Biberach an der Riß, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Self-driven and goal-oriented leader with a comprehensive management background encompassing areas including pharmaceutical research & development, business development & licensing, alliance management, technology scouting, strategic planning, financial evaluation, and project & portfolio management. Advanced scientific background with a PhD in industrial biotech with a focus on molecular biology and business education from leading global business schools (CBS, INSEAD, IESE). Strong leadership capabilities in managing complex, large-scale projects and leading cross-functional teams internally as well as with external partners, from academia and SMEs to global enterprises. Consistently recognised by peers for expertise in leading extensive R&D and BD&L projects in global environments, cultivating broad networks and effective working relationships across a diversity of cultures and backgrounds. Experience from acquisitions and integrations of multiple renowned companies such as Global Stem Cell Technology, Merial, Genencor, and Rhodia. Exposure to various therapeutic areas including ophthalmology, immunology, cardiology and cardiometabolic diseases, gastroenterology, neurology/metal health, oral health, and oncology.
Accountable for the consolidation and optimisation of the R&D portfolio Identified and established new growth areas through cooperation/internal R&D projects; directed a major new product development project with a top tier customer that achieved all key milestones; spearheaded the development of business R&D strategy and technology roadmap for a newly formed business; drove the integration of Danisco’s R&D teams and facilitated the timely delivery of R&D growth; and established visibility, trust, and credibility with DuPont top management.
Leading global pharmaceutical discovery research programs and teams across various indications.
Responsible for the evaluation and enhancement of the internal business unit’s global T&I-investment Provide leadership and guidance to a cross-functional, global team; successfully led a major joint new product development project with a top tier strategic alliance partner; strategically reshaped an entire R&D project portfolio; implemented common enterprise PPM software as a pilot business for DuPont; and provided investment decision scenarios in support of short and long-term business objectives, substantially increasing the number of new product launches and profitability.
Director of Technology & Business Development (2010-2011) Led large-scale R&D projects in the food ingredients and dietary supplements businesses Key Achievements: successfully negotiated a contract pertaining to open innovation partnership in biotech space; identified major innovation opportunities through the application of insight-driven approaches; cultivated new business through cooperation projects, in-licensing, and acquisitions; and strategically optimised portfolio management on an organisation-wide basis. Senior Manager, Technology & Business Development (2009-2010) Drove all aspects of corporate technology and business development Key Achievements: successfully negotiated a joint development contract with a global top tier FMCG enterprise; developed an effective cross-company project team and led R&D efforts that achieved and met timelines; created several new product concepts through applying a diverse multitude of ideation processes; and successfully harmonised company-wide R&D portfolio and management processes, while providing portfolio transparency to Danisco top management. Business Development Manager (2007-2009) Managed new business development projects in the biotech space Key Achievements: successfully completed several internal innovation programmes targeting significant growth spaces; identified, evaluated, and secured new technology and business opportunities; and successfully sold IP and worked on the in-licensing of IP. Group Manager, Culture Development (2006-2007) Directed a team of 17 employees and managed the starter cultures’ development project portfolio Group Manager, Upstream Microbiology (2004-2006) Directed a team of 6 employees and managed the microbiological and molecular biological project portfolio Project Manager, Molecular Biology (2002-2004) Drove the successful establishment of a molecular biological R&D lab; developed diagnostic identification tools for probiotic bacteria and other types of microorganisms