Robert Mardini
Experience & Background
CEO of Geneva University Hospital (HUG), Robert Mardini leads one of Europe’s most prominent healthcare institutions, driving excellence in patient care, innovation and advancing its mission at the intersection of healthcare, education, and research. Under his leadership, HUG is committed to delivering transformative medical care, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals, and spearheading groundbreaking research to improve health outcomes locally and globally.
Previously, as Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (2020–2024), he steered global humanitarian operations across 100+ countries, overseeing 20,000 staff and managing an annual budget of USD 2.5 billion. With over 25 years of frontline experience in armed conflicts, natural disasters, and crises with global dimensions, Robert is a seasoned leader with a proven track record of managing complexity, driving transformative change, and fostering collaboration.
Renowned as a diplomat, strategist, and changemaker, Robert combines a background in engineering and public health with a visionary approach to tackling contemporary challenges. His areas of expertise include the evolving nature of warfare, leadership in extreme situations, public health, digital transformation, climate and conflict dynamics, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Passionate about driving systemic change, Robert envisions a world where political leadership ensures quality, affordable, and sustainable healthcare for all, including in Geneva and across the “Health Valley Lémanique” and Switzerland. He also advocates for meaningful political will to end conflict, unwavering support for International Humanitarian Law, and radical collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem to create greater impact for people and patients.
Expertise & Interests
Leadership, humanitarian affairs, crisis management and negotiation, organizational development, international relations, diplomacy, public health, corporate and public communications, public affairs and reputation management, mentoring, and sponsoring innovation.
Contributions to IMD
Guest speaker, research project ad-hoc support, student mentoring.