Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Tobias Boldt to become Chief Commercial Officer at Schwabe in 2027

Schwabe Group is preparing a change in its commercial leadership. Tobias Boldt is set to join the Karlsruhe-based OTC and consumer health company as Chief Commercial Officer on 1 April 2027.

Boldt will move from Bayer, where he most recently served as Cluster Head Consumer Health Germany & Austria, overseeing the OTC business in both markets. He also led Natsana, a direct-to-consumer business for nutritional supplements within the Bayer environment.

Succession to Anke Balzer

At Schwabe, Boldt will succeed Dr. Anke Balzer. She has held the Chief Commercial Officer role since 2014 and plans to devote more time to her family. CEO Olaf Schwabe credited her with shaping the group’s commercial strategy and strengthening the regional setup of the business.

The appointment is relevant for Schwabe because the company operates in categories where brand management, pharmacy sales, digital channels and direct consumer access are becoming increasingly connected. Its portfolio includes OTC brands such as Lasea, Umckaloabo, Tebonin and Carmenthin.

Background in OTC, omnichannel and DTC

Boldt has spent his career to date at Bayer. He joined the Leverkusen-based company in 1998 and later held a range of national and international roles across Animal Health and Consumer Health. His assignments included positions in the Philippines and Poland. He took responsibility for Consumer Health in Germany and Austria in 2019.

In his latest Bayer role, Boldt focused on advancing the OTC business across channels. His remit included omnichannel transformation, data-based steering models and initiatives to improve growth and profitability. In 2025, the business also expanded through the acquisition of HiDoc Technologies, adding Bayer’s first digital health application for irritable bowel syndrome.

As CEO of Natsana, Boldt was involved in acquisitions, integration work and the economic repositioning of the business. He also worked on building a scalable direct-to-consumer platform for Europe and China, including a presence in major online channels such as Amazon.

Strategic context for Schwabe

The appointment comes as Schwabe broadens its activities beyond traditional OTC structures. In summer 2026, the group announced a majority stake in Hydraid, a Munich-based start-up focused on functional sports hydration and electrolytes. In May 2026, Schwabe made a strategic investment in Berlin-based digital health company Synaptikon, which operates the DiGA NeuroNation Med. In spring 2025, the group increased its stake in Braineffect, a Berlin-based DTC brand for nutritional supplements and functional foods.

For pharma and healthcare marketing executives, the move reflects a wider market shift. OTC companies are increasingly combining established brands with digital services, data-driven commercial models and more direct consumer relationships. Boldt’s background aligns closely with these priorities.