BioNTech SE has announced that the Supervisory Board has appointed Jens Holstein to the Management Board as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). As of July 1, 2021, Jens Holstein will join the Management Board to help strengthen BioNTech on its growth trajectory as a global immunotherapy company with an approved or authorized product.
He previously served as CFO for MorphoSys AG and in various CFO and general management roles within the Fresenius SE Group. Jens Holstein takes over the CFO role from Dr. Sierk Poetting who will fully focus on his tasks as Chief Operating Officer (COO) going forward.
In his role as COO, he will drive the further development and execution of a digital strategy, which is comprised of the automation of R&D and production and the further expansion of BioNTech’s global manufacturing footprint, including the recently announced site in Singapore.
“The success of BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine development program ‘Project Lightspeed’ has led to the accelerated transformation to a global immunotherapy company which requires extensive manufacturing capacities to support worldwide supply. The extension of the Management Board allows Sierk to further focus on manufacturing as well as the digital transformation of BioNTech,” said Helmut Jeggle, Chairman of the BioNTech Supervisory Board. “We are looking forward to Jens Holstein joining the Management Board. He has extensive international business and financial leadership experience of more than 25 years in the pharmaceutical industry. Jens is an excellent addition to drive BioNTech’s next phase of growth and jointly foster the foundation for long-term, global success.”
“Through the development of a well-tolerated and effective COVID-19 vaccine, BioNTech has achieved a historic breakthrough for science. This first product authorized for use marked a crucial milestone in the Company’s growth path. I am thrilled to join the Management Board at this exciting time in the Company’s development,” said Jens Holstein. “With the proceeds from the COVID-19 vaccine, BioNTech will be in a position to accelerate its research pipeline in cancer therapies, infectious diseases, regenerative therapies, inflammatory reactions, as well as autoimmune diseases. I’m looking forward to supporting this outstanding team in fulfilling its mission of improving the health of people worldwide.”
As CFO, Jens will work closely with the other Management Board members to drive BioNTech’s financial performance. He will be responsible for Finance, Tax, Treasury, Human Resources and Purchasing. In addition, Jens will play a leadership role in the development and execution of the Company’s regional expansion plans.
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