Dirk De Naeyer

Chief Operating Officer, Avidicure

Netherlands

About

I am a seasoned executive in life sciences and biotech, with over 20 years of global leadership experience in pharmaceutical product development, in large pharma and biotechs. My mission is to drive innovation and excellence in the development and delivery of novel therapies that can transform the lives of patients.

Experience

  • Chief Operating Officer at Avidicure
    Oct 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

    At Avidicure, we invent and develop novel antibody therapies, called “AVC-Antibodies”. Our first-in-class product platform is designed to deliver targeted and potent immune-modulating treatments for patients with cancer or auto-immune diseases. I am a member of the Executive team and responsible for Development and Shared Services.

  • Galapagos (Belgium)
    • Senior Vice-President, Head of Development
      Feb 2023 - Sep 2024 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Member of Galapagos Management Committee. Chair of Development organization. Leading the Development Operations groups for the small molecules and cell therapy portfolio, including Biometrics, Clinical Operations, CMC and R&D portfolio management.

    • Senior Vice-President, Strategic Program Lead
      Apr 2022 - Jan 2023 · 10 mos

      In charge of strategic initiatives at Galapagos to diversify and expand the company R&D pipeline into oncology, with a focus on M&A, L&A and post-acquisition management. Leading the acquisition and integration of AboundBio and CellPoint and the transition of the Company into cell therapy and immuno-oncology.

  • Career transition at Career Break
    Jan 2022 - Mar 2022 · 3 mos

  • Kiadis Pharma (3 yrs 3 mos)
    • Head of Kiadis
      Apr 2021 - Dec 2021 · 9 mos

      Leading the Kiadis organization following the acquisition of the company by Sanofi. Overseeing all Kiadis activities in order to progress the Research pipeline and Development Portfolio. Maintained progress of clinical development programs, delivered expansion investments in labs and manufacturing capabilities, and integrated the Kiadis team into the global Sanofi R&D organization.

    • Chief Operating Officer
      Oct 2018 - Apr 2021 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Member of the Kiadis executive management team. Responsible for CMC development, supply chain, manufacturing, customer service, procurement, IT and PMO. Accomplishments include approval of multiple INDs, start up of internal and external manufacturing operations, preparing for commercial product launch, taking the organization through periods of disruptive change and successfully completing due diligence for both acquisitions and licencing agreements.

  • The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (13 yrs 6 mos)
    • Actelion Integration Leader
      Apr 2017 - Sep 2018 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Leading the R&D post-merger integration team to bring Actelion into Janssen Pharmaceuticals, following the 30 billion USD acquisition Actelion by Johnson&Johnson. Includes responsibility to help define the long-term R&D and portfolio strategy for the PH/PAH franchise. Accountable to the Global Head of Janssen R&D.

    • Head of Global Clinical Operations
      Jun 2015 - Apr 2017 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Member of the global R&D clinical development leadership team. Leading the Global Clinical Operations team within Janssen R&D, across the Americas, EMEA and Asia-Pacific. Through over 2.300 associates in more than 30 countries, responsible for all planning, negotiation, contracting and execution of clinical trials with over 8.000 hospitals every year.

    • Vice-President, Clinical Supply Chain
      Apr 2011 - Jun 2015 · 4 yrs 3 mos

      Created and managed the R&D supply chain across 8 locations in North America, Europe and Asia, with an annual budget of ~350MM USD. Leading the end-to-end supply chain (Design, Plan, Source, Make, Deliver) for biologics, cell therapy and small molecules. Improved LIFR to 99.7%, reduced inventories by 30%, generated +40MM USD in savings, awarded several J&J technology innovation awards.