Leadership Change at Technopark Zurich: Marcel Gurrath appointed new CEO

Zurich, 16 October 2025 – Technopark Zurich welcomes a new operational leader: real estate expert Marcel Gurrath will take over as CEO of Technopark Zurich, combining strategic vision with extensive management experience. He succeeds Karin Looser, who has successfully shaped and developed Technopark Zurich over the past twelve years and will step down at the end of October 2025.

Experienced Real Estate and Leadership Professional
With more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry, leadership, and organizational development, Marcel Gurrath brings ideal qualifications to guide Technopark Zurich into the future.

Most recently, he served as Head of Leasing Management at Livit AG, where he was a member of the Management Committee with nationwide responsibility for nine branches and around sixty-five employees. His expertise spans strategic planning and implementation, change management, marketing of large-scale projects, asset and portfolio management, and process digitalisation.

Holding a MAS ZFH in Real Estate Management, Gurrath is known for his strong negotiation and communication skills and his established professional network. His teaching and examination activities further reflect his commitment to knowledge transfer and the development of young talent.

Having spent several months travelling around the world, the 42-year-old is returning to Switzerland”s innovation landscape with a fresh perspective and an openness to other cultures – qualities that will contribute to the ongoing development of Technopark Zurich.

‘I am very much looking forward to leading Technopark Zurich into the future. It is a unique place where ideas become reality,” says Marcel Gurrath. “Together with a strong team and an engaged community, I intend to build on this success and establish this location as a driving force for innovation.’

As CEO, Gurrath will focus on the strategic development of the site, strengthening innovation capacity, increasing utilization and efficiency, and advancing the digitalisation of services and processes.

‘I look forward to a close and collaborative partnership with Marcel Gurrath,’ says Matthias Hoelling, Director of Foundation Affairs at Technopark Zurich. “His expertise complements our commitment to innovation and technology transfer perfectly. Together, we will further develop Technopark Zurich’s position as a leading player in the start-up ecosystem and actively promote sustainable innovation.”

Leadership Transition After More Than 12 Years
After more than twelve years, Karin Looser will step down from her operational leadership role at Technopark Zurich in October 2025 to pursue new personal and professional goals. Since 2013, she has led Technopark Zurich with passion and foresight, leaving a lasting mark on its development.

Among the milestones of her tenure are extensive infrastructure modernizations, including the complete renovation of the restaurant area. She also successfully integrated the foundation, property management, and event organization into one cohesive structure. During the pandemic, she guided Technopark Zurich with calm and steady leadership through challenging times. Under her direction, the AI Startup Center was inaugurated in February 2025.

Tanja Zimmermann, President of the Foundation Board, and the entire Foundation Board extend their sincere thanks to Karin Looser for her long-standing commitment, strong leadership, and invaluable contributions to the development of Technopark Zurich.

About Technopark Zurich
For more than three decades, Technopark Zurich has been one of Switzerland’s most important hubs for start-ups. Over 240 young companies and tech start-ups develop their ideas here, growing flexibly with their success and benefiting from an ecosystem that connects knowledge, capital, and talent.

As part of the nationwide Technopark Alliance and with direct access to universities, research institutions, and investors, Technopark Zurich offers a powerful environment for innovation.

With the newly opened AI Startup Center, the site is setting a strong signal for the future – creating a unique hub for founders in artificial intelligence and deep-tech. Situated in the heart of Zürich West, Technopark Zurich is a place where community spirit meets a start-up mindset. It’s a place where ideas are born, grow and make an impact.

Media Contact:
Barbara Frauenfeld
Technopark Zurich – Communications
📧 Barbara.frauenfeld@technopark.ch
🌐 www.technopark.ch

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