Ascend Advanced Therapies Strengthens Leadership with New Board Appointments

Ascend Advanced Therapies, a prominent player in gene and advanced therapy development, is making significant strides in its leadership team. The company has officially announced the appointments of John Chiminski as Chair of the Board and Karen Flynn as an Independent Director. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will be essential as Ascend focuses on growth and enhancing its capabilities in advanced therapies.

John Chiminski: A Veteran in Healthcare Leadership

John Chiminski comes to Ascend with over 30 years of extensive experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical services sectors. His previous leadership roles include notable positions at Catalent, where he served as CEO and Executive Chair until mid-2023. Under his tenure, Catalent evolved into a leading global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), highlighting his ability to drive growth and expand operational capabilities in challenging markets. Currently, Chiminski is also a board member of QuidelOrtho and holds a Senior Advisor role at Abingworth.

Chiminski expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “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. With the right strategy, investment, and operational excellence, Ascend is well-positioned to be a leading partner in advanced therapies.” His strategic vision is anticipated to guide the company through its forthcoming developments and expansions.

Karen Flynn: A Commercial Operations Expert

In tandem with Chiminski’s appointment, Karen Flynn has been designated to the board by EW Healthcare Partners. Flynn has carved out a niche in commercial operations with over three decades of experience, primarily at Catalent, where she recently served as Interim President of BioModalities. Her extensive background includes pivotal roles ranging from Chief Commercial Officer to President of Biologics, providing her with a consolidated understanding of both the commercial and operational aspects of the industry.

Flynn noted, “With the addition of ABL, Inc. in late 2024 and investment by EW Healthcare Partners, the Ascend network can support gene therapy, oncolytic, vaccine, immunotherapy, and government customers at all stages of development through to fill/finish.” This insight underscores the strategic direction Ascend is taking — ensuring a comprehensive framework that supports various therapeutic developments and their associated complexities.

Ascend’s Strategic Vision Moving Forward

The announcements come as Ascend enhances its offerings in gene therapy and advanced therapeutic development. The organization has expanded its commercial manufacturing capabilities and analytical resources across multiple locations in the U.S. and Europe, incorporating the recent partnership with EW Healthcare Partners and its portfolio company, ABL, Inc. This expansion positions Ascend as a formidable competitor in the advanced therapy space, capable of navigating the intricate requirements necessary for the development and commercialization of cutting-edge treatments.

Mike Stella, CEO of Ascend, welcomed the new board members, emphasizing their leadership, strategic insight, and industry knowledge, which will greatly benefit the company’s trajectory. “Their counsel and extensive experience will be instrumental as we continue to manufacture advanced therapies and aggressively scale up the capabilities of the Company,” he stated.

Organizations and investors looking to collaborate or engage with Ascend are encouraged to visit their official website, ascend-adv.com, or connect with them through their LinkedIn profile.

Conclusion

Following these significant appointments, Ascend Advanced Therapies is set to bolster its position within the advanced therapy sector effectively. With established leaders like John Chiminski and Karen Flynn steering the board, the company looks toward the future with renewed ambition and strategic clarity. The ongoing evolution of Ascend is indeed an exciting development for stakeholders in the biopharmaceutical industry, presenting opportunities for collaboration and innovation in gene therapies and beyond.