Basel, Switzerland 

Celonic Group Appoints Dr. Stefan Schmidt as Chief Executive Officer

Celonic Group, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in biologics development and manufacturing, today announced the appointment of Dr. Stefan Schmidt as Chief Executive Officer, effective 01. January 2027

Dr. Schmidt succeeds Dr. Samanta Cimitan, who has accepted a senior leadership position with a global life sciences company based in Basel and will leave Celonic at the end of 2026. During her more than four years with Celonic, including over three years as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Cimitan led the Company’s transformation into a focused biologics CDMO, strengthening its commercial, operational, regulatory and innovation capabilities while establishing a strong foundation for continued growth.

Dr. Schmidt brings three decades of leadership experience across the biologics and CDMO industries, with a distinguished track record in scientific innovation, business development, and operational excellence.

He serves on Celonic Group’s Advisory Board since 2024, where he has provided strategic guidance on the Company’s priorities and long-term direction. His familiarity with Celonic’s business, culture and growth ambitions will support a seamless leadership transition and ensure continuity in the execution of the Company’s strategy.

Most recently, Dr. Schmidt served as Group Chief Scientific Officer at Atlas Antibodies Group, leading strategic projects, innovation, and the adoption of next-generation antibody technologies across the integrated Atlas Antibodies and evitria organization. Prior to this role, he served as Chief Executive Officer of evitria, positioning the company as a globally recognized provider of CHO-based transient expression services. Earlier senior leadership positions at BioAtrium, a joint venture between Lonza and Sanofi, Rentschler Biopharma and AstraZeneca further demonstrate his extensive experience across the biologics value chain.

Dr. Schmidt holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and an M.S. in Biotechnology from the University of Würzburg. He also earned an MBA specializing in Mergers and Acquisitions from the University of Gävle, Sweden.

Josef Otto Rettenmaier, Chairman of the Board, Celonic Group, commented:

“We are delighted to welcome Stefan as Celonic’s next Chief Executive Officer. His extensive experience across the biologics and CDMO industries, combined with his scientific expertise, commercial acumen and familiarity with Celonic, make him exceptionally well positioned to lead the Company through its next phase of growth and development.”

Dr. Stefan Schmidt, Incoming Chief Executive Officer, commented:

“I am honoured to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Celonic. Through my involvement with the Company, I have developed a deep appreciation for its scientific expertise, technological capabilities and, above all, the dedication of its people.”

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 expertise in biologics development and manufacturing. Founded in 1982 as a spin-off from the Max Planck Institute in Germany, the Company has established itself as a trusted partner for innovative biologics companies worldwide.

Celonic operates a state-of-the-art Biologics Development Center in Basel, Switzerland, and clinical and commercial GMP manufacturing facilities in Heidelberg, Germany. Its advanced capabilities in next-generation bioprocessing, including process intensification and perfusion technologies, support customers from cell line and process development through clinical and commercial manufacturing.

Celonic employs more than 550 highly qualified professionals dedicated to advancing the development and manufacture of life-changing biologic medicines.

Celonic Group Contact Details

Elisa Witt

Marketing and Communications Manager

Elisa.Witt@celonic.com

M: +41 76 588 67 59