Tag Archives: Spotlight Interview

Tim Moran, Director Life Science Research Product Management, BIOVIA

Tim MoranTim’s early research in the industry focused on Immunomodulation and Imaging to study of effects on T-cell lymphocyte homing. He held several managerial positions in Image Informatics and came to the organization in 2006 to begin work as Director of Image Informatcs. His role has expanded over the years to include Life Science Research Marketing and Product Management for Assay Management, Next Generation Sequencing, Sequence Analysis, Biotherapeutics, and Bio Registration.

1. What are you looking forward to discussing with the audience?

So many pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical organizations are increasing their focus on biotherapeutic drug development in order to remain competitive in the market. Unfortunately, this can backfire when these organizations don’t take in to account the resources required for managing the additional complex data and processes involved. This can increase exposure to compliance risk, decrease overall productivity and extend the time to market for new products. I’m excited to have the opportunity to show the audience that there is a better way to not only manage, but leverage biologics data by eliminating inefficient paper-based workflows, reducing the effort for creating experiments, providing better understanding of processes and products, and much more.

2. You’ve mentioned that the biologics discovery workflow is similar to small molecule discovery at the highest level but that there are differences in the details. Can you explain what changes as an organization shifts toward biotherapeutic development?

In short, biologic discovery demands unique processes due to the added complexity of biological systems. Compared to small molecule discovery, biologics workflows generate a large amount and a large variety of complex data. However, being able to distill the information and track the genealogy of how to get to an end entity is critical. This requires some advanced data and workflow management.

3.  Why do you feel this topic is important?

In a recent market survey conducted by industry analysts IDC, it was shown that just 6 of the top-selling drugs in 2014 were biologics. In 2018 however, it’s estimated that over 50% of the top 100 prescription and OTC drug sales will be biologics. This clearly shows the strong industry trend shifting to biologics and with that industry shift, life science organizations will need a robust informatics solution to manage the increased complexity of biologics.

4. What do you hope the audience will learn from this webinar?

By attending this webinar, I hope the audience will see the true potential impact of transitioning from disjointed workflows and what has primarily been   a paper-based to an electronic Biologics solution covering all activities of the discovery process and how that positively affects their bottom line.

Join Tim in the BIOVIA webinar ‘Integrated, Predictive and Collaborative Workflows in Biologics Discovery‘. Register now!

Dan Matthews, CTO, IFS

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at IFS, Dan’s responsibilities encompass researching, formulating, and communicating the strategic direction of IFS Applications. Dan leads the Research & Strategy unit, which includes IFS Labs. He also manages IFS’s technical partnerships with Microsoft, Oracle and other players. Dan is a frequent speaker at IFS and industry events.

Since joining IFS in 1996, Dan has held a number of positions within the company, including software engineer and project manager. In his IFS career, Dan has been the driving force behind major projects such as the development of the innovative IFS Enterprise Explorer user interface, the IFS Touch Apps, a series of cloud-based smartphone apps for the enterprise, and IFS’s move to the cloud.

Dan Matthews is a graduate from the Linköping Institute of Technology, where he studied computer software and software engineering. While still at university, Dan founded his own software development company, which he left to pursue a career at IFS.

Outside of the workplace, Dan pursues his hobbies of carpentry and cross-country skiing.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

This is our third time around I believe. We had quite a good turn out the first couple of times so continuing with a winning concept.

2. What is your favorite thing about presenting to a live audience?

Actually it is the opportunity to get and answer questions. Having this interaction, which you can only have with a live audience, makes it much more interesting for me, and I believe for the people listening in as well.

3. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

What it means to take a pragmatic approach to the Internet of Things. There is so much hype around this topic that someone needs to look at the practicalities of going from talking about IoT to doing something and getting some benefit back.

4. Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

There has to be two answers to this. One place is home. That’s where I have my family and my own little piece of this world—the place I can just be. The second is Melbourne, Australia. It’s relaxed, small enough to get around on foot, fantastic climate.

