Roberto Fognini
I've spent 25 years building software products, growing engineering teams, and helping organisations navigate technology change.
Based in Switzerland. Serving Swiss and European organisations across laboratory technology, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and public sector.
My career has taken me from writing code to leading departments of 40+ people, from local Swiss companies to international programmes spanning six countries. Along the way, I've learned that the hardest problems aren't usually technical — they're about people, priorities, and making things actually work in practice.
In 2025, I founded Fognini Tech to bring that perspective to leadership teams who are navigating AI transformation, scaling challenges, or technology strategy decisions. This page is a bit about who I am and what I've done.
Switzerland
Challenges I've Solved
A few examples from my career that show how I approach difficult problems.
Growing a department through rapid change
BUCHI Labortechnik AG, 2021–2025
When I joined, the software department had 18 engineers and was struggling to keep pace with product demands. Over four years, I grew the team to 40+ people, brought critical roles in-house, and increased our release frequency fourfold — all while keeping the team motivated through significant change.
The outcome
A department that now ships predictably and has the internal capability to drive its own roadmap.
"Roberto Fognini developed a clear strategic direction for the software department and implemented it vigorously."
— CTO, BUCHI
Introducing AI to a team that wasn't sure about it
BUCHI Labortechnik AG, 2025
Change is hard, and scepticism about new technology is natural — especially when you've seen hype cycles before. The executive team wanted AI modernisation, but the engineering culture needed convincing. I focused on practical wins first — tools that made developers' lives easier — before tackling bigger architectural changes. Building trust before building systems.
The outcome
A foundation for AI adoption that the team actually believes in, with noticeable improvements already visible.
"His strong commitment, enthusiasm, and perseverance have already brought noticeable improvements and laid a solid foundation for the department's future progress."
— CTO, BUCHI
Establishing a MedTech delivery hub in Spain
ERNI Schweiz AG / MedTech client, 2020–2022
Setting up a new delivery site means asking people to work differently — and that's never easy. We built a 20+ person team in Barcelona for a MedTech client, helping everyone adjust to new processes and ways of collaborating. Lots of conversations, pairing senior engineers with newcomers, and staying patient when things took longer than expected. Eighteen months later, the client took over a fully functioning operation.
The outcome
A successful delivery site that continued to operate long after handover.
"Work effort and results were perfectly aligned, and targets were often exceeded."
— People Unit Leader, ERNI
Helping build the digital banking of the future
ERNI Schweiz AG / Fintech client, 2019–2020
Digital banking was still finding its feet, and our client was building something genuinely new — a mobile-first bank designed for a generation that expected everything to just work. I led a 40+ person delivery team, coordinating across multiple workstreams while keeping everyone aligned on what mattered: shipping features that customers would actually use.
The outcome
A functioning digital banking platform that launched on schedule and continued to grow.
"Work effort and results were perfectly aligned, and targets were often exceeded."
— People Unit Leader, ERNI
Full ownership from the start
root-service ag, 2003–2013
Early in my career, I was given full responsibility for two complex software products — product ownership, quality assurance, customer support, and training. Most people don't get that breadth of exposure until much later. It was an accelerated education in what it actually takes to ship software that works.
The outcome
A foundation in understanding the full product lifecycle that still shapes how I approach problems today.
"He convinces even in critical situations with his customer-oriented thinking and constructive proposals."
— Executive Board, root-service
Where I'm Strong
The areas where I've built the most experience and can add the most value.
Scaling teams without losing culture
I've grown departments from 18 to 40+ people while keeping teams motivated and aligned. Scaling isn't just about hiring — it's about building the right structures, rhythms, and communication patterns that let people do their best work.
Grew department from 18 to 40+ people while maintaining team cohesion and delivery quality
Making AI practical, not theoretical
I bridge the gap between AI ambition and engineering reality. I understand both the strategic value and the implementation details — which means I can help organisations move from 'interesting pilot' to 'working capability'.
Led strategic AI transformation initiative that modernised processes and methods
Leading through uncertainty and change
Crisis management, conflict resolution, navigating organisational politics — I've done it all. When things get difficult, I stay calm, focused, and practical. I make decisions independently and take responsibility for outcomes.
"Consistently demonstrated strong crisis management skills and effectively handled challenging situations" — CTO, BUCHI
Bridging strategy and execution
Most people are either strategic thinkers or hands-on doers. I'm both — from writing code early in my career to advising CTOs on transformation programmes. When I give advice, it's grounded in what actually works.
Cambridge CTO Programme + 25 years of building, shipping, and leading
What I Won't Do
Clarity about boundaries is as important as clarity about capabilities.
Generic AI strategy slides
If you need a generic presentation on 'AI trends', I'm not the right fit. I focus on practical implementation that connects to your specific business context.
Unprepared client presentations
I won't go into a meeting without understanding your situation first. Even a short discovery call is essential before any engagement.
Overselling timelines or capabilities
I've seen too many projects fail because someone promised results that weren't achievable. I'd rather under-promise and over-deliver.
Work that doesn't create lasting value
If an engagement ends and you're not better equipped to continue without me, I haven't done my job properly.
What Others Say
Excerpts from formal Swiss reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse) — official documentation of performance and conduct.
"Roberto Fognini played a decisive role in a strategic transformation initiative aimed at improving and modernising the software department's processes and methods through the introduction of AI-driven tools and..."
CTO
BUCHI Labortechnik AG (2025)
At a Glance
My Path
The organisations that shaped how I think and work.
2025 – Present
Founder & Chief AI Operator
Fognini Tech
After two decades building within organisations, I founded Fognini Tech to help leadership teams who face the same challenges I spent my career solving — turning technology ambition into working capability.
2021 – 2025
Head of Software Engineering
BUCHI Labortechnik AG
Four years leading a department transformation: scaling the team, increasing delivery frequency, and introducing AI. Reported directly to the CTO.
2014 – 2021
Subject Matter Expert / Principal
ERNI Schweiz AG
Led global programmes with teams across six countries. Established delivery sites, managed complex stakeholder relationships, and reported directly to the Group CEO on strategic initiatives.
2003 – 2013
Software Project Manager
root-service ag
Where it all started. Full product responsibility from early in my career — an unusual level of ownership that shaped everything that came after.
Verified Capabilities
From formal Swiss reference letters (Arbeitszeugnisse)
Leadership & Management
Technical Excellence
Delivery & Execution
Communication & Influence
Background
The details, for those who want them.
Education
Certificate of Business Excellence — CTO Programme
Cambridge Judge Business School
Strategy, Culture and Leadership, Process and Execution, Global Organisation
CAS Strategic IT and Technology Management
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
IT Governance, Digital Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, Innovation Management
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (part-time, alongside full-time employment)
ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences
Business Information Technology
Federal Diploma of Higher Education — Business Administration
BBZ Weinfelden
Commercial Apprenticeship — Business Administration
BBZ Weinfelden
Certifications
Enterprise & Strategy
AI & Emerging Tech
Agile & Delivery
Technical & Engineering
Leadership & Coaching
Speaking & Teaching
Lecturer
Erasmus Hochschule Basel
Digital Innovation, AI, Software Engineering
Guest Lecturer
CAS Agile Coach Programme
Agile Organisation and Frameworks
Workshop Facilitator
AI in Consulting
80 participants
Workshop Facilitator
AI in Education
20 participants
Languages
German
Native
English
Fluent
Spanish
Professional
Italian
Conversational
French
Conversational