Hello! I'm Torsten Kneuss. My journey into the pharmaceutical industry began early, driven by a fascination with using science to aid patients, particularly those battling serious illnesses. The diverse and international nature of the pharmaceutical business, with its myriad sites and varied people, has always held a strong appeal for me.
My professional career commenced with an apprenticeship as a pharmaceutical production technician. This early introduction to the field was followed by several years of dedicated work, which sparked my interest in further education. I decided to pursue a part-time study in Business Administration and Engineering in Berlin.
Since then, I've amassed over 27 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on medical devices (including medical software), (drug/device) combination products, pharmaceutical packaging, and information technologies. A significant portion of my work involves project management, especially within an international environment.
My career has been marked by several notable milestones, including the development and launch of a large volume pre-filled plastic syringe, the creation of an RFID-based solution for tracking the use of contrast media syringes, the debut of an innovative autoinjector, and the introduction of the first Medical Software within the Pharma business of my company.
As someone who thrives in leadership roles, my current position sees me leading a Quality unit responsible for Medical Devices & Combination Products, with a particular emphasis on Risk Management and oversight on Design & Development. Alongside this, I maintain a keen interest in regulatory and quality requirements for medical devices and combination products, including all aspects of the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR, Regulation 2017/745).
In line with my passion for continuous learning, I have earned several certifications that have further expanded my proficiency. These include Risk Management for Medical Devices (ISO 14971), Quality Management (ISO 9001 and ISO 13485), Auditor Training (ISO 13485), and the "Certified Professional for Medical Software" training.
Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my family, boating, and gardening. I also have a profound interest in Information Technology and programming (Python), with a specific focus on various technologies such as databases, Docker, Hosting, and Cloud platforms.
I'm a firm believer in the principles of the New Work movement founded by Frithjof Bergmann. I appreciate modern working styles, collaboration, and diversity in teams, and I firmly believe that individuals are capable of much more than their current roles might suggest.
In terms of community involvement, I actively support an association that promotes childcare in my village. Professionally, I contribute to an EFPIA working group for Drug Device Combinations and am a member of the DIN committee for Quality Management of Devices.
In the future, I look forward to deepening my leadership skills and continuing to contribute to the ever-evolving field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.