Thomas Metz
Chief Business Development Officer At 4HF Biotec GmbH
Freiburg
Summary
Experienced executive and healthcare analyst with proven record in business development and international marketing. 25 years of experience in pharmacology and molecular oncology. Professional strongpoints: drug discovery and development, strategic development, precision medicine, preclinical cancer models, oncology, immuno-oncology, biomarker science, business development, R&D collaboration, co-promotion and co-marketing alliances. Experience in partnering and business development activity, strategy review cycle, portfolio management and oversight of all project initiatives, including line of responsibility for the team of project managers and experts.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief Business Development Officer
4HF Biotec GmbH
1 2021 - Current
- 25 years of experience in pharmacology and molecular oncology.
- Drug discovery and development.
- Strategic development
- Precision medicine.
- Preclinical cancer models.
- Oncology.
- Immuno-oncology.
- Biomarker science.
- Business development.
- R&D collaboration, co-promotion and co-marketing alliances.
- Managed complex project portfolios consisting of multiple concurrent initiatives designed to achieve specific milestones within budgetary requirements.
- Optimized organizational structure to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and reduce overhead costs.
- Evaluated emerging industry trends to inform business strategy adjustments proactively.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with suppliers to reduce procurement costs without compromising quality or service levels.
- Delivered compelling presentations at industry conferences that showcased thought leadership while promoting brand awareness among potential clients and partners.
Research Director
Charles River
01.2018 - 11.2023
- Established strategic goals for broad-scale research through acquisition of appropriate funding and program support.
- Conducted risk assessments for research where applicable.
- Edited, reviewed and supported grant applications to provide comprehensive funding for research objectives.
- Analyzed findings and reports from researchers in program and interpreted for supervisory staff.
- Managed budgets for multiple projects, ensuring cost-effective utilization of resources without compromising quality or scope.
- Balanced multiple priorities while adhering to strict deadlines for deliverables with minimal supervision.
- Spearheaded initiatives to improve internal communication within the department, resulting in enhanced collaboration among team members.
- Reviewed staff performance on a regular basis, providing constructive feedback and coaching to ensure continuous improvement in skills and productivity levels.
- Created compelling reports summarizing key findings from various studies that informed decision-making processes at executive levels.
- Presented research findings at national conferences, raising awareness of innovative discoveries and promoting collaboration within the industry.
- Established collaborative partnerships with external organizations to bolster research capabilities and drive innovation.
Head of Business Operations
Charles River
01.2016 - 01.2018
- After take-over by Charles River
- Served as a key liaison between executive leadership and team members, fostering open communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
- Managed cross-functional teams to ensure timely completion of projects and alignment with company objectives.
- Increased overall business efficiency by streamlining operational processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Optimized supply chain operations by identifying inefficiencies, implementing improvements, and reducing lead times on critical deliverables.
- Led efforts to identify potential risks within business operations, developing contingency plans to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity.
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other external stakeholders to optimize collaboration efforts and achieve mutual benefits.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities for growth within the industry.
- Ensured regulatory compliance across all aspects of the business operations by staying up-to-date with relevant legal requirements and industry standards.
- Negotiated high-stakes contracts with key partners, securing favorable terms for the organization''s long-term success.
- Worked in tandem with peers to better understand business process and initiate improvements, helping company achieve goals.
- Developed robust relationships with income-producing clients.
- Listened to staff and customer issues and conflicts to deliver solutions, propel customer experiences.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Director of Drug Discovery, Head of Department of Project Management
Oncotest GmbH
05.2002 - 01.2016
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Assisted with sales and marketing strategies to foster achievement of revenue goals.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
- Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Monitored expenditures to mitigate risk of overages.
- Evaluated scripts to identify creative strategies and resource needs.
Laboratory Head
Boehringer Ingelheim International Vienna
01.1994 - 01.2002
- Oncology Programme
- Evaluated emerging technologies to determine potential benefits for the lab''s operations and research projects.
- Ensured accurate data collection and analysis through strict quality control measures.
- Coordinated laboratory work with outside departments and facilities to keep specimens and results moving forward.
- Kept laboratory in line with facility and regulatory compliance requirements.
- Presented findings at industry conferences, elevating the lab''s reputation as a leader in its field of expertise.
