- Programme studied and graduation year: MSc Management & Strategy, 2011
From consulting to shaping healthcare policy and innovation, Christoph has built a career at the intersection of strategy, evidence, and impact. Currently leading Government Affairs, Market Access, and Health Economics for Stryker across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, Christoph works to ensure advanced medical technologies reach patients efficiently and sustainably. Alongside this, he co-leads a research group at the Technical University of Berlin, bridging academic insight with real-world solutions. In this alumni profile Christoph shares his professional focus, career journey since LSE, and the lessons that continue to guide his work and life.
What are your current areas of focus, professionally or otherwise?
Professionally, I focus on making healthcare systems more innovation friendly and sustainable, all whilst improving patient outcomes. At Stryker, I lead Government Affairs, Market Access and Health Economics across Germany, Switzerland and Austria. I work to connect evidence, policy and innovation so that advanced medical technologies reach patients efficiently.
Alongside this, I co-lead a research group at the Technical University of Berlin on healthcare quality and outcomes, linking academic insight with real-world policy and market access solutions.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family, including my two daughters. I enjoy running, personal fitness, skiing and cooking, activities that keep me balanced, energised and creative.
What were the most valuable lessons you took away from studying at LSE?
LSE taught me to think critically and connect ideas across economics, policy and management to address real-world problems. The diversity of people and perspectives sharpened my ability to analyse complex systems and communicate clearly, skills I use daily in healthcare policy and market access. Above all, LSE instilled a mindset of curiosity and global awareness, encouraging me to question assumptions and look for solutions that create positive impact in our healthcare systems. That foundation still shapes how I work and lead today, with a clear growth mindset and a strong motivation to improve patients’ lives.
Since you graduated from LSE, what skills have been most valuable?
Since graduating from LSE, I’ve learned to combine analytical thinking with empathy and collaboration. At the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), I built strong problem-solving and strategic skills. Whilst at Stryker I’ve developed as a leader, enabling teams, shaping strategy, and communicating across business, policy and scientific audiences. Working between industry and academia has taught me adaptability and the value of connecting evidence with real-world implementation. Above all, I’ve learnt that meaningful progress in healthcare depends on partnership, curiosity, openness to innovation and a clear focus on patient outcomes.
What motivated your transition to healthcare?
Coming from a family of physicians and having almost studied medicine myself, I’ve always been motivated by improving how patients experience and benefit from healthcare. At BCG, I advised hospitals and medtech companies and witnessed the promise of innovation and the barriers that often prevent it from reaching patients. I wanted to move from analysis to action, to help close that gap. Joining Stryker offered the opportunity to do exactly that: shaping policy, access and evidence so that great technologies can make a real difference in people’s lives.
Has your career worked out the way you envisioned?
In many ways yes, though the steps and sequence weren’t fully planned out. I’ve always been driven by a desire to make healthcare systems better. Consulting at BCG gave me a strong foundation in strategy and problem-solving, while my move to Stryker allowed me to turn ideas into real impact for clinicians and patients. Combining this with academic research at TU Berlin has been particularly rewarding. The mix of industry, policy and research has proved exactly the right combination for me.
If you had one piece of advice you could give your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t worry too much about having a perfect plan, focus on learning, curiosity, and building meaningful relationships. The most valuable opportunities in my career came from being open to change and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Taking advantage of the last minute discounted student tickets, each theatre play in the London West End revealed some insight or aha moment. Similarly, each experience, even the unexpected ones, added perspectives and skills that proved essential later on. Trust that passion, persistence, and strong sense of purpose will shape the right path over time.
Share with us your fondest memory of the Department of Management.
One of the best days of my LSE experience combined everything that makes the university so special. It began with an inspiring industrial economics lecture by Jörn Rothe that changed how I thought about markets and organisational strategy. A lively squash match with a close friend who remains a very good friend today followed. The day continued with the Nobel lecture by Sir Christopher Pissarides, awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics that same year while I was on campus, and finished with friends, Nobel insights and a pint in LSE’s very own George IV pub. Learning, friendship and inspiration, all in one memorable day.
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