Cross-Cultural Strategic Leadership for CMOs: Accelerating Global Development

Dr. Edwin J. Tucker MD is a highly accomplished and respected medical professional with a diverse background in medicine, business, and leadership. He is Chief Medical Officer for Jasper Therapeutics, a biotech focused on the development of briquilimab, a novel antibody therapy targeting c-Kit (CD117) to address mast cell driven diseases such as chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), His career spans over 30 years beginning with medical practice in the UK. He acquired increasingly senior leadership roles in large Pharma with Bayer, JNJ and Genentech/Roche before moving to start-up biotech with Acerta (COO, final role), then CMO at Mirum, CMO at Goldfinch before joining Jasper. He has served as a clinical advisor and a consultant to several biotech and investment companies. He earned his MD from Leeds University medical school; an MBA from UConn; and is Member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK). His passion is creating high performance teams and companies to improve healthcare outcomes for patients globally.

Kemi Olugemo is a Physician-Scientist and Philanthropist with over 2 decades of clinical and pharmaceutical industry experience. As Chief Medical Officer at Korro Bio, she led Korro Bio's transition from a preclinical to clinical-stage company and the cross-functional development team through the topline data readout for the lead candidate in Korro Bio's RNA-editing platform. Prior to joining Korro, she held leadership roles at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical, Parexel, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals, and has contributed to the development of several globally marketed products. Kemi also holds long-term leadership positions at the International Society for CNS Clinical Trials and Methodology (ISCTM) as well as CNS Summit. She is the recipient of numerous awards from leaders and peers in the pharmaceutical and nonprofit sectors, and maintains a strong passion for professional development and being the bridge between scientific progress and community impact. Kemi completed her medical training and Neurology Residency at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and an additional Fellowship in Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis at the Maryland Center for MS. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.

Dr. Panteli Theocharous is a seasoned leader with over 35-years of experience driving groundbreaking translational research, clinical development, and commercial strategy in the healthcare sector. With an established focus on Haematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Dr. Theocharous has led the development and market introduction of multiple transformative cancer therapies, contributing significantly to advancements in Patient care. His extensive career includes roles in several private and public Biotech companies, and in prominent organisations such as Janssen Oncology and PPD (now part of Thermo Fisher Scientific), where he was instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation, building high-performing global teams, and delivering impactful therapeutic solutions.Trained as a Clinical Immunologist at the Royal Free Hospital in London, Dr. Theocharous specialised in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and cell and gene therapies, gaining early expertise in the translational applications of cutting-edge scientific research. His work extends across asset lifecycle management, from preclinical to post-approval stages, and he is adept at engaging with key regulatory authorities and global HTA bodies. This experience is complemented by his leadership within Patient Advocacy Group initiatives, fostering collaborations that ensure alignment with the needs of diverse Patient communities.In senior executive roles, including his current position as Chief Therapeutics Officer at Garuda Therapeutics and previous CMO appointments, Dr. Theocharous has demonstrated a strategic approach to business growth and commercialisation. His efforts have driven more than $500M in partnership transaction value. His board-level expertise and collaboration with CEOs have added depth and credibility in interactions with investors, venture capital, and banking partners. A co-founder of a London-based Biotech, Dr. Theocharous has not only built this venture from the ground up but has consistently steered strategic development and commercialisation efforts in the rapidly evolving Biotech landscape.

A long career in both the pharmaceutical industry and academia. He has previously been in leading positions such as Chief Medical Officer at XNK Therapeutics, Chief Scientific Officer at Novartis and Research Director at MSD. Peter has through these roles, gained extensive experience in clinical drug development, and he has also been a driving force behind several important research and development initiatives in the pharmaceutical sector.