5. What do you do in your leisure time to relax?

I build stuff. Mainly things like walls, stairs, sheds and things around the garden. Best thing so far was building a Swedish “lusthus” (yes, it means lust house). If you don’t know what they look like just google some pictures.

Join Dan, along with speakers from IDC an Microsoft as they discuss the ‘Top 3 Questions to Address When Planning for IoT‘. Register now!

Thomas Jydby Hedemark, Industry Segment Specialist F&B, Baumer Electric AG

Thomas HedemarkThomas holds a degree of the Tietgen Skolen in International Business. In different management positions he gained extensive experience within the global food and beverage market.

Thomas has particular experience with process sensors used within the brewery and dairy segment.

1. How did you get into the industry?

When I started working as a field Sales Engineer in 2007, the customer base I inherited was mainly within this segment. Around 50% within dairy and brewery applications. My main task, at the time, was to develop our F&B business for process sensors and this was my entrance to the industry.

2. What do you most enjoy about your role?

Working within sales you naturally enjoy the social aspects of the job, for example working with customers on process optimization and general problem solving. But, also internal communication
with product management on campaigns and future product requirements.

3. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

How they can benefit from using Baumer process sensors within the CIP process.

4. What’s your favourite thing about presenting to a live audience?

I don’t have much experience in presenting live webinars unfortunately. I’m really looking forward to the experience!

5. What one item would you take with you to a desert island?

If only one thing it would be music, closely followed by hammock and knife. But, who would go to a desert island in the first place?

Join Thomas for a discussion on ‘How to Ensure Food Safety While Increasing Overall Equipment Effectiveness‘ in our webinar with Baumer Electric AG. Register now!

Paul Daniel, Senior Regulatory Expert, VAISALA

Paul Daniel, Senior Regulatory Expert at Vaisala, has over 19 years of validation experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

Paul has worked on a wide range of qualification projects, including process, cleaning, shipping, laboratory equipment, packaging, software, network, and computer validation, and extensive practical grounding in applying the good manufacturing practices principles of the FDA 21 CFR Parts 11, 210, 211, and 820.

An expert in authoring and executing validation protocols for pharmaceutical manufacturing and software validation with a risk-based approach drawn from GAMP guidelines. Paul holds a bachelor’s degree in biology (with honors) from the University of California, Berkeley.

What is your favourite thing about presenting on webinars?

It is an opportunity for me to give something back to the professional Life Science community which has given me a rewarding career in Validation.

What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

Mean Kinetic Temperature (MKT) is a really interesting topic. There is a deep and engaging story in the history of MKT that is intertwined with the history of HVAC and monitoring technology, and heavily influenced by ongoing regulatory changes in Good Distribution Practice. I am looking forward to sharing this story, so that we can see how our understanding and use of MKT has changed over the last 40 years, and hopefully, have a better idea of where this unique tool can be used effectively today.

What attracted you to the industry and what do you enjoy most about working at VAISALA?

I became involved in Pharmaceutical Validation because I was good with details, and I was seeking an industry where my work would have a direct link to improving quality of life. I joined Vaisala over 4 years ago because I thought it would allow me to be more effective at influencing positive change within my industry. I really like Vaisala because this company is dedicated to making the world a better place, one measurement at a time. Our mission statement – Observations for a Better World – conveys this idea. And, I really enjoy working with excellent people, in an established international company, that continues to create technology that changes the world. I may work in the narrow niche of Temperature Monitoring for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices, but Vaisala is involved in a much wider scope of enterprise that includes weather, road safety, interplanetary exploration, and preserving cultural treasures. I can’t imagine a more exciting place to work!

What is your favourite holiday destination?

I don’t have a favourite. But if you gave me two-weeks off and an expense account, there are a few places you would likely find me; high in the Colorado mountains fly-fishing an isolated stream, riding a mountain bike on remote single-track trails in the Pyrenees, or asleep in the sun on a beach in Mexico.

How did you spend the Easter holiday?

Easter was spent with friends and family, enjoying the return of spring, sitting in the sun, and talking about our hopes for the coming year.

Join Vaisala’s webinar with Paul on “Mean Kinetic Temperature in GxP Environments”. Register here.

