Maintaining Momentum

What drew you to the pharma industry?
 

Like most children, I had many dreams, but I was influenced by my father, a pharmacist. I was fascinated by his ability to help sick people through the medicines he prepared. Watching him mix formulas in his pharmacy left a lasting impression on me.

Ultimately, I chose to study pharmacy. To be completely honest, the decision was partly practical – my university was just a few kilometers from home – but it’s a choice I’ve never regretted. That early exposure to pharmacy shaped my path and sparked my passion for healthcare.

I’ve always been driven by the desire to do something meaningful for others. During the early 1980s, when I began studying in Paris, the field was witnessing groundbreaking advancements, such as the emergence of monoclonal antibodies and the rise of biopharma. I became fascinated by the biotech industry and how it was improving our understanding of diseases.

Pharmacy was, and still is, a beautiful profession. It allows you to directly help people who are very sick by providing the right therapies. But biotech, with its potential to not only improve lives but also cure diseases, captured my imagination. I’m deeply convinced of the value of this industry. It offers meaningful, rewarding work for highly qualified individuals, while driving life-changing innovations.

Are there any career moments that stand out as particularly memorable?
 

I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible leaders who shaped my understanding of leadership and business. I’ve experienced diverse cultures, and worked in companies of different sizes. One of the defining moments came early at the age of 32. I was entrusted with my first general management role at Servier, overseeing more than 250 people. At the time, I had no real idea what it meant to run a company – I was too young! But the trust placed in me, combined with the support I received, allowed me to grow into the role. The experience taught me the importance of leadership and the value of helping others to succeed.

Later, my time at Amgen in the US was equally formative. I gained valuable insights into leadership, storytelling, and the ability to inspire teams to tackle big challenges. Another pivotal experience was serving as Chairman of the German Biotech Association. Leading a group of general managers and CEOs from different companies required strong persuasion skills and collaborative leadership. These roles underscored for me that success ultimately comes down to people, passion, commitment, and willingness to work toward a common goal.

How did you come to join OXB?
 

I was approached by a headhunter. As I researched OXB, I became intrigued by its unique focus and expertise in cell and gene therapy. At the time, I was with another CDMO called Renschler Biopharma, where things were going exceptionally well. I hadn’t planned to leave. However, the opportunity at OXB was so compelling that I decided to make the leap. I’m grateful to my previous employer, who graciously allowed me to exit my contract early to pursue this new challenge.

What would you say are the greatest challenges of being a CEO?
 

There are several challenges, but for me, the most significant is creating an environment where employees can thrive. I believe a CEO’s primary role is to build a culture in which people are inspired to perform at their best, grow professionally, and have fun while doing so. The key is to bring together teams that share a vision and mission, enabling them to collaborate effectively.

Talent is irreplaceable, so I focus on hiring the best people – and being present, understanding their needs and supporting their efforts. Beyond that, a CEO must also balance the interests of various stakeholders, including employees, shareholders, clients, and the broader community.

At OXB, the biggest challenge we face is the complex transformation from a product development company to a CDMO. This requires entirely different skills, processes, and systems. Aligning all these elements while maintaining momentum is no small task.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your role?
 

Being part of the cell and gene therapy field is an incredible privilege. These therapies have the potential to cure life-threatening diseases, offering new hope to patients who previously had none. It’s deeply rewarding to witness the progress being made in clinical programs and to hear directly from patients about how these therapies have transformed their lives.

On a personal level, I find great satisfaction in seeing my team succeed. Watching people implement a shared vision and grow into their roles is immensely fulfilling. At OXB, I feel proud to work alongside such a talented and passionate group of individuals.

What industry trends are you keeping an eye on?
 

The increasing number of FDA approvals is a strong signal that the cell and gene field is maturing. Another significant trend is the shift toward outsourcing, as companies increasingly rely on CDMOs for their specialized expertise and facilities. Additionally, there’s growing interest in using multiple types of viral vectors, as no single vector can meet all therapeutic needs. This trend aligns well with our capabilities, as we work with a wide range of vectors.

What priorities do you think the industry should focus on?
 

Three priorities stand out to me. First, we need to reduce costs and increase global accessibility to make these therapies affordable for more patients. This will require new technologies, automation, and greater efficiency. Second, we must accelerate regulatory pathways to bring therapies to market faster. Third, I’d like to see more collaboration across the industry. Sharing knowledge and setting standards could drive innovation while reducing costs.

Are there any goals or other targets you aspire to achieve?
 

I try to do the best possible job and contribute to new therapy options, and there’s so much to be done. I’m just glad to be part of the challenge, and glad to be where I am.