Viralgen, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy manufacturing, a subsidiary of AskBio, Inc. within the Bayer Group, announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jimmy Vanhove will transition to a new role leading the development and expansion of Bayer's U.S. Pharmaceutical Product Supply Network based in New Albany, Ohio. In his new position, Jimmy will join the Pharmaceuticals Division's Product Supply Leadership Team. Angela Ochoa Chico has been appointed as his successor and will join Viralgen as CEO, from her current role at Bayer, effective January 1, 2027. She is an accomplished executive with extensive international leadership experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and operations.
"It has been a privilege to lead Viralgen through this transformative period," said Jimmy Vanhove. "I am especially proud that, as Viralgen has grown, we have remained committed to people living with both common and rare diseases, as well as the patient foundations that represent them. I am confident that Angela will build on this legacy and lead Viralgen into its next exciting chapter."
"I am delighted to join Viralgen at such an important stage in its evolution," said Angela Ochoa Chico. "Viralgen has built an outstanding reputation for scientific excellence, quality, and innovation, supported by an exceptionally talented team. I look forward to building on these strong foundations, advancing our manufacturing capabilities, and further strengthening Viralgen's position as a trusted gene therapy manufacturing partner, guided by a clear purpose to help bring transformative therapies to the patients who need them. Over the coming months, I will work closely with Jimmy and the Viralgen team to ensure a smooth transition into the CEO role."