Management Team
of 120+ years in biotech and pharmaceuticals
Lida Pacaud, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, IGI
Lida Pacaud, M.D. is an accomplished physician and expert in oncology drug development. She has served as medical lead for clinical development strategies and execution of phase one to phase three programs. Lida has successfully delivered clearance of several Investigational New Drug applications for first-in-human CAR-T cell programs and has extensive experience with health authority interactions for marketing authorization submissions and approvals.
Prior to joining Ichnos, Lida served as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Legend Biotech where she led the Janssen J&J partnership for global development of CARVYKTI (BCMA CAR-T) and established the company’s clinical capabilities for early portfolio pipelines (except China territory).
She also previously worked on development of KYMRIAH (CD19 CAR-T) and AFINITOR (mTOR kinase inhibitor) at Novartis and AVASTIN (VEGF inhibitor mAb) at Hoffman la Roche.
Lida received her medical degree and a certification in pediatrics from Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia and served as a clinical research physician and investigator at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris.
Lida Pacaud, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, IGI
Lida Pacaud, M.D. is an accomplished physician and expert in oncology drug development. She has served as medical lead for clinical development strategies and execution of phase one to phase three programs. Lida has successfully delivered clearance of several Investigational New Drug applications for first-in-human CAR-T cell programs and has extensive experience with health authority interactions for marketing authorization submissions and approvals.
Prior to joining Ichnos, Lida served as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Legend Biotech where she led the Janssen J&J partnership for global development of CARVYKTI (BCMA CAR-T) and established the company’s clinical capabilities for early portfolio pipelines (except China territory).
She also previously worked on development of KYMRIAH (CD19 CAR-T) and AFINITOR (mTOR kinase inhibitor) at Novartis and AVASTIN (VEGF inhibitor mAb) at Hoffman la Roche.
Lida received her medical degree and a certification in pediatrics from Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia and served as a clinical research physician and investigator at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris.
Lida Pacaud, M.D.
Chief Executive Officer, IGI
Lida Pacaud, M.D. is an accomplished physician and expert in oncology drug development. She has served as medical lead for clinical development strategies and execution of phase one to phase three programs. Lida has successfully delivered clearance of several Investigational New Drug applications for first-in-human CAR-T cell programs and has extensive experience with health authority interactions for marketing authorization submissions and approvals.
Prior to joining Ichnos, Lida served as Vice President, Head of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs at Legend Biotech where she led the Janssen J&J partnership for global development of CARVYKTI (BCMA CAR-T) and established the company’s clinical capabilities for early portfolio pipelines (except China territory).
She also previously worked on development of KYMRIAH (CD19 CAR-T) and AFINITOR (mTOR kinase inhibitor) at Novartis and AVASTIN (VEGF inhibitor mAb) at Hoffman la Roche.
Lida received her medical degree and a certification in pediatrics from Tbilisi State Medical University in Georgia and served as a clinical research physician and investigator at Robert-Debré Hospital in Paris.
Mario Perro, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Mario Perro Ph.D. helms Biologics Research for Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. A biomedical scientist, he specializes in basic and translational cancer biology, cancer immunology, and immunology.
Mario joined Ichnos Sciences in 2021; heading the Oncology Department based out of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has played a key role in the development of next-generation immunotherapies based on the BEAT® platform. With over eleven years of expertise and a strong focus on understanding the activation, regulation, and genetic engineering of human and murine lymphocytes, Mario has made significant contributions utilizing molecular biology, preclinical models, and advanced imaging tools.
Formerly, Mario was Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy, Pharmacology Department at Roche Pharma. There, he was responsible for designing studies, managing experiments, analyzing results, and publishing preclinical exploratory investigations. His work contributed to defining the efficacy and mode of action of antibody-based cancer immunotherapies at both preclinical and clinical stages.
Mario has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard Medical School, Immune Disease Institute in 2015, and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology, virology, oncology from University College London. He has been a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Medical College and a Research Assistant at the University of Turin.
Mario Perro, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Mario Perro Ph.D. helms Biologics Research for Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. A biomedical scientist, he specializes in basic and translational cancer biology, cancer immunology, and immunology.
Mario joined Ichnos Sciences in 2021; heading the Oncology Department based out of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has played a key role in the development of next-generation immunotherapies based on the BEAT® platform. With over eleven years of expertise and a strong focus on understanding the activation, regulation, and genetic engineering of human and murine lymphocytes, Mario has made significant contributions utilizing molecular biology, preclinical models, and advanced imaging tools.
