New Leadership Appointments at Ascend Advanced Therapies to Propagate Growth

Ascend Advanced Therapies Welcomes New Board Members

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its growth trajectories, Ascend Advanced Therapies has announced the appointment of John Chiminski as Chair of the Board and Karen Flynn as an Independent Director. Based in Rockville, Maryland, Ascend specializes in gene therapy development, aiming to provide high-quality, cost-effective solutions in the advanced therapy sector.

Leadership Expertise

John Chiminski, with over 30 years of leadership experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical services sectors, takes the position of Chair. His extensive tenure includes serving as CEO of Catalent until June 2023, where he successfully guided the company into becoming a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO). As Chair of the Board at Ascend, he is optimistic about the company’s capacity to emerge as a notable player in the burgeoning gene therapy market. "Ascend is at a pivotal moment in its growth, and I am excited to support the team as we build a world-class gene therapy CDMO," shared Chiminski. His plans emphasize operational excellence, smart investment, and strategic execution to capitalize on market opportunities.

Karen Flynn adds another layer of distinguished experience to the team. With a strong background in commercial operations, she has held several leadership roles at Catalent, including Chief Commercial Officer and President of Biologics. Flynn is well-equipped to contribute to Ascend's mission, having a proven track record in integrating operational capabilities with actionable commercial strategies. She highlighted the company’s comprehensive offerings post the integration of ABL, Inc. into the Ascend network, stating, "The Ascend network can support gene therapy, oncolytic, vaccine, immunotherapy, and government customers at all stages of development through to fill/finish."

Forward-Looking Strategy

The appointments come at a crucial time as Ascend aims to significantly enhance its capabilities. The company has recently expanded its facilities and now has robust operations in various locations, including Munich, Germany, and Alachua, Florida, along with its primary headquarters in Rockville, Maryland. This geographical diversity allows Ascend to efficiently serve a global clientele by leveraging local expertise and resources.

Mike Stella, CEO of Ascend, expressed enthusiasm about the new board members, believing their extensive industry knowledge will be vital in shaping Ascend’s future. He remarked, "John and Karen bring tremendous leadership, strategic expertise, and industry knowledge that will help shape the future here. Their counsel will be instrumental as we continue to manufacture advanced therapies and aggressively scale up the capabilities of the Company."

Ascend is focused on high-quality, affordable solutions for gene therapy development, marking itself as a spearhead in the evolving healthcare landscape. With the backing of EW Healthcare Partners and other influential investors, the company is poised to make a substantial impact in drug development cycles.

In conclusion, the appointments of Chiminski and Flynn mark a strategic initiative for Ascend Advanced Therapies. Their leadership will not only elevate the company’s position within the competitive landscape but will also enhance its operational capabilities as it continues to push boundaries in advanced therapy development. For more details on their journey, visit Ascend's website.