Celonic Group, a Swiss-based biologics CDMO and a subsidiary of JRS Group, has appointed Samanta Cimitan Chief Executive Officer.

Samanta succeeds Konstantin Matentzoglu, who will step down after nine years as CEO. Matentzoglu intends to remain a Member of the Celonic Board and will support Samanta during the transition.

With more than 20 years of experience working, teaching, and studying life sciences, Samanta is an expert in the CDMO industry with a unique combination of scientific, commercial, and operational know-how.

Samanta joined Celonic in June 2022 as chief business officer. During this time, she quickly articulated a new strategic direction for the Celonic business, solidified customer relationships, and accelerated innovation.

Prior to Celonic, Samanta was with Lonza for almost 13 years, holding several leadership positions across multiple commercial and strategy roles, including vice president of Lonza group operations strategy, developing and leading transformational programs across R&D, operations, and commercial functions.

Josef Otto Rettenmaier, Chairman of the JRS Group said, “I am excited to welcome Samanta to the role of Chief Executive Officer. She is a respected leader with an impressive track record. Her appointment will further solidify Celonic’s commitment to be a quality, world-class Biologics CDMO bringing life-saving drugs to the market. With her expertise, Samanta will help drive accelerated growth and long-term success for Celonic at this pivotal time.”

Samanta Cimitan said, “It is an honor to be appointed CEO of the Celonic Group. I am energized to leverage the talent, expertise, and passion of the entire Celonic organization to meet and exceed our customer expectations and bring game-changing technologies to the market.”