Formerly, Mario was Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy, Pharmacology Department at Roche Pharma. There, he was responsible for designing studies, managing experiments, analyzing results, and publishing preclinical exploratory investigations. His work contributed to defining the efficacy and mode of action of antibody-based cancer immunotherapies at both preclinical and clinical stages.
Mario has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard Medical School, Immune Disease Institute in 2015, and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology, virology, oncology from University College London. He has been a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Medical College and a Research Assistant at the University of Turin.
Mario Perro, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer
Mario Perro Ph.D. helms Biologics Research for Ichnos Glenmark Innovation. A biomedical scientist, he specializes in basic and translational cancer biology, cancer immunology, and immunology.
Mario joined Ichnos Sciences in 2021; heading the Oncology Department based out of Lausanne, Switzerland. He has played a key role in the development of next-generation immunotherapies based on the BEAT® platform. With over eleven years of expertise and a strong focus on understanding the activation, regulation, and genetic engineering of human and murine lymphocytes, Mario has made significant contributions utilizing molecular biology, preclinical models, and advanced imaging tools.
Formerly, Mario was Principal Scientist, Cancer Immunotherapy, Pharmacology Department at Roche Pharma. There, he was responsible for designing studies, managing experiments, analyzing results, and publishing preclinical exploratory investigations. His work contributed to defining the efficacy and mode of action of antibody-based cancer immunotherapies at both preclinical and clinical stages.
Mario has a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from Harvard Medical School, Immune Disease Institute in 2015, and holds a Ph.D. in Immunology, virology, oncology from University College London. He has been a Visiting Researcher at Harvard Medical College and a Research Assistant at the University of Turin.
Dean Thomas
General Counsel, IGI
Dean Thomas is an accomplished life sciences lawyer with an international career that spans both private practice and industry. With a diverse range of experience across various geographies and technical domains, Dean brings a unique blend of critical reasoning and creative problem-solving to the table. He excels in people management, leading diverse and dispersed teams with a personable and approachable management style.
Dean’s extensive career includes roles at prominent healthcare organizations such as Pfizer, Amgen, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Ichnos Sciences, as well as law firms in the UK, USA, Germany, and France. He has successfully led legal and intellectual property teams to address complex issues affecting life sciences companies, particularly in multi-jurisdiction litigation and resolving intricate legal disputes. Dean has also played a pivotal role in orchestrating multiple product launches across the globe.
Dean Thomas
General Counsel, IGI
Dean Thomas is an accomplished life sciences lawyer with an international career that spans both private practice and industry. With a diverse range of experience across various geographies and technical domains, Dean brings a unique blend of critical reasoning and creative problem-solving to the table. He excels in people management, leading diverse and dispersed teams with a personable and approachable management style.
Dean’s extensive career includes roles at prominent healthcare organizations such as Pfizer, Amgen, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Ichnos Sciences, as well as law firms in the UK, USA, Germany, and France. He has successfully led legal and intellectual property teams to address complex issues affecting life sciences companies, particularly in multi-jurisdiction litigation and resolving intricate legal disputes. Dean has also played a pivotal role in orchestrating multiple product launches across the globe.
Dean Thomas
General Counsel, IGI
Dean Thomas is an accomplished life sciences lawyer with an international career that spans both private practice and industry. With a diverse range of experience across various geographies and technical domains, Dean brings a unique blend of critical reasoning and creative problem-solving to the table. He excels in people management, leading diverse and dispersed teams with a personable and approachable management style.
Dean’s extensive career includes roles at prominent healthcare organizations such as Pfizer, Amgen, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and Ichnos Sciences, as well as law firms in the UK, USA, Germany, and France. He has successfully led legal and intellectual property teams to address complex issues affecting life sciences companies, particularly in multi-jurisdiction litigation and resolving intricate legal disputes. Dean has also played a pivotal role in orchestrating multiple product launches across the globe.
Sebastien Chenuet, Ph.D.
Sébastien C. is a distinguished professional heading the Business Development and Licensing at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Switzerland, as the Vice President since 2022. With a career spanning several prominent organizations, he has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of business development.
Prior to his current role at IGI, Sebastien held the position of Director of Business Development at Roche, a globally renowned pharmaceutical company. His responsibilities included spearheading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and enhance collaborations within the industry.
Sébastien’s career journey also includes significant contributions to Debiopharm International SA, where he demonstrated his commitment to excellence at various levels within the organization. His versatile background extends to notable roles at Cellectis, evitria SA, and a two-year stint with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Switzerland, in 2007.
