- Dr. Samanta Cimitan to Depart at End of 2026 to Assume a Senior Leadership Role at a Global Life Sciences Organization
BASEL, Switzerland, August 26, 2026 / Biotech Newswire / -- Celonic Group today announced that Dr. Samanta Cimitan, Chief Executive Officer, will be leaving the Company toward the end of 2026 to pursue a senior leadership opportunity with one of the world's leading life sciences global organization.
Over more than four years with Celonic, including more than three years as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samanta Cimitan has successfully led the Company through a period of strategic transformation, strengthening Celonic’s position as a pure-play biologics CDMO, enhancing its operational and commercial capabilities, and establishing a strong platform for sustainable long-term growth.
Under Dr. Samanta Cimitan’s leadership, Celonic achieved important operational, regulatory, innovation and commercial milestones. The Company strengthened GMP performance at its Heidelberg site in Germany and secured the extension of its Manufacturing and Import Authorization (MIA) for its mid-scale commercial manufacturing asset. Celonic also established its state-of-the-art Biologics Development Center (BDC) in Basel, Switzerland, advancing next-generation bioprocessing technologies, including process intensification and advanced perfusion. At the same time, Celonic expanded its customer base, secured new development and manufacturing programs, and strengthened long-term partnerships across the biotechnology sector.
The Board of Directors and shareholders express their sincere appreciation for Dr. Samanta Cimitan’s leadership, vision, impact and commitment. The Board deeply regrets her decision to leave and wishes her every success in the next stage of her career.
The Board has prepared for this transition and the CEO succession process is well advanced. A successor has been identified and will be announced shortly, ensuring a smooth handover. Dr. Samanta Cimitan will work closely with the Chairman and incoming CEO to maintain leadership continuity and operational focus.
Statement from Josef Otto Rettenmaier, Chairman of the Board “Dr. Samanta Cimitan has been instrumental in transforming Celonic into a focused, next-generation biologics CDMO, strengthening its commercial position and advancing key regulatory, technical and manufacturing capabilities. Celonic enters this transition with strong momentum, supported by deep industry partnerships and a committed organization focused on executing the Company’s growth strategy and the long-term strategic priorities of the JRS Group Family Shareholders” .
Dr. Samanta Cimitan, CEO of the Celonic Group
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About Celonic
Celonic is a Swiss-based, privately held “Pure Play” Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with more than four decades of scientific heritage and experience in biologics development and manufacturing. Its roots trace back to 1982 as a spin-off of the Max Planck Institute in Germany. Celonic operates a state-of-the-art Biologics Development Center (BDC) in Basel, Switzerland, and clinical and commercial GMP manufacturing facilities in Heidelberg, Germany. The Company has advanced capabilities in next-generation bioprocessing, including process intensification and perfusion, supporting customers from cell line and process development and optimization through clinical and commercial manufacturing. Celonic employs more than 550 highly qualified professionals.
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Celonic Group
Elisa Witt
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+41 76 588 67 59
Source: Biotech Newswire