Bertrand Levrat announces a new chapter un his career

Period of transition at the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG)

The Director General of the University Hospital of Geneva (HUG) announces his decision to take up a new professional challenge as « Group Chief Operating Officer » of the group Mediclinic. Bertrand Levrat will continue to fulfil his responsibilities at the HUG until 31st May 2024. Pierre Maudet, State Councillor, and François Canonica, Chairman of the HUG Board of directors, jointly express their gratitude towards Bertrand Levrat for his exceptional commitment to the staff and the community.

Bertrand Levrat has held the position of HUG Director General since 1st June 2013, marking a period of profound change within the institution. Under his leadership, the University Hospital of Geneva, leading Swiss university hospital, has been transformed by significant reforms aimed at strengthening excellence and innovation in the service of patients, research and teaching.

Pierre Maudet, State Councillor, pays tribute to Mr. Levrat's work: "I would like to sincerely thank the Director General, Bertrand Levrat, for his excellent work throughout his mandate. Under his leadership, numerous infrastructure projects have been developed, placing Geneva at the forefront of innovation. What's more, his stewardship of the institution during the COVID period was truly remarkable. I wish him all the best in his new role and look forward to counting on his skills until the arrival of his successor".

François Canonica, Chairman of the HUG Board of directors, expresses his gratitude towards Bertrand Levrat, underlining his exceptional leadership in shaping the HUG into a model hospital. “It is with deep emotion that I learned of Bertrand Levrat’s new career orientation. I thank him warmly for his commitment towards our institution which, through him, has become a standard for hospitals dedicated to their community.”

A remarkable vision for the hospital’s future

Over the last decade, Bertrand Levrat has led the implementation of several remarkable initiatives. He initiated the reorganization of the medical departments, one better optimized for today's care trajectories and the new challenges of medicine. In terms of infrastructure, he commissioned the Gustave Julliard building, the new Maternity Hospital, the Maison de l'enfance et de l'adolescence, the Geriatric and Adult Emergency Departments and the Center for Innovation.

Bertrand Levrat has also led a far-reaching reform of the hospital’s human resources policy, with a determined focus on employee well-being. An initiative that bears witness to a modern and humane vision of social relations within the institution.

His ambitious structural reform has secured the HUG's financial equilibrium, bringing its budget to CHF 2.3 billion.

Bertrand Levrat invested significantly in sustainability to reduce the hospital's carbon footprint, integrating environmental concerns into institutional management and positioning the HUG as a leader in Switzerland and internationally.

A « huge privilege » to work alongside the staff of the HUG

“Throughout these years, I was privileged to gain the full trust and solid support of the Grand Conseil, the Conseil d’Etat, the members of the Conseil d’Etat and the Department of health” underlines Bertrand Levrat. He expresses deep gratitude towards the hospital staff, stressing what a privilege it has been to work alongside them. “I am grateful for everything that I have been given”, he adds.

Under his leadership, the HUG has opened up onto to the city, forming durable and solid partnerships with Geneva’s public and private healthcare network, the universities of Geneva and Lausanne, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), and the Lausanne University Hospital. Bertrand Levrat contributed to the development of the Campus Biotech and facilitated the emergence of numerous research projects, notably in oncology, bringing hope of new treatments for patients.

The creation of Fondation privée des HUG was a major milestone enabling numerous projects to come to life thanks to the support of generous donors and partners who confirmed their trust through donations totalling over CHF 250 million.

Finally, during the COVID crisis, the exemplary management of Bertrand Levrat with the entire staff, demonstrated the institution’s ability to courageously, and with unparalleled agility, tackle a sustained major crisis.

Period of transition at the HUG

The HUG will now enter a period of transition as Bertrand Levrat will continue to serve as Director General until 31st May 2024. The recruitment process for his successor will be initiated by the HUG Board of directors in parallel.tude hiking.