Tom Homer, Managing Director, EMEA, Telstra

Tom HomerWe recently caught up with Tom Homer ahead of the Telstra webinar ‘Connecting Companies: Strategic Partnerships for the Digital Age‘ to find out a little more about him. Find out what he had to say below.

Tell us about your company and your areas of expertise?

Telstra is a leading telecommunications and technology company. We have been operating successfully on an international level for more than 70 years, having built a world class network and established customer relationships and partnerships with some of the most innovative companies around the world. In the UK and Europe our focus is on the large enterprise market where we provide a range of solutions including managed network services, global connectivity and cloud.

As is often said in tech circles, software is eating the world, and it certainly is creating opportunities for Telstra to better serve our customers. We have started offering what is called Software Defined Networking and Network Functions Virtualisation on our network across our global Points of Presence, which makes it easier for customers to provision the services they need quickly and in a simple way.

Beyond traditional telecommunications services we are also developing our business in new areas such as software, e-Health and monetization of video streaming.
Tell us about your IT career?

I’ve been working in IT for the past twenty five years, having begun my career at AT&T before moving to Energis, the fourth largest telecommunications company in the UK at the time.

It was during my time at Energis that the concept of cloud and its potential to unlock real business value was gaining popularity, and one of my favourite projects was working with Boots to launch their foray into online digital photo sharing.

I joined Telstra in 2011 and was tasked with spearheading our growth in the UK and into new territories. Based in London, today I’m responsible for developing and driving the business strategy across Europe, the Middle East and Africa along with growing our relationship with multinational corporations across the region.

What tech do you expect to be involved with in ten years’ time?

In my view, there is no doubt that software will continue to dominate the IT industry over the next ten years, in particular the rise of software defined networking (SDN).

Businesses are facing ever increasing demands on network bandwidth, which is being driven largely by the evolution of modern, dispersed and collaborative workplaces, often with the need to transport rich content and communicate through new digital channels.

Business leaders are adopting “anywhere, anytime” flexible workforces, with an appetite for cloud service adoption and application consumption. This consumption, coupled with technologies available to collect valuable business insights, is producing huge quantities of data that is growing exponentially and must be delivered quickly, securely and efficiently.

I believe success in the next decade lies in high capacity and low latency SDN solutions, which can seamlessly allocate network resources based on individual requirements. With this level of intelligence, network providers can demonstrate cloud like characteristics such as self-service, on-demand and scalability through a unified delivery infrastructure.

What is the greatest challenge for an IT company or department today?

Until recently, the main challenges facing IT departments were selecting the right hardware and software, deploying them quickly at minimal cost and keeping them working. However, a new challenge is edging its way up IT executives’ list of concerns. Many employees are deciding for themselves what IT they need and are proceeding to use it in the workplace without corporate approval.

The risks related to this growing trend – termed Shadow IT – are huge. Because the IT department has not extended its security policies and technical solutions to the unauthorised technology, the company’s IT environment and data may become considerably more vulnerable.

How should IT departments deal with the emergence of shadow IT? The answer is to start listening to individuals and teams throughout the business to help ensure employees have access to the latest collaboration tools they want, empowering them to do their jobs more effectively.

Who is your tech hero (and why)?

It’s a bit cliché but my tech hero would have to be Steve Jobs. There’s a great quote in Eric Schmidt and Jonathan Rosenberg’s book, “How Google Works”, where they describe Jobs as the quintessential “smart creative” – an expression for someone with a combination of technical depth and creative talent.

His vision extended far beyond just creating technology to make money, which is evidenced today in the profound impact Apple technology has had on the world, helping transform everything from the way children learn to how we can monitor and improve our health.

Want to hear more? Register for the Telstra webinar to discover how your company can benefit from a strategic partnership. Register now!

