OCTOBER 30, 2020, NEW YORK – Ludwig Cancer Research extends its condolences to the family and friends of Pierre Languetin, who passed away on October 22. A Swiss diplomat and central banker, Languetin joined the Board of Directors of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in 1987 and served with distinction for two decades, sharing his insight and advice on the management of the Institute’s finances and its strategic direction.
A native of Lausanne, Languetin attended the University of Lausanne, graduating in 1946 with a degree in economics and commerce. He subsequently worked as an instructor at the University and was appointed Swiss representative to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in 1949. By 1956, Languetin was Head of the Secretariat at the trade department of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, and well along in what would be a notable career as an economic manager and trade representative of his country to the European community. In 1976, he was named Ambassador and deputy head of the Swiss delegation for free trade agreements with the European Economic Council. That same year, he began a decade-long stretch as a member of the governing Board of the Swiss National Bank, and was named chairman of its Executive Board in 1985. Languetin also served on the Boards of numerous organizations aside from the Ludwig Institute, including those of the Swiss firm Sandoz and Paribas Suisse.
Ludwig Cancer Research is grateful to Languetin for his long and dedicated service to our organization.