital Health (2023) and AI in Health Care: From Strategies to Implementation (2024). These programs reflect his proactive commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements shaping the future of medicine.

Blending Education and Experience

Beyond his formal academic background, Riccardo has cultivated deep expertise through decades of hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry. His career has given him a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s complexities—from research and development to manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and commercial strategy.

This powerful combination of academic knowledge and real-world insight has shaped Riccardo into a highly effective and respected leader in the healthcare space. His ability to bridge theory with practice enables him to develop innovative, pragmatic solutions and drive meaningful progress across the organizations he leads.

Guided by his personal “3F” philosophy—Family, Force, and Faith—Braglia approaches leadership with a values-driven mindset, blending strategic vision with empathy, resilience, and purpose.