Evotec Welcomes Dr. Joanna Holbrook as CSO
Evotec SE, a leading life sciences company based in Germany, has made a significant executive appointment as they welcome Dr. Joanna Holbrook as the new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and member of the Management Board. This strategic move, effective November 1, 2026, aims to enhance the company's global scientific strategy and strengthen its position in drug discovery and development.
Dr. Holbrook joins Evotec with a wealth of experience, bringing over 25 years in the fields of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academia. She is set to leverage her extensive background in multi-modal 'omics, data science, and precision medicine to address contemporary challenges in drug discovery and to accelerate the development and commercialization of new medicines.
A Leader in Transformation
As the CEO of Evotec, Dr. Christian Wojczewski, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Dr. Holbrook’s appointment. He emphasized her remarkable understanding of how modern technologies, including data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), are revolutionizing the landscapes of drug discovery and development. Her experience in creating partnerships and managing therapeutic research portfolios is expected to drive tangible results within the company.
Before her new role at Evotec, Dr. Holbrook served as the Therapy Area Head for Cardiovascular, Renal, and Hepatic Diseases at Novo Nordisk. In her previous positions, she has also contributed significantly to the fields of biotech and academia, having held leadership roles at well-known companies like Biomodal and BenevolentAI. In addition to her corporate endeavors, Dr. Holbrook was a Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Southampton, and has also conducted research at the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (A*STAR).
Vision and Objectives
In her own words, Dr. Holbrook expressed her excitement about joining Evotec, highlighting the company's extensive scientific expertise in drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. She aims to bolster Evotec's distinct scientific offers and create integrated solutions to tackle the most pressing challenges in drug discovery.
Evotec's growing portfolio also includes over 100 proprietary R&D assets in critical therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases.
Her appointment comes at a time when Evotec is striving to further enhance its innovative capabilities in drug discovery. By integrating cutting-edge science with AI-driven solutions and advanced technologies, Evotec seeks to transform the journey from concept to cure more effectively and efficiently.
A Commitment to Innovation
Evotec is recognized for its unwavering commitment to developing and advancing groundbreaking medicinal products. With Dr. Joanna Holbrook now on board as CSO, the company believes it can enhance collaboration with clients and partners significantly, improving the probability of success in drug development.
The integration of Dr. Holbrook's vision with Evotec's strategic goals is set to create a ripple effect in the life sciences sector. As she embarks on this exciting journey at Evotec, there is much anticipation around how her leadership will influence the company's future discoveries and innovations.
For more information about Evotec and to follow their upcoming projects, visit
Evotec's website.
Conclusion
Evotec stands poised for continued growth with the addition of Dr. Joanna Holbrook to their executive team. As she steps into this pivotal role, the life sciences community is eager to witness the advancements in drug discovery and development that are sure to come. With a strong focus on scientific excellence and operational agility, Evotec is more equipped than ever to tackle the complex challenges of modern medicine.