AGC Biologics, a leading global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Patricio Massera, will be stepping down from his role effective June 30. Massera, who has been with the company since 2012, leaves behind a legacy of substantial growth and strategic initiatives that have significantly elevated AGC Biologics' global footprint.
Patricio Massera began his journey with the company as the General Manager of the Copenhagen site at CMC Biologics A/S. He later transitioned to the role of Chief Operating Officer at CMC Biologics' Seattle headquarters and continued in this position after CMC Biologics was acquired by AGC Inc., forming AGC Biologics. Massera was appointed CEO in 2019 and also served as an Executive Officer of the AGC Life Science Company, the Life Science Division of AGC Inc.
During his tenure as CEO, Massera spearheaded several initiatives that significantly boosted AGC Biologics' global business and brand. Notable among his achievements was navigating the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, acquiring Molecular Medicine S.p.A. (MolMed) in Milan to establish AGC Biologics' Global Cell and Gene business, and expanding the company's footprint in North America by acquiring facilities in Boulder and Longmont, Colorado. These acquisitions enabled the company to establish new large-scale commercial mammalian capacity and cell and gene services.
Massera also played a crucial role in directing the company's investment in single-use technology, ensuring that AGC Biologics could meet the evolving needs of pharmaceutical companies using various platform processes to develop new drug candidates. His leadership has been instrumental in growing the business multiple times over the past decade.
Reflecting on his tenure, Massera stated, “Over the past 12 years, I have had the privilege of experiencing the most vibrant and remarkable professional position of my life. CMC Biologics, and later AGC Biologics, have provided me with countless opportunities. I have met incredible individuals driven by the desire to build a better world, all sharing the common purpose of enabling our partners to cure life-threatening diseases and bring hope to life.” He added, “However, like all great stories, every book has an end. In this case, it is just a chapter that finishes. AGC Biologics has a long and brilliant journey ahead, but it is time for someone else to write the next chapter.”
As the company embarks on the search for a new CEO, AGC Biologics has announced that Tadashi Murano, President of the AGC Life Science Company, will serve as interim CEO. Murano brings several decades of experience in global leadership roles within AGC Inc. across various business entities, ensuring a steady hand during this transitional period.
AGC Biologics continues to be a pivotal player in the biopharmaceutical sector, with a global network that spans the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company's commitment to continuous innovation and solving complex challenges in the biopharmaceutical industry remains steadfast as it moves forward into this new chapter of leadership.
