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Thomas Fellner
Vice President, Global Head of Sales and Program Management, Cell and Gene Technologies at Lonza
Professional Background
Thomas Fellner is an accomplished life science professional with extensive experience in the rapidly evolving sectors of cell and gene therapy. As the Vice President and Global Head of Sales and Program Management for Lonza’s Cell and Gene Technologies, Thomas has played a pivotal role in transforming the landscape of bioprocessing and manufacturing cell therapies. With a hands-on approach to global sales and business development, he has successfully driven innovation and introduced new product and service offerings that cater to the intricate demands of the cell therapy marketplace.
Throughout his career at Lonza, Thomas has held various significant positions that have allowed him to blend his scientific expertise with commercial acumen. Starting as a Staff Scientist at the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Program in San Diego, he progressed to Assistant Director, where he made significant contributions to the understanding and application of stem cell technology. His move into commercial roles saw him take the lead in areas such as business development and account management, where he was instrumental in securing partnerships and driving growth initiatives for cell and gene therapy projects.
Education and Achievements
Thomas's educational background is as impressive as his professional experience. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Vienna, where his research contributed to the foundational knowledge within the life sciences field. Following that, he garnered a Master of Science (MSc) in Genetics at the University of Salzburg, which solidified his understanding of genetic mechanisms that are pivotal in therapeutic applications.
Further enhancing his credentials, Thomas pursued an MBA with a focus on Entrepreneurship at the renowned Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego. This education equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the business landscape effectively, combining his scientific understanding with strategic business insights, making him a leader in the life sciences sector.
His commitment to research didn't stop at his formal education; he further honed his expertise through postdoctoral fellowships at both UCLA and Stanford University, focusing on genetics and its applications in therapy. These experiences not only refined his research capabilities but also expanded his professional network, one that has been beneficial throughout his career.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Thomas has achieved numerous milestones that position him as a leader in the field of cell therapy. At Lonza, he spearheaded various initiatives in commercial development and new market exploration which have resulted in successful product advancements. His tenure includes significant achievements such as:
- Leading the establishment of the Pluripotent Stem Cell Innovation Center, where advanced research and development were prioritized to propel cell therapy technologies.
- Designing and implementing strategies that enhanced the capabilities and offerings of Lonza’s Cell Therapy Development Services, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the industry.
- Pioneering efforts in global sales, where he cultivated partnerships and collaborations that expanded market reach and amplified revenue growth in a competitive sector.
- Founding MicroStem, Inc., where he served as Chief Scientific Officer, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to advancing innovative solutions in stem cell research and applications.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Thomas was a key player at the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Program at UCSD, where he contributed to groundbreaking research that has had lasting impacts on the industry and opened pathways for future therapeutic applications. Thomas’s multifaceted approach to life sciences allows him to merge scientific knowledge with effective market strategies, solidifying his reputation as a leader in cell and gene therapy.
Conclusion
With a career spanning across leadership roles in prestigious organizations and foundational research positions, Thomas Fellner stands out as a key figure in the cell and gene therapy landscape. His combination of academic excellence, innovative thinking, and entrepreneurial drive makes him a vital contributor to advancing therapeutic technologies on a global scale. As the industry continues to evolve, Thomas's leadership and vision will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping the future of bioprocessing and manufacturing for cell therapies.
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