Pioneers in delivering medicines of the future

Markus Enzelberger, Ph.D., Interim CEO. Markus is a seasoned executive with deep domain knowledge of drug discovery and development, especially in the protein field. Alongside his role in guiding the development and growth of Vector BioPharma, Markus is a Partner with Versant Ventures, where he plays a central role in the launch of life science startups from Versant’s Ridgeline Discovery Engine. He joined Versant in 2002 and is recognized as a leading authority in the field of protein engineering. Prior to his role at Versant, Markus was CSO and a member of the management board at MorphoSys. Markus holds a Ph.D. from the Technical University of Stuttgart, Germany.

Kurt Stoeckli, Ph.D., Head of Strategy. An entrepreneurial scientist and seasoned C-level executive, Kurt has had an extensive career in R&D and supporting biotherapeutics scale-up operations. He has held several senior positions at large pharma companies, including Novartis, Sanofi and Glenmark. As Therapeutic Area Head with Sanofi, Kurt oversaw the development of three products through to market, including Dupixent (duplilumab). He has also been responsible for leading multiple, high-profile partnerships between biotech and pharma companies. Kurt is a strategic advisor and member of the NDA advisory board. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Basel.

Sheena N. Smith, Ph.D., Head of Program Management. Sheena led the pioneering research and development of Vector’s SHREAD technology at the University of Zurich. With over 15 years’ experience in biomedical research, Sheena has provided critical leadership in the development of new technologies, including the invention of platform technologies in the fields of T cell receptor engineering and adenoviral gene therapy. Sheena holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois, and a Postdoc from the University of Zurich. During her postdoctoral studies, Sheena led the transitional development of SHREAD technology from academia to industry.

Lawrence Klein, Ph.D., Advisor. An experienced biotech executive and venture investor, Lawrence is a Partner at Versant Ventures and was previously a partner at McKinsey & Company.  Prior to working in investment, he was COO and CBO of CRISPR Therapeutics where he helped to grow the company from preclinical stage into a multi-billion dollar company with several clinical programs, including Exa-cel, which is nearing regulatory approval for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. He has a scientific background in immunology and holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Stanford University.

Nigel Sheail, Advisor. Nigel is a Venture Partner with Versant Ventures.He brings exceptional business development capabilities and deep insights into the industry from over two decades of leadership roles within the pharmaceutical sector. Prior to joining Versant, Nigel was Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Business Development & Licensing at Novartis, where he served as a member of the senior leadership team. At Novartis he was responsible for the execution of a broad range of healthcare deals, spanning research and technology collaborations through to large M&A transactions. Nigel was also previously Head of Business Development and Licensing for Bayer Healthcare, and before that served as Head of Group M&A at Roche, and Head of Licensing for its Pharma division.

Cornelia Maurer, Finance Director. Cornelia has over 15 years of experience as a finance business partner, spanning retail, distribution and pharmaceuticals. She has held several senior financial roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including with Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and Actelion Pharmaceuticals. During this time, she provided support and leadership in local, regional and global financial environments, including divestitures and acquisition deals. Cornelia holds an EMBA from Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz in Basel.

Kerry Thornton, Head of Program Management. Kerry has extensive experience in administrative and managerial roles, with a career spanning both pharma and airline industries. Kerry joined Vector BioPharma from F. Hoffmann La Roche in Basel, where she was an administrative professional and business manager to the Global Head of Program Management in Product Development. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in modern languages from the University of Liverpool.

Nadine Seiler, HR Associate.  An experienced HR manager, Nadine has worked across various areas, including benefits administration, staffing/recruitment, employee development, employee relations and compensation. Prior to joining Vector BioPharma, Nadine held roles at Deloitte and Direct Mail Company.  Nadine holds a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Business FHNW in Basel, Majoring in Human Resource Management & Financial Planning.