Ascend Advanced Therapies Appoints John Chiminski and Karen Flynn to Board
Advisor - People | Mar 05, 2025 | Abingworth LLP
Ascend Advanced Therapies has announced significant additions to its Board of Directors: John Chiminski as Chair and Karen Flynn as an Independent Director. Chiminski brings over 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare and pharma services, having notably transformed Catalent into a global Tier 1 CDMO during his tenure. Flynn, with her extensive commercial experience, particularly in biologics, has held prominent roles at Catalent and West Pharmaceutical Services. Their appointments come at a crucial expansion phase for Ascend, as it positions itself as a leading partner in advanced therapies, bolstered by a recent partnership with EW Healthcare Partners and the inclusion of ABL, Inc. Ascend operates globally, with key facilities in the U.S. and Europe, and offers comprehensive gene therapy development and manufacturing services. The leadership and strategic insights of Chiminski and Flynn are expected to drive Ascend's growth and enhance its competitive edge in the burgeoning gene therapy market.
Sectors
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Healthcare
Geography
- United States – Ascend's headquarters and primary operational locations such as Alachua, Florida, are in the US.
- Germany – Mentioned in regard to Ascend's upcoming GMP QC capabilities in Munich, signifying its global operations.
- Europe – Included due to Ascend's expanded commercial manufacturing and process development capabilities across multiple European facilities.
Industry
- Biotechnology – Relevant as Ascend Advanced Therapies specializes in gene therapy development and manufacturing.
- Pharmaceuticals – Relevant due to the involvement of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing expertise from leaders like John Chiminski.
- Healthcare – Pertinent due to the background and roles of the new board members in healthcare leadership, impacting Ascend's strategic growth.
Financials
- Late 2024 – ABL, Inc. was included as a portfolio company in the investment strategy by EW Healthcare Partners, thereby expanding Ascend's capabilities.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascend Advanced Therapies | Target | Company | A gene to GMP advanced therapy development partner and contract development and manufacturing organization. |
| John Chiminski | Chair of the Board | Person | Newly appointed Chair of the Board at Ascend. |
| Karen Flynn | Independent Director | Person | Appointed as an Independent Director on the Board of Ascend. |
| EW Healthcare Partners | Investor | Company | Designated Karen Flynn as a board representative and partnered with Ascend for growth. |
| Abingworth LLP | Private Equity Firm | Company | Involved in the strategic guidance and investment in Ascend. |
| ABL, Inc. | Portfolio Company | Company | Its inclusion strengthened Ascend's capabilities following an investment by EW Healthcare Partners. |
| Mike Stella | CEO | Person | Chief Executive Officer of Ascend Advanced Therapies. |