Hansjorg Wyss

Hansjörg Wyss "was born and raised in Switzerland, where he developed an appreciation for fine wine. After receiving a Master of Science degree in Civil & Structural Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute Of Technology, Hansjörg attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business, where he earned an M.B.A with distinction. While at Harvard, he spent a summer hiking and camping in Colorado, an experience fostering a lifelong love for the natural beauty of the western United States.

"In 1977, Hansjörg became President of Synthes USA, a firm manufacturing Swiss-designed medical devices. Under Hansjörg’s leadership, the company has become a global leader in the medical technology industry.

"An ardent environmentalist, Hansjörg’s Wyss Foundation has helped preserve nearly five million acres of U.S. wilderness. He also serves on the boards of The Wilderness Society, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, Rails-to-Trails, and the Grand Canyon Trust.

"In 2000, Hansjörg purchased the 900-acre Halter Ranch in west Paso Robles, where he indulges his passion for wine, nature and enlightened environmental stewardship."


 * Trustee, Conservation Lands Foundation