Cyril Walsh, BIOVIA Sr. Solutions Consultant, BIOVIA

Cyril WalshCyril has extensive knowledge on the management of Quality and Regulatory affairs pertaining to automated content management. Cyril has implemented Quality based processes for the management of CAPAs, Deviations, Change Control and Complaint handling. Cyril also has in-depth experience in the services arena having previously worked for Accenture, before beginning his 13 year tenure at QUMAS, now part of BIOVIA, the leader in quality and compliance management solutions for the Life Science industry.

1. What are you looking forward to discussing with the audience?

The focus of our discussion will be defining a true Total Quality strategy and why it’s so critical for Life Science companies. We will give an overview of the challenges of implementing a solution for Total Quality as well as how to overcome them,  the required capabilities for  a Total Quality solution that spans the entire scientific product life cycle from ideation to commercialization and the benefits an organization will experience when implementing a Total Quality strategy.

2. You’ve mentioned that a Total Quality approach includes Quality Process Management, Quality Control and Testing, Materials Quality Management, Quality Document Management and Quality and Process Data Analytics. How would you implement these?

We definitely advise taking a phased approach for the implementation of a Total Quality strategy. Depending on the specific situation and the existing landscape of supporting systems the focus of the first stage can vary. While some of the areas are independent a QMS (Quality Management System) can be a good basis to go forward playing into all stages of the product lifecycle. Usually it is the core of the Total Quality strategy. And as consistent and traceable documentation is basic we recommend considering implementing a centralized integrated system for QMS and Document Management .But we should not forget that metrics are required to validate Quality and in Life Sciences consistent Quality Control procedures and processes are indispensable.

3. Is this topic only relevant for roles that are directly engaged in working with Quality?

Many capabilities play into the successful management and execution of Quality. This includes for example, the definition, documentation, submission, monitoring and management of quality related activities and tasks as well as the execution of quality tests. The BIOVIA approach will support the FDA mandate for deeper integration of Quality into end-to-end operations to design quality into products and processes as well as foster a quality culture across all areas of an organization from discovery to commercialization.

4. What do you hope the audience will learn from this webinar?

By attending this webinar, I hope the audience will which are the relevant aspects and capabilities and the true potential impact of a comprehensive Total Quality Strategy throughout the entire product lifecycle.

Join Cyril in the BIOVIA webinar ‘Bringing Your Total Quality Strategy to the Next Level‘. Register now!

Bruce L. Braaten, Regional Manager, Market Access, Covance

Bruce Braaten photoBruce currently serves as the Field Access and Reimbursement Director in the West Region. Mr. Braaten has over 20 years of experience in the biotech/device industry. Most recently he held positions with Roche serving in various leadership roles within the organization. Bruce brings experience as the Area Business Manager for the national Channel team for the purpose of building overall relationships, contract negotiations, securing coverage and reimbursement, and streamlining steps for smoother claims processing. He also held roles in leading field based teams, contracting with Managed Care Companies, sales leadership, project management and developing presentations for field use.

Bruce has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and has studied in areas of Healthcare administration, Healthcare policy, and Organizational Communication.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

This is an important opportunity to present and discuss our Market Access directives which support and improve Patient Health.

2. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

Access is a challenging and a changing environment; however with the experience and overall knowledge of the market patients can receive the therapy their Health team prescribes they need.

3. How did you get into the industry and what do you most enjoy about your role?

My first experience in supporting patient access was on the medical device side for pain management. This confirmed in me how vital this type of role is and how strategy is crucial in care and coverage. My career has grown from Managed Care contracting; Distribution; patient support and sales leadership. My purpose in my work comes from the numerous successes of giving life back to individuals that are in great need and giving hope for a more fulfilling life.

4. What do you enjoy most about your role?

Currently my responsibilities include leading a team of Access Specialists in the West. This allows me the privilege of developing each individual with a greater skillset, to position our strategy for the purpose of patient care, and ultimately drive this ship in one direction.

5. Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

Today it is Arizona where my Wife and Children are. Spending time with them recharges me. If it was a particular place; it would have to be Northern Minnesota on the lake.

Register now for our webinar with Bruce and his colleagues from Covance, “The Yesterday and Today of Market Access: Field strategy evolution“.

