20 years at Axonlab: an interview with Markus Koller about his career and favourite products

Today, Markus gives us an exciting insight into his beginnings and developments at Axonlab. He has been with Axonlab for a proud 20 years and currently works as a Senior Project Manager in the Master Data Management (MDM) department. During this time, he has not only built up a wealth of experience, but has also played a key role in shaping Axonlab's developments and successes. 

What was your motivation to join Axonlab 20 years ago?

Previously, I worked in sales and marketing for a small life science company. At Axonlab, I had the opportunity to combine life science research with diagnostics and build up a new business area.

How did you develop during this time and what changes did you experience?

I joined Axonlab in April 2003 as Head of Life Science Sales. At that time, Axonlab only had around 50 employees and, apart from Baden-Dättwil, only had sites in Le Mont/Lausanne and Reichenbach (Germany). The distances within the company were very short and the structures were clearly organised. With the gradual expansion of the life science product portfolio in the direction of molecular diagnostics (MDx), a new business unit was created over the years. As the first Business Unit Head of MDx, I played a key role in the development and expansion of this area. Thanks to a successful team and attractive, innovative products, Molecular Diagnostics has grown strongly over the years and has also developed into an important business unit of Axonlab internationally. In these 20 years, Axonlab has developed into a complex, successful and very international company.

What do you like most about working at Axonlab?

The work was and is very varied and exciting. I appreciate the dialogue within the team and with all the other employees and business partners in many countries, as well as the opportunity to help shape new projects as a "co-entrepreneur".

Do you have a project or an experience that has stayed in your memory?

I have fond memories of the many congresses, exhibitions and meetings at home and abroad that I was able to attend.

What is your favourite Axonlab product and why?

We have been distributing the GeneXpert system from Cepheid for many years. This innovative product was the first "sample-to-answer" MDx system on the market when it was launched in 2005 and has developed very successfully thanks to the constant expansion of the test menu. I can say that the GeneXpert has shaped half of my professional life.

What advice would you give to someone who has just started at Axonlab?

Actively approach people, find a job that you enjoy, don't be bothered by the small imperfections that exist in every company, then all doors will be open to you.

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

I would take a good bottle of red wine, a corkscrew and my lovely wife to a desert island to enjoy the sunset together.

You can give a "you-are-a-great-colleague" award to a colleague at Axonlab. Who would you give this award to and why?"

I would like to give this award to Jutta Beesley. I really appreciate her friendly nature, her helpfulness, her enormous expertise and her loyalty. I consider myself lucky to have been able to work with her in the same team for so many years.

 

Many thanks dear Markus! We look forward to many more successful years!