Avid Bioservices Welcomes New Leadership Under Kenneth Bilenberg
Avid Bioservices, recognized as a premier biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Kenneth Bilenberg as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This transition, effective September 15, 2025, marks a new chapter for the company as it continues to thrive in the biomanufacturing industry.
Kenneth Bilenberg isn't new to the sector; with over 20 years of extensive experience, he has held crucial leadership roles that have shaped the biopharmaceutical landscape. Prior to joining Avid, Bilenberg was the Chief Operating Officer of Fujifilm Biotechnologies, where he managed global operations across various modalities. His experience also extends to top positions at Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company known for its leadership in diabetes care.
The decision to bring Bilenberg on board comes during a noteworthy period for Avid Bioservices. Nick Green, who was at the helm for several years and guided the company through a substantial growth phase, will step down due to health considerations. Green expressed his confidence in Bilenberg’s capabilities, stating that throughout the executive search, it was crucial to find a leader who could uphold Avid's core values and effectively navigate its future.
In a statement to the staff, Avid's board of directors echoed Green's sentiments, highlighting Bilenberg’s depth of expertise in scaling organizations and executing complex global programs as the cornerstone of his selection. The board expressed gratitude for Green's visionary leadership, which has fostered an environment of excellence and growth at Avid.
Bilenberg's vision for Avid is built on the foundation that the company has already established. He recognized Avid's reputation for quality, regulatory compliance, and delivery performance, emphasizing a commitment to placing patients and clients at the forefront of operations. In his words, “It is an honor to join Avid and to contribute to its vision of becoming a global leader in biomanufacturing solutions.”
His immediate priorities include:
1. Ensuring consistent and reliable delivery for existing clients
2. Supporting global biopharmaceutical reshoring and regional supply strategies
3. Expanding Avid's manufacturing capacity to accommodate burgeoning worldwide demands
These efforts aim to reinforce Avid’s position as a trusted partner equipped to assist clients from development to commercialization, especially in delivering complex therapeutic solutions to patients around the world.
Bilenberg's appointment is anchored in a strategic long-term vision, as he believes that the solid foundation cultivated by Avid, backed by its investors GHO and Ampersand, presents an exciting opportunity within the industry. He aims to foster a culture of predictability and trust while exceeding client expectations, which are essential in the ever-evolving landscape of biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
Avid Bioservices continues to innovate and adapt, effectively positioning itself to meet the challenges and opportunities in biomanufacturing. With Bilenberg taking charge as CEO, the company is set to advance its mission further, ensuring it meets the dynamic needs of global biopharmaceutical innovators.
The company’s track record speaks volumes:
- - More than 575 batches manufactured
- - Over 250 commercial batches delivered globally
- - 5+ approved commercial products
- - 10 successful pre-approval/pre-license inspections by major regulatory agencies
As Avid embraces this leadership change, the industry watches with keen interest how Kenneth Bilenberg's strategic insights will shape its future endeavors and growth trajectories, marking a bright horizon ahead for Avid Bioservices.