- Secured funding through grant applications, ensuring adequate resources for ongoing research projects.
- Planned or directed research, development, or production activities.
- Investigated, compiled and modeled information for detailed project proposals.
- Conferred with scientists, engineers and regulators to plan or review projects or offer technical assistance.
Postdoctoral Fellow
The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
01.1992 - 01.1994
- Tutor at International House
Education
Diploma - Biophysical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology
01.1985 - 05.1986
Grade: 5.6/6.0
Ph.D. - Cooperation of retrovirus-encoded nuclear oncogenes in the induction of avian erythroleukemia
01.1986 - 05.1991
Grade: summa cum laude
Midterm Exam - Biology, Chemistry and Physics
01.1981 - 05.1983
Abitur - Latin, English, Mathematics, Biology
01.1980 - 05.1981
Grade: 1.1
Skills
25 years of experience in pharmacology and molecular oncology
Drug discovery and development
Strategic development
Precision medicine
Preclinical cancer models
0ncology
Immune-oncology
Biomarker science
Business development
R&D collaboration
Co-promotion and co-marketing alliances
Customer Engagement
Brand strategy
Sales management
Pricing strategy
Additional Information
From 1994 until 2001 I worked as a laboratory head and project coordinator in drug discovery and drug development at the Oncology Department of Boehringer Ingelheim. In 2002 I joined Oncotest as Director of Drug Discovery and Head of Project Management. Following the take-over by Charles River in November 2015, I also had the opportunity to participate in integrated projects. Since my appointment at 4HF Biotec GmbH in 2021, I am involved in the planning and coordination of 4HF’s drug discovery program.
Positions
- 01/01/21, 12/31/24, Chief Business Development Officer, 4HF Biotec GmbH,
- 01/01/18, 12/31/23, Research Director, Charles River,
- 01/01/16, 12/31/18, Head of Business Operations, Charles River,
- 01/01/02, 12/31/16, Director of Drug Discovery, Head of Department of Project Management, Oncotest GmbH,
- 01/01/94, 12/31/02, Laboratory Head, Boehringer Ingelheim International Vienna,
- 01/01/92, 12/31/94, Postdoctoral Fellow, Tutor, The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, International House,
Scientificbackground
My main scientific interest has been molecular oncology, in particular the contribution of individual molecular changes (activation of oncogenes, loss of tumor suppressors) to oncogenic transformation and the establishment of a transformed cellular phenotype. I pursued this interest at renowned academic institutions as a PhD student and as a postdoctoral fellow. This is documented by publications in leading scientific journals. An extension of that interest was an attempt to pharmacologically reverse those oncogenic changes, a path that led me to join the pharmaceutical industry. My main expertise is in preclinical cancer models and their predictive value for the clinic.
Patents
- Himmelsbach-F, Dahmann-G, von Rueden-T, Metz, T. (ATD 20.3.95): Imidazo (4,5-g) Chinazoline, diese Verbindungen enthaltende Arzneimittel, deren Verwendung und Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung. International publication number: WO 96/29 331
- Himmelsbach-F, von Rueden T., Dahmann-G, Metz, T.: Preparation of 4-(phenylamino) pyrimido [5,4d] pyrimidines as epidermal growth factor receptor antagonists. WO 9607657
- Himmelsbach-F, Dahmann-G, von Rueden T., Metz, T.: Imidazo [4,5-g] quinazolines, pharmaceuticals containing them, their use as antitumor agents, and process for their preparation. DE 19510019
- Himmelsbach-F, Dahmann-G, von Rueden T., Metz, T.: Preparation of 4-aminoimidazo [5,4-g] quinazolines as inhibitors of tyrosine kinase-mediated signal transduction. WO 9629331
- Himmelsbach-F, Dahmann-G, von Rueden T., Metz, T.: Preparation of pyrimido [5,4-d] pyrimidines as tyrosine kinase signal transduction inhibitors. WO 9732880
- Himmelsbach-F, Dahmann-G, von Rueden T., Metz, T.: Preparation of 4-aminopyrimidine derivatives as antitumor agents. WO 9732881
- Himmelsbach-F, Dahmann-G, von Rueden T., Metz, T.: Preparation of pyrimido [5,4-d] pyrimidines as tyrosine kinase signal transduction inhibitors. WO 9732882
- Czernilofsky A. P., von Rueden T., Himmler A., Loeber G., Metz, T., Schnitzer R., Spevak W., Stratowa C., Tontsch U., Weyer-Czernilofsky U., Wiche-Castanon M. J.: High-throughput screening of pharmacologically active substances. WO 980071
Personal Information
- Place of Birth: Mainz, Germany
- Citizenship: German
- Number of Children: 1
- Date of Birth: 11/14/60
- Marital Status: Married
Awards
- 1981-1986, Scholarship, Studienstiftung des Deutschen Volkes
- 1986-1991, EMBL Predoctoral Fellowship
- 1992-1994, EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship, Boehringer-Ingelheim-Fonds Postdoctoral Fellowship
- 1992, Else und Rudolf Kern Preis
- 1993, Walther und Christine Richtzenhain-Preis
- 1997, Prize of Excellence by Boehringer Ingelheim R&D Vienna
Publications
- Frykberg L., Metz T., Brady G., Introna M., Beug H., Vennström B. and Graf T. (1988): "A Point Mutation in the DNA Binding Domain of the v-myb Oncogene of E26 Virus Confers Temperature Sensitivity for Transformation of Myelomonocytic Cells", Oncogene Research 3, 313-322.
