Fabio Bertarelli was a businessman whose strategic vision and commitment to purpose helped shape the future of the life sciences industry. Born in Italy, he joined Serono — then a mid-sized pharmaceutical company — in the mid-20th century and became its CEO. Under his leadership, Serono grew from a family-owned firm into a respected global player, especially recognised for its work in endocrinology and reproductive health. Fabio's tenure was marked by a rigorous commitment to quality and a belief that innovation in science should ultimately serve human wellbeing.
He was instrumental in positioning Serono for the modern era, expanding its product offerings and strengthening its research and development capabilities. His stewardship saw the company achieve commercial success while remaining true to its core values. In particular, the development and global distribution of Pergonal — a breakthrough fertility treatment — was a defining moment of Fabio’s leadership and reflected his deep understanding of how science could respond to social needs.
Fabio believed that business should be guided by long-term thinking, humility, and responsibility. He created an environment at Serono in which researchers and employees were encouraged to think boldly but act with care. Though deeply committed to commercial excellence, he never lost sight of the company’s wider purpose, and instilled this perspective throughout the organisation. His legacy was not just a stronger company, but a culture of integrity and intention that would endure well beyond his time.
Fabio believed that business should be guided by long-term thinking, humility, and responsibility. He created an environment at Serono in which researchers and employees were encouraged to think boldly but act with care. Though deeply committed to commercial excellence, he never lost sight of the company’s wider purpose, and instilled this perspective throughout the organisation. His legacy was not just a stronger company, but a culture of integrity and intention that would endure well beyond his time.
Fabio passed on his values to his children, Ernesto and Dona, both of whom would go on to carry forward the family’s entrepreneurial and philanthropic legacy. By the time he stepped back from executive responsibilities in the mid-1990s, Fabio had firmly established Serono as a company of global significance, laying the groundwork for the achievements that followed.
