From the classrooms of Cal Poly Pomona to the global stage of biotechnology and innovation, Cris Wilbur has spent more than 30 years cultivating a career rooted in purpose, people, and transformative leadership. A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Business Administration (’98, accounting), Wilbur now serves as the Global Chief People Officer and Member of the Corporate Executive Committee at F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche), headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.
Wilbur began her journey with Roche in 2002, joining Roche Diagnostics in Indianapolis as Director of Human Resources. Within just four years, she was appointed North America Region Head of HR, and by 2010, she had assumed the role of Global Head of HR for the Diagnostics Division. In 2016, she was named Chief People Officer—a role in which she now leads global strategy for People & Culture, Diversity, Corporate Philanthropy, and Executive Services.
Grounded in curiosity, mindfulness, and a deep commitment to unlocking human potential, Wilbur’s leadership philosophy has helped guide large-scale business transformations with a unique blend of compassion and focus.
“It’s essential to fall in love with the problem before falling in love with a solution,” she often says. It’s a mantra that underscores her approach to driving meaningful, sustainable change in some of the world’s most complex healthcare environments.
In addition to her corporate roles, Wilbur is an advocate for education and social impact. She served as Chairwoman of the International School of Basel, currently chairs The Roche Employee Action and Charity Trust (Re&Act) Foundation and was recently appointed as a Non-Executive Director for Amrize, a planned Holcim spin-off in North America.
As she returns to her alma mater to deliver the keynote at this year’s commencement, Cris stands as a testament to the power of values-driven leadership and lifelong learning. “Cal Poly holds a very special place in my heart. I am honored to be back to my alma mater that has helped shape me in so many incredible ways.”
“Cris Wilbur embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Bronco,” adds Sandeep Krishnamurthy, Singelyn Family Dean for the College of Business Administration and Singelyn Graduate School of Business. “Her story is one that will inspire our graduates to lead with purpose, and to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as invitations to innovate.”