Sébastien C. holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Biotechnology from Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he earned an Engineering Degree in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from ENSAIA, further solidifying his foundation in the biotechnology domain.
Sébastien C. is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business development and licensing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His extensive experience, coupled with a strong educational foundation, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming for strategic growth and industry leadership. Sébastien’s current role as Vice President at Ichnos Sciences underscores his continued commitment to driving excellence and making impactful contributions to the field.
Sebastien Chenuet, Ph.D.
Sébastien C. is a distinguished professional heading the Business Development and Licensing at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Switzerland, as the Vice President since 2022. With a career spanning several prominent organizations, he has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of business development.
Prior to his current role at IGI, Sebastien held the position of Director of Business Development at Roche, a globally renowned pharmaceutical company. His responsibilities included spearheading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and enhance collaborations within the industry.
Sébastien’s career journey also includes significant contributions to Debiopharm International SA, where he demonstrated his commitment to excellence at various levels within the organization. His versatile background extends to notable roles at Cellectis, evitria SA, and a two-year stint with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Switzerland, in 2007.
Sébastien C. holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Biotechnology from Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he earned an Engineering Degree in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from ENSAIA, further solidifying his foundation in the biotechnology domain.
Sébastien C. is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business development and licensing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His extensive experience, coupled with a strong educational foundation, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming for strategic growth and industry leadership. Sébastien’s current role as Vice President at Ichnos Sciences underscores his continued commitment to driving excellence and making impactful contributions to the field.
Sebastien Chenuet, Ph.D.
Sébastien C. is a distinguished professional heading the Business Development and Licensing at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation, Switzerland, as the Vice President since 2022. With a career spanning several prominent organizations, he has amassed a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of business development.
Prior to his current role at IGI, Sebastien held the position of Director of Business Development at Roche, a globally renowned pharmaceutical company. His responsibilities included spearheading strategic initiatives to drive business growth and enhance collaborations within the industry.
Sébastien’s career journey also includes significant contributions to Debiopharm International SA, where he demonstrated his commitment to excellence at various levels within the organization. His versatile background extends to notable roles at Cellectis, evitria SA, and a two-year stint with Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited, Switzerland, in 2007.
Sébastien C. holds a Ph.D. in Bioengineering and Biotechnology from Ecole polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, he earned an Engineering Degree in Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology from ENSAIA, further solidifying his foundation in the biotechnology domain.
Sébastien C. is a seasoned professional with a robust background in business development and licensing within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. His extensive experience, coupled with a strong educational foundation, positions him as a valuable asset to any organization aiming for strategic growth and industry leadership. Sébastien’s current role as Vice President at Ichnos Sciences underscores his continued commitment to driving excellence and making impactful contributions to the field.
Matthew Hanna, SPHR
Matthew Hanna heads the Global Human Resources function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI). His experience in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry brings a solid perspective of the evolving Development landscape. He will lead the Global Human Resources organization supporting Human Capital Development to enable Company Program initiatives at all IGI sites.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Quinnipiac University. His 20+ years of diverse experience in Human Resources span many facets, including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Talent Management and Organizational design. He has been instrumental in building organizations in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, primarily in the field of Oncology, ranging from early discovery, clinical development, through commercialization. Prior to joining IGI, Matthew held roles of increasing responsibility at Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharma, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Genmab, and Fortvita/Innovent Pharmaceuticals.
Matthew Hanna, SPHR
Matthew Hanna heads the Global Human Resources function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI). His experience in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry brings a solid perspective of the evolving Development landscape. He will lead the Global Human Resources organization supporting Human Capital Development to enable Company Program initiatives at all IGI sites.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Quinnipiac University. His 20+ years of diverse experience in Human Resources span many facets, including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Talent Management and Organizational design. He has been instrumental in building organizations in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, primarily in the field of Oncology, ranging from early discovery, clinical development, through commercialization. Prior to joining IGI, Matthew held roles of increasing responsibility at Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharma, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Genmab, and Fortvita/Innovent Pharmaceuticals.
Matthew Hanna, SPHR
Matthew Hanna heads the Global Human Resources function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI). His experience in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech Industry brings a solid perspective of the evolving Development landscape. He will lead the Global Human Resources organization supporting Human Capital Development to enable Company Program initiatives at all IGI sites.
