Ins and outs: Top drawer shuffles at Veranova, Beam, and AAX Biotech
Beam Therapeutics and AAX Biotech make additions to their board of directors, whilst CDMO Veranova hires a VP and a SVP.
Beam Therapeutics and AAX Biotech make additions to their board of directors, whilst CDMO Veranova hires a vice president and a senior vice president. Welcome to the first round up of 2024 brought to you by BioProcess Insider.
AAX Biotech:
AAX Biotech has announced the appointment of Svante Almkvist and Emmelie Persson as board members. The Swedish startup biotech company aims to mark an essential step in its strategic expansion through these appointments.
“These appointments mark a significant milestone for AAX Biotech and are anticipated to play a vital role in the company’s growth and the development of our cutting-edge technologies, Seqitope and Opti-mAb,” says Maria Lisa Knudsen, CEO of AAX Biotech.
“We believe that the diverse expertise of our new board members will drive innovation and enhance our strategic initiatives in the evolving biotech landscape.”
With a strong expertise in development and production and entrepreneurial experience, Almkvist is anticipated to play a key role in helping AAX Biotech rise to the top of a rapidly expanding market.
Persson, on the other hand, provides a wealth of medical affairs expertise and experience as well as market access for more research and commercialization. The firm said that their background will enhance the company’s strategy in navigating the complex biotech landscape.
Veranova:
Veranova appointed Lucas Sauer-Jones as the company’s vice president and general manager, New England. The firm has also named Jose Ibietatorremendia as its senior vice president (SVP), general counsel, and secretary.
Sauer-Jones, who joins Veranova from Curia, has led the turnaround and growth of one of its key sites. With years of leadership experience, he has worked at AngioDynamics, where he supervised their manufacturing facilities.
“We are delighted that Luke is joining Veranova as our vice president and general manager, New England,” said Ken Zrebiec, SVP, manufacturing operations. “He brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will make him a valuable addition to the Veranova team.”
Additionally, Ibietatorremendia joined the contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with over 20 years of experience. Previously, he served as the vice president of Catalent, prior to which he worked at organizations such as NYSE Blue, Goldman Sachs and GE Capital, to name a few.
“I am delighted to welcome Jose Ibieta as our senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary. Throughout his career, Jose has demonstrated excellence in leading teams of professionals supporting corporate governance, securities law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, ethics and compliance, labor and employment, and privacy,” said Mike Riley, CEO of Veranova.
Beam Therapeutics:
Beam Therapeutics, a biotechnology company specializing in precision genetic medicine, has announced the appointment of Christi Shaw to the company’s board of directors.
Shaw, who has over thirty years of expertise, was most recently the CEO of Kite, a Gilead business that develops immuno-oncology treatments. She has also held positions as president of Lilly Bio-Medicines and executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly). Prior to joining Lilly, she was president of Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation and leader of the US nation. Shaw has also had several executive roles at Avantor and Johnson & Johnson.
“Christi is an inspiring leader who knows firsthand what it takes to transform cutting-edge science into practice-changing commercial treatment options, most recently building and scaling the industry’s premier autologous cell therapy company as CEO of Kite,” said John Evans, CEO of Beam Therapeutics.
“Her experience leading the transformation of novel science into approved medicines, coupled with her unwavering dedication and drive to serve people living with life-threatening diseases, make her an ideal fit for Beam as we look to advance our pipeline of novel base editing therapeutics.”
In October 2023, Beam laid off around 20% of their workforce (approximately 100 employees) to focus on developing its sickle cell disease candidates and make way for the company’s cash runway.
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