- Metz T., Graf T. and Leutz A.(1991): "Activation of cMGF expression is a critical step in avian myeloid leukemogenesis", EMBO J. 10, 837-844.
- Metz T. and Graf T.(1991): "v-myb and v-ets transform chicken erythroid cells and cooperate both in trans and in cis to induce distinct differentiation phenotypes", Genes & Dev. 5, 369-380. Metz, T. and Graf, T.(1991): "Fusion of v-Myb and v-Ets is required for the leukemogenicity of E26 virus", Cell 66, 95-105.
- Metz T. and Graf T. (1992): "Cooperativity of v-erbA and v-ets in the induction of erythroblastosis in the chicken", Oncogene 7, 597-607.
- Frampton J., Gibson T., Lim F., McNagny K., Metz T., Ness S. and Graf T. (1992): "Mechanisms for the transformation of myeloid and erythroid cells by the nuclear oncogene v-myb", Leukemia 6, 126S-129S.
- Metz, T. (1994): "Oncogenes and erythroid differentiation", Seminars in Cancer Biology 5, 125-135.
- Cory S., Strasser A., Jacks T., Corcoran L.M., Metz T., Harris A.W., Adams J.M. (1994) Enhanced cell survival and tumorigenesis. Cold Spring Harbour Symposia on Quantitative Biology, Vol. LIX, 365-375.
- Metz T., Harris A. W. and Adams J. M. (1995): "Absence of p53 allows direct immortalization of hematopoietic cells by the raf and myc oncogenes", Cell 85, 29-36.
- Beug H., Metz T., Mullner E. W., Hayman M. J. (1996): "Self renewal and differentiation in primary avian hematopoietic cells: and alternative to mammalian in vitro models?", Curr. Top. Microbiol. Immunol. 211, 29-39.
- Stratowa C., Baum A., Castanon M. J., Dahmann G., Himmelsbach F., Himmler A., Loeber G., Metz T., Schnitzer R., Solca F., Spevak W., Tontsch U., von Rüden T. (1999): A comparative cell-based high throughput screening strategy for the discovery of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors with anticancer activity. Anti-Cancer Drug Design 14, 393-402.
Timeline
Research Director - Charles River
01.2018 - 11.2023
Head of Business Operations - Charles River
01.2016 - 01.2018
Director of Drug Discovery, Head of Department of Project Management - Oncotest GmbH
05.2002 - 01.2016
Laboratory Head - Boehringer Ingelheim International Vienna
01.1994 - 01.2002
Postdoctoral Fellow - The Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
01.1992 - 01.1994
European Molecular Biology Laboratory - Ph.D., Cooperation of retrovirus-encoded nuclear oncogenes in the induction of avian erythroleukemia
01.1986 - 05.1991
University of Basel - Diploma, Biophysical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology
01.1985 - 05.1986
University of Mainz - Midterm Exam, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
01.1981 - 05.1983
- Abitur, Latin, English, Mathematics, Biology
01.1980 - 05.1981
Chief Business Development Officer - 4HF Biotec GmbH
1 2021 - Current