Matteo Forzan

Finance Executive

Matteo
Forzan

Finance leader with 14+ years driving financial strategy across global biotech manufacturing and commercial operations.

Basel, Switzerland Country CFO · Novartis HBR Advisory Council
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Profile

About

A seasoned finance executive with deep roots in global biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing, I have led CFO and senior finance roles across Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Romania, always at the intersection of financial rigor and commercial ambition.

My career at Novartis spans over a decade, during which I have partnered with executive leadership to drive value across a USD 11B European commercial operations portfolio, overseen manufacturing site finance for one of the world's largest API plants, and built high-performing finance teams.

I combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, from AI-driven forecasting to multi-million capital investment assessment, with a consistent focus on sustainable growth and organisational effectiveness.

14+
Years in Finance Leadership
$11B
European Portfolio Overseen
4
Countries as CFO or Head of Finance
1
HBR Advisory Council seat

Career

Experience

Aug 2025 – Present
Country Chief Financial Officer
Novartis România · Bucharest, Romania

CFO for Novartis's Romania country organisation and manufacturing site, reporting to the Cluster CFO.

  • Leading a USD 250m business driving double-digit revenue growth
  • Managing a team of 4 across financial planning, controlling, tax, and distribution channel management
Mar 2023 – Oct 2025
Director FP&A – Region Europe, Commercial Operations
Novartis · Basel, Switzerland

Led FP&A for Novartis's European commercial operations, partnering with regional and country leadership across a USD 11B turnover business.

  • Spearheaded implementation of AI-driven forecasting and budgeting processes
  • Drove standardisation of financial reporting across the region
  • Supported resource allocation decisions for commercial investment
Jan 2020 – Mar 2023
Head of Finance – UK National Business Unit
Novartis UK · Greater London, United Kingdom
  • Advised senior business leaders on dynamic resource allocation across Cardio, Respiratory and Rare disease portfolios
  • Drove budget management and cash/inventory optimisation; reported directly to the UK & Ireland Cluster CFO
  • Led financial modelling for new Cardiology product launches, including NHS distribution model and commercial contract support
Feb 2018 – Jan 2020
Chief Financial Officer – Novartis Grimsby Limited
Novartis · Grimsby, United Kingdom

CFO for one of the largest API manufacturing sites in Novartis: 350+ FTEs, three multipurpose production units, USD 120m operational costs, supporting USD 8B in worldwide sales.

  • Led a team of 6 FTEs, reporting to the Site Head and Regional Finance Head
  • Owned business planning, financial reporting, and forecasting processes
  • Assessed multi-million dollar capital investments
Mar 2015 – Feb 2018
Business Planning Analyst – Chemical Ops Switzerland
Novartis Manufacturing · Basel, Switzerland

Reporting to the site CFO, led a team of 6 Business Analysts for target-setting (>USD 350m, 800 FTEs), monthly performance analysis, and forecast reporting to Headquarters. Supported strategic planning on capacity utilisation and product cost optimisation.

Jan 2012 – Mar 2015
Finance Rotational Program
Novartis · Basel, Switzerland

Three-year accelerated development programme across three rotations:

  • Year 3: Global Controller for Biotech platform of 6 production sites, strategic planning, network consolidation, CAR-T and Cell & Gene Therapy projects
  • Year 2: Financial Reporting Specialist, OTC Nyon (Balance Sheet & P&L)
  • Year 1: Business Planning Analyst, Pharma Basel Operations; Internal Audit assignment

Academic Background

Education

2010 – 2011
Master in Finance
Strathclyde Business School
2004 – 2006
MSc in Engineering & Management
Università degli Studi di Padova
2001 – 2004
BSc, Engineering & Management
Università degli Studi di Padova

Languages & Affiliations

Beyond the Role

Languages

Italian Native
English Full Professional Proficiency

Affiliations

Advisory Council Member
Harvard Business Review · Aug 2024 – Present
Providing insights on real-world management and leadership practices to shape content developed by Harvard Business Review.

Get in Touch

Contact

Interested in connecting or exploring opportunities? Find me on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn Email