About Us

Dr. Leonhartsberger brings with her over 20 years of international experience from within the Life Science industry, with a particular passion for biotech. She has previously held leadership roles across R&D, project management, corporate development and biosolutions.

Susanne has led international teams through business transformations, built a biopharma CDMO from start-up to a global player, and has managed a global Life Science division, delivering sustained double-digit growth.

Susanne holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

In 1985 Thomas created the first core-facility for oligonucleotide synthesis and DNA sequencing in Europe, in the research group of Nobel Laureate Prof. Harald zur Haussen at the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany.

He joined Axolabs Berlin GmbH in 2021 after holding positions at EMBL (Heidelberg, Germany), University of Loyola (Chicago, IL), Innovir (Goettingen, Germany), Noxxon (Berlin, Germany), GE Healthcare (Freiburg, Germany) and Girindus (Cincinnati, OH).

Thomas is a globally recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) and has filed several process-related patents on oligonucleotide manufacturing processes, chairs CMC-workshops at scientific conferences and publishes in renown journals and books chapters. In 1987, he developed a PCR-machine, followed by co-development of a DNA/RNA-synthesizer and a DNA-Sequencer.

Philipp studied Chemistry at the Technical University of Graz, Austria. After earning his doctoral degree, he started his industry career in 2000 at Ribopharma AG and held positions of increasing responsibility at Alnylam Europe AG. After Roche’s acquisition of Alnylam’s European site, Philipp served as Director of Chemistry at Roche’s Centre of Excellence for RNA Therapeutics and was promoted to Senior Director of Chemistry at Axolabs. Philipp has published 40 peer-reviewed articles and is a named inventor on more than 20 patents.

Ingo started his career as Research Associate at the Riedel de Haën AG. He then studied Chemistry and, after completion of his Ph.D. at the University of Oldenburg, worked as Scientist at the Noxxon Pharma AG.

Ingo joined Alnyam Europe AG in 2003 where he served as Head of Analytics and built up the analytical department. He held a position as Associate Director at the Roche Kulmbach GmbH and as Senior Director Analytics and Bioanalytics at the Axolabs Kulmbach GmbH.

Ingo has more than 20 years of experience in the field of RNA drug development and (bio-) analytics. He has published more than 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and is inventor on more than 10 patent applications.

Kathleen leads strategic operations and ensures excellence in oligonucleotide development and GMP manufacturing at the Petaluma, California facility. She brings 20 years of experience in biotechnology and oligonucleotide chemistry. Before joining Axolabs, Kathleen held senior leadership roles at LGC Biosearch Technologies. She most recently served as Senior Director of Technology Development, driving innovation in nucleic acid chemistry and delivering custom oligonucleotide manufacturing workflows for applications in IVD, applied and therapeutics markets.

Kathleen holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and completed postdoctoral work at the Buck Institute, where her research focused on metabolic regulation and early drug discovery. She is passionate about building high-performing teams that deliver transformative solutions for innovators and patients worldwide.

With over 20 years of experience as leader in the international lifesciences and pharmaceutical industry Jörg has held senior roles across finance, controlling, supply chain and general management. He has a strong track record in building and transforming teams and organizations. He holds a Master degree in Business Administration from University of Hamburg

Laurent joined LGC in February 2025 as Vice President, Head of Global Commercial CDMO for Axolabs. Prior to this, he served as Chief Commercial Officer at Euroapi, a Sanofi spin-off. He also held senior commercial leadership positions at several notable organisations, including, Johnson Matthey Health (CDMO division) and Seqens. Laurent began his career as a Sales Manager in the excipients business. Laurent, who holds a master’s degree in both Business Administration and Biochemistry from Paris – Sorbonne University, brings with him a wealth of commercial leadership experience leading global commercial teams within the CDMO space.