Archives: Speakers

John Jimenez is a Clinical Data Manager and Data Steward with over seven years of experience in clinical research and digital health innovation. He specializes in data governance, interoperability, and regulatory compliance across global studies, driving initiatives that enhance data accessibility and quality in the pharmaceutical and nutrition sectors. John is passionate about leveraging technology and cross-functional collaboration to build more transparent and efficient research ecosystems.

AI & Digital Innovation Leader | Biopharma Executive | Startup Advisor & Investor
→ I help biopharma companies navigate and lead the future of healthcare through AI, digital strategy, and innovation.
→ With nearly 20 years of experience across commercial, clinical, and enterprise functions, I’ve held senior leadership roles at top pharma companies, including BMS, Novartis, and Biogen.
→ Most recently, I served as VP and Head of Global Digital Strategy at Bristol Myers Squibb, where I was accountable to the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors for driving enterprise-wide digital innovation. Prior to that, I was a founding member of the Novartis BIOME, a global network of digital innovation hubs.

Nacho has built his career in the automotive and mobility industry, holding key roles in sales, fleet, and business development at companies such as Ford Motor Company and PepsiCo. As Founder and COO of Flexivan, part of the Flexicar Group, he focuses on delivering flexible vehicle renting and mobility solutions for companies and private clients. With a strong background in commercial strategy and operations, he brings a pragmatic approach to innovation and sustainable mobility.

Clinical Research Leader with extensive experience overseeing pharmaceutical trials within oncological, central nervous system, rare disease, and infectious disease therapies, leveraging an intuitive blend of interpersonal skills to maintain cross-functional collaboration across internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledgeable and respectful team player adept at building trust and mutual respect among vendors
and team members to ensure quality execution. Highly motivated clinical operations specialist
employing dedication, work ethic, flexibility, and an unwavering drive to improve patient lives through
research trials.

Marilyn Kludt, Senior Project Director, Oncology, at Premier Research is highly experienced in clinical development within the CRO, pharmaceutical, and biotech environments. Her emphasis is in Global Project Management, Strategic Alliances, Functional Service Provisioning, and Global Clinical Operations. Marilyn has experience in Phases I-IV across extensive therapeutic areas with the most recent 12 years focused on early phase international programs in oncology and haematology. Her unique experience includes FIH, Head and Neck TIL infusion, CAR T-cell therapy, and Richter’s Transformation.

Experienced more than 20+ years in clinical operations and clinical development. Demonstrated history in variety of companies including large pharma, start-up and CRO industries. Experienced in a variety of therapy areas including oncology (solid and hematological), neurology, HIV and respiratory. Line and matrix team management in programs from first time in human (FTIH) to phase III in a variety of populations (patient, pediatric, healthy volunteer) and study designs. Experienced in providing leadership and support within multiple collaborative teams to effectively led programs to successful submissions in multiple new investigational drugs and medical device.

Strategic-focused business development manager representing Evotec to the New England area. Evotec provides unique and highly-efficient drug discovery and development options, with unparalleled expertise and experience.

Before joining Evotec, as a program manager, I coordinated the successful preclinical development of eight drug candidates through regulatory submissions worldwide. Having established the program management function at Navitor Pharmaceuticals, I coordinated Navitor’s first clinical trial while simultaneously supporting the company’s portfolio of nonclinical candidates.

Before Navitor, I managed the development of a gene therapy candidate in the rare disease space into phase 1/2 clinical development. Simultaneously, I managed the preclinical development of the company’s second major asset. My previous experience includes the development of simultaneous small molecule programs utilizing a combination of in-house and outsourced resources.

Prior to being a Sr. Program Manager I acquired over 12 years of scientific experience dating back to undergraduate college. Five years of this experience was as a member of the discovery and development group at Idenix Pharmaceuticals with the final years split between program management and drug discovery responsibilities.

In May of 2012, I graduated with a Master of Liberal Arts degree from Harvard University. In fulfillment of this degree, I completed a graduate thesis on the subject of organizational communication.