Our People

Simon Boa is the Managing Director of Famicord’s CDMO business, bringing over 20 years of leadership in the life sciences sector with a particular emphasis on commercialization, strategic market expansion, and innovative business creation. He has a proven track record of delivering above-market growth for global organizations, including Thermo Fisher Scientific, Merck, and Becton Dickinson through a strong focus on client value creation. He has a PhD in epigenetics from the Roslin Institute / Edinburgh University and an MBA from Warwick University specialising in M&A and finance.

Joanna Płaczkowska has been working at Famicord’s Warsaw facility for 15 years and holds the role of Director of Manufacturing; she oversees the production and quality control of all medicinal products and is one of our Qualified Persons (QPs). With a background in clinical chemistry and a postgraduate education, she combines a strong technical expertise with an in-depth knowledge of cGMP requirements in order to effectively manage our operations and maintain our high-quality standards.

Karolina Zagórska has been working at Famicord for 15 years and is our Global Director of Quality. In collaboration with our sites, she is responsible for compliance with ATMP regulations and oversees risk management and change control processes. In addition, she is responsible for non-conformance management and supervision of the technical infrastructure for production. She also has significant experience in managing projects related to the design and construction of GMP facilities in Europe, Arabia and Asia, and in the preparation and submission of the relevant qualification documentation to the regulatory authorities.

Francisco dos Santos is the Director of Production and Development at Famicord’s Cantanhede facility and has a background in Biological Engineering and a PhD in Biotechnology. He has been involved in the Cell and Gene Therapy field for 18 years, with the particular focus on the development and clinical translation of innovative ATMPs for unmet clinical needs, and has built an in-depth knowledge on manufacturing and analytical control of ATMPs.

Irina Neves Simões has been working at Famicord’s Cantanhede facility for 4 years and is Site Manager and Head of Quality Assurance of the Cell Therapy Lab (LTC). With over 10 years of experience in stem cell biology and tissue engineering and a growing knowledge in biobanking and research management as well as Quality Control and Assurance of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). Is highly involved in validation processes, mainly analytical method validation. Her background is in Biology and Biotechnology, with a PhD in Bioengineering and post-graduate work performed in cartilage tissue engineering.

Callum King is the Business Development Manager at Bramble Bio. With over eight years of experience in the CRO/CDMO sector, and more than five of those within the Cell and Gene Therapy field, he brings extensive knowledge and client focus to his role. Callum’s responsibilities include managing client relationships and ensuring seamless support in advancing therapeutic products from concept to clinic.