AO Technology Transfer Board seeks a new Chairperson

The AO Foundation is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Chair of the AO Technology Transfer Board, succeeding Prof. Michael Schuetz. This is a unique opportunity to guide the strategic direction of AO’s Innovation Funding activities and drive technologies from concept to patient impact across the musculoskeletal domain.

About the AO Technology Transfer Board

The AO Technology Transfer Board (AOTTB) oversees all activities of the AO Development Incubator, managing the AO Innovation Funding stream that supports translational projects as well as engagement with early-stage technologies.

The Board collaborates closely with the operational Technology Transfer team to set strategic goals, evaluate opportunities, and make portfolio decisions.

Key responsibilities of the Board include:

  • Managing open calls for innovation ideas from AO’s global surgeon and researcher network as well as the broader orthopedic innovation ecosystem.
  • Making funding recommendations and overseeing project and portfolio management.
  • Manage approval of staged funding via Milestone clearance for projects, by reviewing work package goal attainment.
  • Ensuring alignment with AO’s governance and compliance framework. Align closely with AO Technologies AG via Participation Management Process.

The Board meets twice per year in person and 3–5 times online, with attendance mandatory.


Role of the Chair

As Chair, you will:

  • Lead and coordinate the Board’s work, ensuring efficient decision‑making and strategic alignment with AO mission and governance.
  • Serve as the primary counterpart to the AO Technology Transfer operational team and AO governance bodies (e.g., AOTAG Board, AO Foundation Board, AO Technical Commission and other Executive bodies).
  • Guide evaluation and selection of innovation opportunities, including strategic investments and partnerships across the global ecosystem.
  • Foster collaboration between AOTTB, AO Technical Commission entities, and AO‑affiliated innovation partners.
  • Uphold transparency, independence, and adherence to AO Foundation’s conflict‑of‑interest standards.

This leadership role requires an ability to operate at senior executive and governance levels while nurturing innovation and driving cross‑functional alignment.
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Candidate Profile

We are seeking a strategic, visionary leader with proven excellence in clinical innovation, and collaboration in technology development. Ideal candidates bring:

Professional Experience

  • Mandatory: We are specifically seeking a distinguished surgeon who has demonstrated a prominent career in patient care in any specialty within Musculoskeletal care. The ideal candidate will have a strong clinical background, a track record of delivering exceptional outcomes, and a deep commitment to advancing standards in healthcare through hands-on experience.
  • Executive‑level management experience, including strategic direction setting, financial oversight, and leadership of senior teams.
  • Understanding of intellectual property, regulatory pathways, commercialization, and technology valuation.
  • A powerful global network among clinicians, industry experts, investors, and corporate/innovation partners.
  • Desired: experience in industry, venture capital, start‑ups, or investment leadership in MedTech, orthopedics, surgical care, or adjacent life‑science sectors.
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Leadership & Personal Qualities

  • Independent, strategic thinker with long‑term vision, intuition for future evolutions and needs in orthopedics, technology trends and future market opportunities.
  • Transparent, accountable leadership style aligned with AO’s consensual, volunteer‑driven culture.
  • Commitment to AO Foundation’s mission and ability to represent the organization at the highest levels.
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Other Requirements

  • Availability for presential meetings in Europe/US (and other ad-hoc locations) 2–3 times/year plus virtual sessions.
  • Willingness to maintain full compliance with AO’s governance processes, particularly around investment decisions and inter‑board collaboration.


Compensation

Board participation is compensated on a per‑diem basis, and travel and accommodation are covered according to AO Foundation guidelines.


Why Join AO?

The AO Foundation is a global leader in musculoskeletal innovation. As Chair of the AOTTB, you will shape the next era of AO technology strategy, influence multi‑million CHF innovation investments, and help accelerate groundbreaking technologies to clinical impact.


How to Apply

To express interest or recommend a candidate, please send your CV, a motivation letter in an email with Subject “Application: Chair, AO Technology Transfer Board” to techtransfer@aofoundation.org

For questions or inquiries, you may contact:

Victor Zambrano, Head of Technology Transfer
AO Innovation Translation Center, Davos

victor.zambrano@aofoundation.org

Application Deadline: April 10th 2026