Pascal Urech : 25 years with Axonlab

Interview with Pascal Urech

He has been part of the Axonlab story for 25 years. With a strong background in laboratory diagnostics, a passion for bringing sales and technology together, and a truly hands-on mindset, he has grown right alongside the company. In this interview, he talks about what first motivated him to join Axonlab, how his career has evolved across different roles and countries, and what trust, collaboration, and strong customer relationships really mean to him.

Pascal Urech
Head of Technical Support

Why did you decide to join the company 25 years ago?

I originally trained as a medical laboratory technician (MTA), but after a few years I moved from the laboratory into pharmaceutical sales. It was an exiting and educational time in sales. After three years in the pharmaceutical industry, however, I started to feel a strong pull back to my roots in labortatory diagnostics. At the same time, I didn’t want to give up sales altogether – I wanted to combine both worlds. That desire to bring together laboratory expertise and customer-facing work is what ultimately led me to Axonlab in January 2001.

How have you developed over time?

The first five years were very dynamic and full of variety. I started in diagnostics sales for German-speaking Switzerland under the leadership of Tamara Hensel. Because of my strong interest in IT, I was soon given additional responsibilities related to the Achilles software, which was taking its first steps back in 2001. This allowed me to combine diagnostics and IT from a very early stage.

The years working with the former company owner and programmer from Kern were particularly exciting and marked by constant progress. Both the software and the sales teams grew steadily, and so did my responsibilities. Thanks to my MTA training and specialist knowledge, we were also able to launch the first customer training courses for Horiba microsystems, which I had the opportunity to conduct myself.

After moving into application and sales, I transitioned seamlessly into the helpline and later into the technical department. In 2005, this role involved extensive travel throughout Germany, including customer training sessions, installations of large hematology systems, and on-site troubleshooting. When an opportunity opened up to take on a technical team leadership role in Germany, I didn’t hesitate. It was another chance to grow and take on something new. So in 2006, I moved my center of life to Germany.

What do you particularly appreciate about your work?

The trust placed in employees, the opportunity to actively contribute, and the level of responsibility you are given. I also really value the chance to build and maintain international relationships.

Is there a project or experience that stands out in your memory?

There are so many moments I have been fortunate to have over the years. All of them were rewarding, educational, and memorable in their own way.  What has always meant the most to me, though, are the customer relationships that grow during major installations, especially through the close and intensive support in the early phases. That’s when real trust is built.

What is your favorite Axonlab product and why?

That’s a tough question, as products naturally change over time. Horiba products have been oart of my journey the longest. But in recent years, the project I’ve poured the most passion into has been developing a POCT software solution that connects our systems in medical practices across Germany. It was a path with plenty of ups and downs,  but we have now made a strong start with Axonio.

What advice would you give to someone just starting at Axonlab?

Don’t give up at the first hurdle. Think beyond borders, be willing to go the extra mile, and don’t wait for everything to come to you on its own

What special talent do you have that most people don’t know about?

Consistency. If anyone can think of another one, they’re more than welcome to let me know.

Which three things would you take to a deserted island?

It would have to be five things – unless family counts as one. My wife, our three daughters, and a Swiss Army knife.

You can give a “you-are-a-great-colleague” award to a colleague at Axonlab. Who would you give it to and why?

Always these limitations. There are several people who deserve a nomination. So many colleagues have accompanied me along the way and continue to do so, leaving lasting impressions. Choosing just one person simply wouldn’t feel right.

So I would give the “great colleague” award to Axonlab as a company and to all the colleagues who have been part of my journey so far – and to those who will  be part of it in the future.