October 2025 • PharmaTimes Magazine • 36-37
// YOUR MOVES //
Your Moves
Movers of the Month
Blue Cell Therapeutics, a biotech developing 'off-the-shelf' allogeneic stem cell therapies for diseases where angiogenesis and nerve regeneration are beneficial, has announced the appointment of Olav Hellebø as Chairman of its Board of Directors.
Olav is a seasoned executive who has worked for over 30 years in pharmaceutical companies and biotechs. He has significant fundraising experience, having raised more than $200m during his career. He has also struck licensing deals and research collaborations with major companies including AstraZeneca, Takeda, Fosun and Alnylam.
Dr Søren P Sheikh MD, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cell Therapeutics, said: "Olav brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be instrumental to Blue Cell Therapeutics as we advance. His proven leadership across diverse teams and strategic planning expertise in multiple markets will be a huge asset."
Olav has extensive executive and advisory experience. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio ASA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing drugs for aggressive diseases.
From 2014 to 2022 he was Chief Executive Officer of ReNeuron Group PLC, a clinical-stage company specialising in cell therapy for ophthalmic and neurology-related diseases; and from 2010 to 2013 he headed oncology-focused biotech Clavis Pharma ASA.
Merck has named David Weinreich, MBA, as Global Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Officer for its Healthcare business sector. A seasoned biopharma executive, Weinreich brings over two decades of experience in drug development, having led the successful approval of 15 therapies across multiple indications worldwide.
David joins Merck from Foresite Labs & Foresite Capital Management, where he served as Operating Partner and Senior Advisor. His previous roles include Executive Vice President, Head of Global Clinical Development at Regeneron and Corporate Senior Vice President, Head of Global Development Specialty Medicine at Bayer.
He has also founded several companies and held leadership roles as a venture capitalist, board member and biotech CEO.
Danny Bar Zohar, Member of the Executive Board of Merck and CEO Healthcare, said: "Scientific innovation is the engine that drives everything we do to transform patient care. In David, we have a leader with a unique combination of deep scientific expertise, immense experience in drug development and successfully bringing drugs to the finish line, and global perspective."
David will oversee global R&D and Medical Affairs for Merck’s Healthcare division. He has extensive experience managing complex pipelines and leading global teams, with a focus on delivering therapies that offer meaningful value to patients and drive sustainable innovation.
He said: "Joining Merck at such a pivotal moment in its growth journey offers a rare opportunity to lead scientific innovation with the potential to have a profound impact on patients’ lives."
Sanofi has appointed Lisa Sha as General Manager for Vaccines in the UK and Ireland. The move comes as the company strengthens its commitment to public health and prepares for the next phase of growth and innovation.
Lisa joined Sanofi in 2019 and has held leadership roles across Europe and the US. Most recently, she served as Franchise Head of the Established Portfolio in the UK and Ireland, where she revitalised operations and culture across multiple therapy areas.
Her previous contributions include leading cardiovascular therapy launches in Northern Europe and supporting strategic initiatives such as the Customer First Operating Model and transplant therapy planning in the EU.
Karine Labaky, Head of Key Markets, Vaccines, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lisa to this critical role. Lisa's appointment comes at an important time as we look to further strengthen our commitment to public health, working alongside healthcare partners and stakeholders. Lisa’s strategic mindset and dynamic leadership approach will be invaluable as we advance our vaccines mission in the UK and Ireland. Her proven ability to drive transformation and build high-performing teams makes her ideally placed to lead our vaccines organisation into its next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Lisa said: “As someone who has seen the transformative power of vaccines first-hand, I am deeply honoured to take on this role at such a crucial time for public health in the UK and Ireland. Vaccines are more than just medicine – they are the foundation of healthy communities.”
Genmab has named Matt Kiely as General Manager for the United Kingdom, marking a key step in its European commercial expansion. The appointment supports the company’s mission to deliver antibody-based medicines to more patients with cancer.
Founded in Copenhagen in 1999, Genmab specialises in antibody science and operates internationally. The UK appointment reflects its strategy to build a stronger presence across Europe and prepare for future product launches.
Matt joins Genmab with over 20 years of global pharmaceutical leadership, including senior roles at GSK, Takeda and Stemline Therapeutics. His expertise spans oncology, market access and organisational development.
Brad Bailey, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Welcoming Matt to our team is a significant step in our mission to bring innovative medicines to more patients around the world. His outstanding track record in building high-performing organisations and launching successful cancer therapies makes him the ideal leader to drive our expansion in the UK, ensuring that we can deliver on our goal to bring treatments to patients in need.”
Matt will oversee UK business operations and lead efforts to establish Genmab’s commercial presence. He officially joined the company on 1 September.
He said: “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about oncology innovation and am excited to join Genmab, a company at the forefront of antibody science and with a strong commitment to putting patients first. The UK healthcare environment holds potential for Genmab to make a difference for patients.”
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) has confirmed the appointment of four new Vice Presidents following an election process. Professor Robin Paton, Professor Angus Watson, Professor Phil Turner and Miss Anna Paisley will formally assume their roles at the College’s AGM on 14 November 2025.
Their appointments coincide with the implementation of RCSEd’s updated governance structure.
Robin, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a focus on paediatric care, has served on Council since 2016 and as Honorary Secretary for three years. He holds an Honorary Chair at the University of Lancashire. Robin holds an Honorary Chair at the University of Lancashire and has contributed to FRCS (T&O) exam development for two decades.
Angus, Clinical Chair of Surgery at the University of Aberdeen and honorary Consultant Surgeon at NHS Highland, joined Council in 2018. He leads initiatives including the Scottish Surgical Boot Camp and ScotCap programme, and chairs RCSEd’s Research Committee and Global Care group.
Phil, a specialist knee surgeon, is an Honorary Professor at the University of Salford. Phil has held senior roles in surgical education and previously served as President of the British Orthopaedic Association. He also chaired RCSEd’s Professional Standards Committee and Joint Surgical Fellowship Board.
Anna, a Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon, was named Doctor of the Year in 2010. She chairs RCSEd’s Patient Safety and Global Care groups. Furthermore, Anna chairs RCSEd’s Patient Safety and Global Care groups.