William M. Fahey, National Field Director, Market Access, Covance

William Fahey_ PhotoWilliam works directly with the Field Managers and Field Reimbursement Specialists to ensure program
execution and strategic follow through based on client needs. In addition, he works as a strategic partner with the client to overcome hurdles and anticipate future opportunity specific to field team actions. He has directed teams within multiple therapeutic areas and lifecycle stages. 


Prior to joining Covance, Mr. Fahey has Over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical/biotech industry in various leadership roles within Sales, Sales Operations/Field Force Effectiveness, Marketing and Market Access. 

William has a BA in Philosophy/Political Science from the University of Arkansas.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

I believe it is important to connect as an industry in order to address complicated issues that impact the ability for patients to access appropriate therapies.

2. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

I look forward to sharing opportunities that will address the above issues.  As access to therapies becomes more difficult, it is important to assess appropriate levers and partnerships that will potentially alleviate some of these market conditions and pressures for those involved.

3. How did you get into the industry and what do you most enjoy about your role?  

I spent several years both in sales and marketing within the tobacco industry.  This is what brought me into the healthcare sector.  Working on a daily basis and as a career on thoughts, processes and services that contribute to a person’s well-being is more rewarding than its polar opposite.

4. What do you enjoy most about your role?

Working with some of the top minds in the industry.  Learning and working on key issues that impact the industry on a daily basis provides a never-ending complexity that keeps a smile on my face.

5. Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

While I enjoy the comradery and engagement on a daily basis, I very much enjoy the solitude of the desert environment regardless of location.  I will typically take an annual motorcycle trip to various locations in which I get the chance to reflect and decompress from everything.

Join William in the upcoming Covance webinar “The Yesterday and Today of Market Access: Field strategy evolution“. Register now!

Mr. Matthias Grapow – Vice President, Head of Segment Oil&Gas Midstream, SBU Turbomachinery, MAN Diesel & Turbo

image002After studying mechanical engineering with specialization in turbomachinery at Technical University of Berlin, Matthias Grapow started his professional career in 1997 as a development engineer in the aerodynamic development group of Sulzer Turbo (today’s MAN Diesel & Turbo) in Zurich (Switzerland).

In 2000 Matthias joined the MAN’s sales and projects team, as a bid manager in the field of basic industries, refinery and petrochemical applications. Since 2002 his range of activity also includes the gas storage & transport business. Matthias managed the sales group for gas storage & transport and hydrocarbon processing industry applications at MAN Diesel & Turbo in Zurich from 2006 until 2013. 

Matthias Grapow has a broad know-how of all turbocompressor product types – particularly in high-speed magnetically-levitated, integrated motor-compressor units. 

In March 2013, Matthias has been appointed Vice President and is now heading the Oil & Gas Midstream segment of MAN Diesel & Turbo.

1. Why did you decide to do a webinar with Business Review Webinars?

In April 2015 we organized an event called TurboForum for our customers at MAN Diesel & Turbo Schweiz AG in Zurich. The organization was extremely labor-intensive, but all worth it, as the event turned out to be a big success. The subsequent feedback being very positive on all accounts was more than rewarding. This time we decided to focus on a new marketing tool, i.e. the BRW Webinar. The aim is to expand our horizon, develop new skills and last but not least to allow everybody a participation without the need of travelling.

2. What are you looking forward to explaining to the audience?

Patrik Meli, Vice President Engineering Zurich, and I are looking forward to explaining the considerable advantages of MAN’s MOPICO® compression systems. We will furthermore give detailed information of MAN’s pioneering in magnetically-levitated compression systems for gas transport, gas storage and finally for subsea gas transport compression. This webinar gives us a chance to continue and enlarge the dialogue with our existing and future customers and to receive a direct and active feedback.

3. What do you most enjoy about your role?

The full commitment to our products is motivating and inspiring me. As Head of Midstream Oil and Gas I enjoy a new challenge every day, and believe me, every single day is different from the other. It  is an interesting and satisfying job that I love doing. In addition, I feel a very strong team spirit and full commitment in my department and this motivates me even more.

