NKGen Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq: NKGN) (“NKGen” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous, allogeneic and CAR-NK natural killer (“NK”) cell therapeutics, today announced the appointment of Dr. Marco Gottardis as a director and member of the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, effective July 11, 2024.
Dr. Gottardis is the owner of, and has served as a consultant at, Gottardis Biotech LLC, a biopharmaceuticals and research and development consultancy firm, since February 2023. Dr. Gottardis previously served as Senior VP of Business Development and Scientific Strategy at Replay Bio Holdings, a cell and gene therapy company, from February 2023 to March 2024. Dr. Gottardis also served as Vice President of Oncology Innovation at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceuticals company and wholly owned subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, where he led strategy and implementation of novel research platforms from July 2021 to February 2023. Prior to being named Vice President of Oncology Innovation, Dr. Gottardis served as Vice President of Oncology and Prostate Cancer Disease Area Stronghold Leader at Janssen Pharmaceuticals, where he led the prostate cancer research and development portfolio from September 2012 to July 2021.
Dr. Gottardis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Columbia University and a PhD in Human Oncology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. Gottardis brings to the Board extensive managerial and research and development experience in the biopharmaceuticals industry.
“Dr. Gottardis’ appointment to our Board of Directors marks a pivotal moment for our company,” stated Dr. Paul Y. Song, MD, Chairman and CEO of NKGen. “With his extensive background at the helm of pioneering biopharmaceutical firms and a proven track record in driving scientific strategy and innovation, Dr. Gottardis brings a wealth of expertise that will undoubtedly elevate our board’s capabilities in the area of cell therapy research and development. We are thrilled to welcome him aboard as we continue to advance our NK cell therapy clinical programs in neurodegenerative disease and cancer.”