Welcome to my online home!
Here, you’ll find a glimpse into the many facets of my life, both professional and personal. As a Product Development & Operations Leader, I have honed my skills in driving innovation and efficiency within the SaaS and Medical Device industries. Beyond my career, I am an avid Explorer, constantly seeking new adventures and cultures around the world. As a amateur Photographer, I capture the beauty I encounter in my travels and everyday life I am also a Maker, always eager to build and create, whether it’s crafting planters for my terrace or meticulously restoring my 1961 Triumph TR3. Above all, my most cherished role is that of a Husband, sharing my life’s journey with my wonderful wife.
Jonathan Achenbach
Photo: Laurence Müller
Product Development & Operations Leader
I bring over 20 years of experience in project management, product management, and strategic leadership in the Class II & III Medical Device, Software-as-a-Service, and Aerospace sectors across product development, operations, quality, regulatory, and clinical focuses. In addition to my working experience, I have Masters in Business Administration from London Business School and Columbia University, a Master in Electrical Engineering from Iowa State University, and both PMP and RAC certifications.
Drawing from my diverse background, as well as my understanding of both quantitative analysis and business principles, I am adept at synthesizing complex problems into clear solutions and actionable plans. Furthermore, I draw motivation from seeing those plans to completion and the resulting corporate and community impact of my team’s success. Additionally, I bring an international perspective, having worked in the USA, UK, and Chile and completed consulting assignments in Greece and India.
Explorer
Since moving to London at the age of seven, my passion for travel has continued to grow. I feel privileged to have visited over 50 countries across all seven continents.
Lately, I’ve become interested in Klettersteigs (also known as Via Ferratas) as I explore my home in Switzerland. I’ve started creating brief summaries of the ones I have visited in my Blog which I plan on expanding to other travel topics in the near future.
Photographer
Photography has been a passion of mine since I was twelve years old, when I first took a summer photography course. This early experience focused on black-and-white photography, allowing me to delve into the art of developing and blending photos in a dark room. The magic of seeing an image come to life from a blank sheet of paper was mesmerizing, and it sparked a lifelong love for the craft. Over the years, I transitioned from film to digital, embracing the advancements in technology to enhance my photographic skills. Most recently, I made the leap from DSLR to mirrorless, further refining the quality and precision of my work.
My photographs have always been a significant part of my personal and professional spaces, decorating the walls of my homes and offices. One of my favorite pieces is a picture of a baby elephant I captured on the side of a road in India, a constant reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Currently, I’m in the process of selecting a photo from my recent trip to Deadvlei in Namibia to hang above my sofa, a testament to my ongoing adventures and explorations. I shoot with Nikon, a brand that has accompanied me on countless journeys, helping me capture the world in all its vibrant detail.
Unless otherwise credited, the photos on this site are all ones that I have taken.
Maker
The engineer in me has always been driven by a desire to understand how things work, build things, and fix things. This passion for making things isn’t tied to any single moment but is a thread woven through my entire life. Growing up with a father who was also a maker (a term he might not have used back then), I have memories of building Pinewood Derby cars for Cub Scouts and taking woodworking classes in junior high. In high school, I rebuilt my TR3 with my father, an experience that cemented my love for hands-on projects and problem-solving.
Today, I have more tools in my closet than are likely justified when living in an apartment (and more in storage). However, looking around, I see the fruits of my labor everywhere—a solid walnut wine cabinet that I built, custom planters on my terrace, and a dismantled smart mirror that I am in the process of rewiring and repurposing now that the subscription service it was tied is defunct. This continuous journey of creating and repurposing not only fulfils my innate curiosity and ingenuity but also brings a unique sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Three Generations of Makers: My grandfather, father, and me with my ’61 Triumph TR3 shortly after finishing its first (by me) rebuild in high school.
Photo: Carolyn Achenbach
Photo: Lárus Sigurðarson
Husband
Being a husband is the greatest joy and privilege of my life. My love for Kelsey and my gratitude for her are boundless. Our relationship began with an exhilarating whirlwind, dating long distance between Colorado, Delaware, and Chile, with a good dose of New York and London mixed in. She said “I do” in front of family in Minnesota, and we celebrated with friends the following weekend in Iceland, showcasing our unique and adventurous bond.
Through multiple moves, countless challenges, and numerous adventures, my love for Kelsey has only deepened. Her unwavering support, patience, and love continue to amaze me, and I am profoundly thankful for every moment we share. Despite life’s craziness, she remains my rock and partner in all things, putting up with my quirks with a smile. I am truly blessed to walk this journey with her by my side.