- Witek has 24 years of experience combining investment banking and biotechnology
- Has previously launched 6 companies as a non-executive founder
- He spent the first seven years of his career in biotechnology in the San Francisco Bay Area, working for Celera Corporation and Theravance Biopharma
- PhD candidate University of California Berkeley, Bioorganic Chemistry
- MBA, Columbia University/IESE
Archives: Speakers
Amy Cross
As Customer Engagement Manager for DS Smith, an International Paper company, and leading global provider of sustainable fibre-based packaging, Amy works with the biggest names both on the high street and behind the scenes.
Amy has a wealth of experience in FMCG both here in the UK, Europe and the USA. She has worked as a Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, Commercial Manager and Technical Manager; bringing a varied skillset to support customers on their sustainable packaging journeys. From utilising psychology to increase consumer appeal and understanding the nuances of the retail space and supply chain, to navigating a complex sustainability landscape and the challenges and opportunities of packaging legislation.
Supporting (literally) your no and low drink to reach your customer, and tell your story, through every step of its journey!
John Mondick
John Mondick is Vice President and Head of Clinical & Quantitative Pharmacology at Incyte Corporation, where he leads global efforts to integrate clinical pharmacology and pharmacometrics into drug development. He has more than 20 years of experience applying quantitative methods, including population PK/PD modeling, exposure-response analysis, trial simulation, and model-based dose justification to guide development strategy and regulatory interactions. He has extensive experience in applying quantitative methods for decision-making in pediatric and rare disease programs. His current focus is advancing Model-Informed Drug Development and developing AI-enabled workflows in pharmacometrics to optimize dose selection, support regulatory decision-making, and improve efficiency in clinical development.
Krissy Meckel Parker
Milan Rust
Milan is a project manager in the product development department at Polipol. His primary task is to actively shape the company’s transformation and digitalization process. A particular focus of the project is the area of 3D CAD, for which he is methodically responsible.
As part of the goal to establish a fully digital process chain across all relevant structures and workflows, he develops and evaluates new methods and technologies.
Milan has been a part of Polipol for almost ten years, during which he has gained extensive product knowledge as a product developer and deep expertise in 2D and 3D CAD systems. He has experienced the company’s digital transformation from the very beginning and has actively contributed to it, using his experience to drive the further development of processes and technologies.
Notable milestones in his career include preparing and successfully implementing a company-wide CAD software switch, as well as supporting the introduction of a PLM system. Additionally, he designed and implemented the process for the fully digital development of a product, including a final review in virtual reality (VR).
For him, the fascination lies in the challenge itself, which he sees as an opportunity for the continued development and innovation of the company.
Maxime Derep
Max is passionate about problem-solving and change management. He leads the Solutions Engineering team at N-SIDE and has over 7 years of experience with the company. He helps pharmaceutical organizations unlock the value of optimization and transform their forecasting and planning processes.
Catherine Chisholm
- More than 24 years of experience in Clinical Research
- Based in Cave Creek, AZ
- More than 8 years direct CRO project management experience
- 6+ years dermatology experience including topical, PO and injectable agents
- Experience managing AD, psoriasis and acne trials
Salmaan Jaffery
Salmaan is the Chief Business Development Officer for the Dubai International Financial Centre. He is a member of the management team and is responsible for overseeing the DIFC client portfolio as well as the DIFC’s growth strategy. Salmaan has 25+ years of experience in North America, Asia and MENA with leadership roles at global firms such as Oliver Wyman, Citibank, American Express and PwC. Mr. Jaffery holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BA in International Relations (Phi Beta Kappa) from Colgate University in the United States and serves on several Boards.
Sheetal Soni
Sheetal Soni is a seasoned finance professional with 20+ years of expertise across Strategic & Corporate Finance, M&A, Debt, Taxation, and Wealth Management. He has raised over USD 8 billion through innovative financing and advisory solutions across global markets.
Currently, he serves as Partner at MI Capital Services (MICS), where he drives value for businesses and family offices. His expertise covers investments, valuations, due diligence, tax structuring, compliance, and multi-asset wealth strategies. Recognized as a leading advisor in M&A, Tax, and Structuring—and a thought leader—Sheetal is known for blending technical excellence with clarity, simplicity, and impact.
Ghaleb Alahdab
Experienced Commercial, Governmental Affairs and Communications professional with a demonstrated over 15 years history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in Governmental Affairs, Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, Media relations, Strategic Communications, and Corporate Communications both internal and external.