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Nikolai Ahrens

Executive Fellow of Organisational Behaviour

MA DPhil (Oxford University)

Nikolai Ahrens brings extensive experience in organisational behaviour and leadership within the life sciences and biotech sectors. As Co-Founder and Director of LifeScience Connect Ltd., he leads Europe's largest biotech and life science CEO community, connecting over 450 CEOs in a curated format to navigate complex leadership challenges collaboratively. His current focus centres on supporting executive leadership and organisational development within high-growth, innovation-driven companies.

At London Business School, Nikolai contributes to the development of executive education programmes, drawing on his deep professional experience to enhance teaching and learning in organisational behaviour and corporate leadership. His insights are informed by decades of hands-on engagement with senior management teams across multiple sectors and geographies.

Nikolai's career spans over 30 years in investment banking, corporate finance, and entrepreneurship. He held senior executive positions at leading global financial institutions including JP Morgan, UBS Warburg, Citigroup, Lehman Brothers, and Nomura, where he managed large teams and advised multinational corporations on complex transactions. He has founded and directed multiple ventures in finance and technology, served as Managing Partner of a Swiss industrial investment platform with governance responsibility across portfolio companies, and maintained board-level positions across diverse sectors including media, technology, and natural resources. His professional expertise encompasses M&A, capital raising, and advisory services, with particular focus on healthcare, chemicals, industrials, and life sciences.

Academic and professional experience

  • Co-Founder and Director, LifeScience Connect Ltd., London, U.K. (2021–present)

  • Board Director, Nanotemper GmbH, Munich, Germany (2024–present)

  • Co-founder and Managing Director, Turos Capital AG, Zurich, Switzerland (2018–2025)

  • Co-founder and Member of the Board of Directors, Metricso SA, Warsaw, Poland (2015–2021)

  • Member of the Board of Directors, Tectus SA, Zürich, Switzerland (2013–2017)

  • Managing Partner, FFC Finccord Finance Coordinators Ltd, Zurich (2013–2016)

  • Member of Board of Directors, ITI Holdings, Luxembourg (2013–2017)

  • Member of Board of Directors, Proceq SA, Switzerland (2013–2017)

  • Member of Board of Directors, Icelandic Water Holdings, Iceland (2013–2017)

  • Member of Board of Directors, Metaverse Holdings, BVI (2013–2017)

  • Country Co-Head for Germany and Head of Investment Banking Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Nomura International Plc, Frankfurt/Zürich (2010–2013)

  • Member of European Investment Banking Executive Committee, Nomura International Plc (2010–2013)

  • Global Co-Head and Co-Head European Natural Resources and Power, Lehman Brothers Europe Ltd./Nomura International Plc, London (2007–2010)

  • Member of European Investment Banking Executive Committee, Lehman Brothers/Nomura (2007–2010)

  • European Head of Chemicals, Lehman Brothers Europe Ltd./Nomura International Plc, London (2007–2008)

  • Managing Director, Member of German & Swiss Corporate and Investment Banking team, Citigroup Global

  • Corporate and Investment Bank, London/Frankfurt (2001–2007)

  • Vice President, European Investment Banking, JP Morgan, London (1998–2001)

  • Analyst, Associate Director and Director, Investment Banking, UBS Warburg, London (1993–1997)

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