Weilheim, Bavaria, Germany
I am a senior biotech professional with a PhD in Immunology and a proven track record of leading R&D organizations, shaping corporate and portfolio strategy, and driving high‑value partnerships across the global biopharmaceutical landscape. My career spans scientific leadership, strategic transformation, business development, and cross‑functional governance, always with a focus on accelerating innovation and delivering measurable results. At Medigene, I led a major strategic shift toward next‑generation immunotherapies, managed international alliances with BioNTech, Regeneron, WuXi and EpimAb, and oversaw complex product development portfolios. I built and scaled high‑performing teams, guided the organization through restructuring, and executed multiple partnering and M&A processes. Under my leadership, preclinical efficiency doubled and development timelines were reduced by 40%. My executive strengths include: • Corporate, R&D & Portfolio Strategy • Global Partnership & Alliance Leadership • Business Development & Deal Execution • Organizational Leadership & Change Management • Scientific & Executive Communication I thrive in complex, high‑stakes environments where scientific rigor, strategic clarity and decisive leadership intersect.
HTCR-Services supports translational research and drug development through high-quality human biospecimens, clinical data, and biobanking services. As Co-Managing Director & COO, I help shape the company’s next growth phase by ensuring operational excellence, advancing Finance and People capabilities, and expanding our clinical network and portfolio of services.
Supporting business development and marketing initiatives for a boutique law firm specializing in Life Sciences, MedTech, Biotech, Pharma and Healthcare.
Led strategic transformation toward next-gen “off-the-shelf” immunotherapies, aligning R&D and corporate vision with market needs. Drove competitive intelligence, technology scouting, and BD outreach across the immune-oncology landscape. Negotiated and closed global partnerships (WuXi, EpimAb), enabling co-development of bispecifics and distressed M&A success. Presented tailored pitch decks to investors and biopharma leadership, translating science into strategic narratives. Governed multi-partner alliances (BioNTech, Regeneron, WuXi, EpimAb) as JSC member and Alliance Manager. Delivered cross-functional execution across R&D, IP, legal, and finance, achieving 100% preclinical efficiency and 40% faster timelines. Reported directly to CEO and SVP Strategy.
Built and scaled high‑performance R&D teams from 5 to 30+ employees, driving product innovation and pipeline expansion. Led recruitment and onboarding, optimized team structures with new roles and reporting lines, and sustained morale while exceeding company objectives during organizational downsizing. Directed departmental strategy and budget planning, as well as cross‑functional resource and project coordination. Delivered validated TCR lead candidates for multiple targets (PRAME, KRAS G12V/G12D), advancing product readiness for external partnerships. Implemented new technologies to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. Steered international development collaborations with BioNTech, Regeneron (formerly 2Seventy Bio), and Cytovant, ensuring strategic alignment and execution. Reported directly to the CSO on project progress and strategic planning.
Managed two R&D teams driving TCR discovery and preclinical development, advancing the product pipeline. Led recruitment, training, and team development while overseeing international collaborations with 2Seventy Bio (now Regeneron) and Cytovant. Delivered a validated TCR lead candidate for MAGE‑A4 to bluebird bio (now Regeneron), now in clinical development with JW Therapeutics. Published award‑winning research in the Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (Best Immune Cell Therapies & Engineering Paper, 2021), reinforcing Medigene’s scientific leadership. Directed strategic planning and communication of project progress to the department head, prepared and revised scientific reports, and coordinated quality control with QA. Established new QA processes to enhance product development excellence. Collaborated in a matrix environment across multiple functions, ensuring scientific rigor, innovation, and high productivity
Postdoctoral Scientist in the independent young investigator group Molecular Immunology (Dr. Elke Glasmacher) – Helmholtz Center Munich, Institute for Diabetes and Obesity Main project: Investigation of gene regulation in T cells Planned, executed, and documented experiments while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with experts such as bioinformaticians. Presented research findings internally and at international conferences through talks and poster sessions. Supervised and trained PhD‑level researchers and technical staff, ensuring scientific rigor and team development. Published multiple manuscripts in high‑impact journals including Nature Communications and Cell Reports, reinforcing scientific credibility and advancing the field of molecular immunology