About me
I was born in Zeeland, the former tide-water island province in the south of The Netherlands and moved up north after high school to study pharmacy in Leiden, followed by a PhD in pharmacology and pharmacotherapy at the University of Amsterdam. My first job was at the University of Utrecht at the Veterinary Faculty. After this academic trio I joined the pharmaceutical industry, starting with Gist-brocades N.V., and then Brocades Pharma B.V., Yamanouchi-Europe B.V. and Astellas Pharma Europe B.V.. I was part of companies with gradually increasing focus on global processes of drug development, and gained experience in all phases of drug development, with strong regional influences of EMA, FDA and PMDA, including HEOR themes.
Positions I have held in the industry included Department Head (non-clinical content and management) and positions for content expertise at Director level, with influence on drug development programs in different therapeutic areas and obtaining international Marketing Authorizations for 6 different products. My skills in pharmaceutical development are very broad, and also include a sound understanding of linked-content and quality processes in the bio-medical domain, content excellence and management responsibilities. I have specialist skills in pharmacology (in-vivo / vitro model development, mode-of-action profiling, safety pharmacology, and PK / PD projects), translational science and biomarkers, and clinical pharmacology studies. Furthermore, I have participated and shared responsibilities in clinical development programs, endpoint definitions and special parameters (for MOA, safety or reimbursement purpose). I am author / co-author of 70+ scientific publications, I feel very comfortable as speaker in conferences and public (scientific) meetings.
In terms of management I have had up to 30 reports, led collaborations with academic and CRO partners (e.g. in Horizon2020 programs in EU), and have coached foreign colleagues in a multi-cultural environment. My management-development training was obtained at Neyenrode and De Baak (both NL), and INSEAD (France).
In my work I have a passion for exploring, studying, and documenting unique drug properties which may be a potential game-changer in the clinical arena. My broad experience helps me to search for the potential differentiators and to discuss their potential with colleagues and decision-makers in drug development, to possibly expedite the drug development process. I like working in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams that can be inspired by me asking critical questions and are able to provide critical input to the program.
Last but not least, I like to travel and meeting people from other cultures and traditions that comes with global working. I am eager, but patient, responsible and dedicated, critical but respectful, and stimulate others to excel in collaborations for mutual benefit. Outside my work, I like team-rowing, biking and hiking, music, travelling and socializing with friends and family.