Matthew holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with a minor in Chemistry from Quinnipiac University. His 20+ years of diverse experience in Human Resources span many facets, including Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Talent Management and Organizational design. He has been instrumental in building organizations in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, primarily in the field of Oncology, ranging from early discovery, clinical development, through commercialization. Prior to joining IGI, Matthew held roles of increasing responsibility at Eisai Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Pharma, Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Genmab, and Fortvita/Innovent Pharmaceuticals.
Roberto Giovannini, Ph.D.
Chief Process and Manufacturing Officer, IGI
Dr. Giovannini is responsible for leading the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) development at IGI. With over twenty years of experience in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors, he has focused on process development and GMP manufacturing, overseeing all aspects of process innovation, scale-up, and production of clinical supplies.
Previously, he held various roles at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim, where he was involved in the CMC development for early- to late-stage programs. Earlier in his career, he worked as a scientist at Bayer HealthCare, in process development for new therapeutics. Dr. Giovannini holds a Ph.D. in protein purification from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Geneva.
Roberto Giovannini, Ph.D.
Chief Process and Manufacturing Officer, IGI
Dr. Giovannini is responsible for leading the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) development at IGI. With over twenty years of experience in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors, he has focused on process development and GMP manufacturing, overseeing all aspects of process innovation, scale-up, and production of clinical supplies.
Previously, he held various roles at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim, where he was involved in the CMC development for early- to late-stage programs. Earlier in his career, he worked as a scientist at Bayer HealthCare, in process development for new therapeutics. Dr. Giovannini holds a Ph.D. in protein purification from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Geneva.
Roberto Giovannini, Ph.D.
Chief Process and Manufacturing Officer, IGI
Dr. Giovannini is responsible for leading the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Control (CMC) development at IGI. With over twenty years of experience in the pharmaceutical and academic sectors, he has focused on process development and GMP manufacturing, overseeing all aspects of process innovation, scale-up, and production of clinical supplies.
Previously, he held various roles at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim, where he was involved in the CMC development for early- to late-stage programs. Earlier in his career, he worked as a scientist at Bayer HealthCare, in process development for new therapeutics. Dr. Giovannini holds a Ph.D. in protein purification from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of Geneva.
Ruchita Gandhi
Ruchita Gandhi leads the Finance function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), where she oversees all financial operations, the procurement function, and the Information Technology function. With over 23 years of experience in the life sciences sector, her expertise spans strategic financial planning, operational finance, investor relations, and cross-functional leadership across both private and public company environments.
Ruchita holds an extensive background in senior financial leadership. Prior to joining IGI, she served as Senior Vice President at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (GPL), where she spent over a decade in progressive leadership roles. She has also held the position of Group CFO at KELIX Bio. Her track record of financial stewardship and ability to partner effectively with executive teams underscores her long-standing commitment to driving organizational excellence.
In her current role, Ruchita continues to serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Her appointment reflects IGI’s dedication to empowering value-driven leaders who embody the organization’s mission and culture.
Ruchita Gandhi
Ruchita Gandhi leads the Finance function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), where she oversees all financial operations, the procurement function, and the Information Technology function. With over 23 years of experience in the life sciences sector, her expertise spans strategic financial planning, operational finance, investor relations, and cross-functional leadership across both private and public company environments.
Ruchita holds an extensive background in senior financial leadership. Prior to joining IGI, she served as Senior Vice President at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (GPL), where she spent over a decade in progressive leadership roles. She has also held the position of Group CFO at KELIX Bio. Her track record of financial stewardship and ability to partner effectively with executive teams underscores her long-standing commitment to driving organizational excellence.
In her current role, Ruchita continues to serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Her appointment reflects IGI’s dedication to empowering value-driven leaders who embody the organization’s mission and culture.
Ruchita Gandhi
Ruchita Gandhi leads the Finance function at Ichnos Glenmark Innovation (IGI), where she oversees all financial operations, the procurement function, and the Information Technology function. With over 23 years of experience in the life sciences sector, her expertise spans strategic financial planning, operational finance, investor relations, and cross-functional leadership across both private and public company environments.
Ruchita holds an extensive background in senior financial leadership. Prior to joining IGI, she served as Senior Vice President at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (GPL), where she spent over a decade in progressive leadership roles. She has also held the position of Group CFO at KELIX Bio. Her track record of financial stewardship and ability to partner effectively with executive teams underscores her long-standing commitment to driving organizational excellence.
In her current role, Ruchita continues to serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Her appointment reflects IGI’s dedication to empowering value-driven leaders who embody the organization’s mission and culture.