4. What would someone be surprised to know about you?

I always cycle to the office, all year round independent of weather conditions. That is what keeps me fit physically and mentally.

5. What do you do in your leisure time to relax?

Being on tour with my racing bicycle over mountain passes is always challenging, but at the same time it gives me the chance to switch off,  relax and enjoy the nature. Sailing is my other hobby that I appreciate tremendously.

Join Matthias in the upcoming MAN Diesel & Turbo webinar ‘Economic and Ecological Optimization of Pipeline Compression’ at either 7am UK or 3pm UK. Register now!

Dr. Thomas P. Schoenknecht – Executive Director, Business Development. SHL Group

Thomas P. SchoenknechtThomas Schoenknecht has over 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry in various leading roles such as project management, research & development and business development. Before joining SHL in 2013, Thomas was head of global Key Account Organization at Schott Pharmaceutical Packing Division with a specific focus on new product developments addressing customer needs. Prior to Schott, Thomas worked at Amgen Inc California as Director of Drug Product and Device Development, where he oversaw and managed Amgen’s global drug delivery container projects and interfaced Amgen’s drug delivery device platforms. Finally, previous to Amgen, Thomas headed up the Research & Development activities at Gerresheimer’s Pharmaceutical Packing Division and was leading the Product Management and Business Development activities of this division for sterile drug delivery solutions.

Thomas has a Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry from the Max-Planck-Society and the University Goettingen, Germany and a Master’s degree in Chemistry from the University Goettingen. He is a frequent speaker, moderator and committee member at conferences regarding drug delivery and packing material science; Thomas was heading the PDA interest group for prefilled syringes and being active as member in various DIN ISO committees regarding primary packaging materials and drug delivery devices.

Thomas Schönknecht is currently an Executive Director, Business Development at SHL Group, responsible for global Business Development, Key Account Management and new Technology Evaluation within SHL’s Medical division.

  1.      Why did you decide to do a webinar with us?

Webinars offer an excellent platform for an open interactive exchange with our business partners regarding important topics driving our industry. As such, you need to find a provider who can offer an advanced platform and should be seen among the leading webinar providers with an excellent reputation to offer presentation content of interest to our targeted audience. After thorough evaluation, we are very happy to be working with Business Review Webinars, who can provide a robust platform and has been able to help us reach our targeted audience.

  1.       What will the audience gain from attending your webinar?

Devices for drug delivery are becoming a more vital factor for the success of a new drug being launched to the market or later during life cycle management. To have a successful device development program some few basic prerequisites need to be fulfilled – such as the selection of the drug container, HF studies, and final packaging. This webinar will highlight the most important ones and provide insight through real case studies on how a device development program should be planned and executed.

  1.       Who or what inspired you to get into the industry?

My interest for the pharmaceutical industry was first fostered and later induced through scientific work on my masters and later my Ph.D. thesis, where I analyzed the molecular structure of biomolecules that can become a target for new medical applications or even a new lead structure which can be converted later on into a new therapeutic. Working at the forefront, identifying new therapeutics and later establishing robust drug delivery solutions for these new drug substances gives you a good feeling, as you are working in a field where you help to make the life of people a little bit better.

  1.       What’s the most useful thing someone has ever taught you?

I had the opportunity to learn how to do research and development during my masters and Ph.D. time in the lab of Manfred Eigen, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry. The most valuable thing I gained from my scientific work and from him, was self-reflection and how to analyze given issues or challenges from different perspectives, which enables me to  identify the optimal solution for a given task based on a complete understanding of the problem at hand.

5.      Where would you recommend visiting in the world and why?

For me as a person having lived on various places and on different continents, every new place I am going to for business or vacation does reveal its own magic and beauty if you are open minded and willing to explore it without prejudice. However, if you are interested in device technology in addition, I can clearly recommend to visit Taiwan and our headquarter in Taoyuan near Taipei.

Dr. Thomas P. Schoenknecht will be presenting in SHL Group’s webinar ‘Prerequisites for a successful drug delivery device development program‘ on the 17th June at 3pm London/10am New York. You can register for the webinar here.