“Pursue your passions in life and inspire others to do the same.”
Steve Kuchenberg is a distinguished biotechnology executive and strategic commercial leader with over two decades of diverse experience spanning molecular biology, food safety, technical sales, and business development. From his early hands-on laboratory work to his roles as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Steve has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge science and business, helping companies grow through innovation, leadership, and customer-centric strategies. With a deep understanding of life sciences and a global view shaped by work across Europe, Asia, and South America, Steve brings unmatched insight into both scientific and operational excellence.
Throughout his career, Steve has held senior positions at industry-leading organizations, including Cherney Microbiological Services, MilliporeSigma, Qiagen, Bio-Rad, and bioMérieux. His executive journey culminated in his leadership at Cherney Microbiological Services, where he served first as COO and then CEO. During his tenure, he championed initiatives around key performance indicators, operational efficiency, and client value, enhancing the organization’s reputation in ISO-accredited microbiological testing and food industry services.
Steve’s technical expertise is rooted in molecular biology and human biology, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. His early career began in laboratory roles, providing him with foundational experience in diagnostics, microbiology, and PCR technology. This grounding in science has informed his business acumen, enabling him to lead high-performing teams and influence product development, market strategy, and customer engagement with a scientist’s precision and an entrepreneur’s mindset.
At MilliporeSigma, Steve held multiple leadership roles, including Global Strategic Segment Marketing Manager and Technology Manager for the Food Market. He was instrumental in defining go-to-market strategies and building targeted campaigns that led to increased customer acquisition and market share. His work not only improved commercial results but also built long-term trust with clients through educational outreach, technical training, and solution-driven consultation.
His time at Qiagen saw Steve driving double-digit growth as an Applied Testing Sales Development Manager. There, he acted as a crucial liaison between technical and sales teams, providing key market insights and application expertise to accelerate business outcomes. His efforts in mentoring peers and developing strategic sales initiatives highlight his dedication to cultivating talent and growing organizational capability.
Steve has a particular strength in technical communication. At Bio-Rad, he served as Lead Field Application Specialist for North America, leading customer demonstrations and overseeing product evaluations in Real-Time PCR. He was also a critical connector between global technical support and domestic teams, improving internal alignment and delivering better service outcomes for clients. His communication style is collaborative, clear, and compelling—ideal for translating complex science into value propositions.
In his earlier role at bioMérieux, Steve advanced into a leadership position overseeing client consultant teams and managing multimillion-dollar territory operations. He was responsible for both direct client service and team development, showcasing his ability to lead both people and process with precision. Steve’s tenure there laid the groundwork for his future executive roles, proving his capability in managing teams, projects, and P&L responsibility at scale.
Beyond his technical and operational strengths, Steve is a passionate advocate for continuous improvement and mentorship. He’s delivered executive presentations and market insights at industry events, helping organizations and professionals stay ahead of emerging trends in life sciences and biotechnology. His ability to synthesize data, extract market insights, and present actionable strategies makes him a sought-after advisor and consultant.
Steve is not only a business leader but also a lifelong learner and adventurer. With a strong passion for the outdoors, he finds balance and inspiration in nature—traits that reflect his resilient and grounded character. He is currently exploring opportunities to serve on advisory boards, where he can challenge his intellect, contribute to organizational growth, and guide leadership teams toward sustainable success.
He brings a unique blend of technical depth, strategic thinking, and executive experience to the table. Steve is open to supporting small to mid-cap companies across a range of industries, particularly those within biotechnology, life sciences, food safety, and lab services. With a mindset focused on service, innovation, and impact, Steve Kuchenberg stands ready to contribute at the highest level of advisory and board leadership.
Character:
Steve demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. His leadership style is grounded in mentorship, humility, and a strong moral compass.
Knowledge:
With 20 years of experience in molecular biology and biotechnology, Steve offers deep technical and industry knowledge. His ability to navigate both scientific and business challenges sets him apart as a true cross-functional leader.
Strategic:
Steve excels at translating insights into action. Whether scaling operations, entering new markets, or driving sales performance, he brings strategic clarity and execution discipline to every initiative.
Communication:
Steve is a gifted communicator who simplifies the complex and inspires alignment across technical and commercial teams. His collaborative nature fosters trust, clarity, and momentum in any organizational setting.
