Deutsche Lufthansa CEO Christoph Franz was identified as the leading candidate to take over the position of chairman of Roche, the Swiss drugmaker. This conclusion was reported last Sunday by NZZ am Sonntag.

The paper cited two reliable sources that confirmed the 53 year old Franz as the person to replace current Roche Chairman Franz Humer. Humer had announced he would be stepping down next spring.

The board of directors of Roche was scheduled to meet on September 26 and 27 to choose its next chairman, as confirmed by the paper. A spokesperson for Roche declined to provide any comment on the newspaper report.

Franz has been a member of the Roche board since 2011. Though he lacks a pharmaceutical background, he speaks fluent German and with vast experience in leading a globally listed company. He also has a deep knowledge of Switzerland. All three characteristics have been deemed necessary to lead Roche into the future.

The main drawback though is the current strategic restructuring of Lufthansa, where he plays the role of of both CEO and Chairman. He has though discussed with the airline's management as to the possible resignation in the midst of the overhaul.