Celine Latouche, PhD, MBA, GAICD

Life Sciences Business Development & Strategy | External Innovation, Investment Deals & Portfolio Management

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

About

Senior business development and licensing leader with over a decade’ experience, I operate at the intersection of science, strategy, and value creation in the global life sciences sector. With a PhD, MBA, and governance training (AICD), I bring strong scientific literacy, commercial judgment, and enterprise perspective to complex partnering, licensing, and diligence decisions. I have led and executed global BD transactions, chaired cross‑functional deal teams, supported portfolio and TA strategy, and contributed to the evaluation of a broad pipeline of external opportunities. Known for clarity of thinking, integrity, and execution discipline, I partner closely with Research and Development, Legal, Finance, and senior leadership to translate complexity into decisions that create long‑term value.

Experience

  • Commercialisation Transformation Lead at Monash University
    Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    Operating at the intersection of sector-led commercialisation and enterprise capability build, the role is accountable for advancing high-quality commercialisation opportunities and partnerships, including contributing to the development, prioritisation, and progression of the Life Sciences pipeline. In parallel, I lead the design and delivery of a modern, scalable partnership and deal management platform, enabling clear visibility and active management of pipeline, partnerships, and commercial outcomes.

  • Founder and Executive Director at La Grande Recre de Melbourne - French preschool
    Nov 2013 - Present · 12 yrs 8 mos

    • Established a small family business in a highly regulated industry – French immersive day care centre for children aged 2 to 5 years old. • Responsible for regulatory compliance, HR and accounting.

  • CSL (4 yrs 2 mos)
    • Associate Director, Global Business Development & Licensing
      Sep 2024 - Feb 2026 · 1 yr 6 mos

      • Supported and executed strategic business development and licensing initiatives aligned with organizational vision and long‑term strategy. • Identified, assessed, and prioritized partnership opportunities within Hematology. • Led and coordinated cross‑functional teams to conduct scientific, commercial, and legal due diligence, and through the full transaction lifecycle • Provided strategic input to opportunity evaluation, partner selection, and transaction structuring.

    • Manager, Global Licensing, Strategy & Business Development
      Jan 2022 - Aug 2024 · 2 yrs 8 mos

      • Supported global licensing activities across multiple therapeutic areas (immunology, hematology, vaccines, product development). • Negotiated and executed a broad range of commercial agreements, including licenses, collaborations, and strategic partnerships. • Led deal teams through end‑to‑end transaction processes • Conducted and coordinated due diligence activities to support informed investment and partnering decisions.

  • Business Development Manager at Monash University
    Nov 2019 - Jan 2022 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    • Partnered with the School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health and the Victorian Heart Institute to support research engagement and development. • Identified commercial opportunities and potential industry partners for academic research programs. • Led commercial and contractual negotiations with external partners. • Acted as a key liaison between researchers, institutional stakeholders, and industry.

  • Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute (8 yrs 10 mos)
    • Commercialisation Manager
      Jan 2015 - Nov 2019 · 4 yrs 11 mos

      • Managed a portfolio of commercial projects, including spin‑out company formation and growth. • Led contracting activities and the identification and assessment of new intellectual property. • Engaged extensively with internal and external stakeholders across research, legal, and investment functions. • Managed the Institute’s internal Innovation Fund. • Supported governance of multiple spin‑out companies, including Cardiora, Kinomedica, Limulus Therapeutics, and Oxydend Therapeutics.

    • Research Officer
      Feb 2011 - Dec 2014 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      • Conducted medical research across a range of projects, in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. • Contributed to experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting.