Evotec names Dr. Joanna Holbrook as Chief Scientific Officer
The appointment to Evotec's Management Board takes effect November 1, 2026, bringing in a 25-year industry veteran to oversee scientific strategy.
Evotec SE announced on October 15, 2026 that Dr. Joanna Holbrook will join as Chief Scientific Officer and Member of the Management Board, effective November 1, 20261. In the new role, she is expected to lead Evotec's global scientific strategy and drive differentiation across its discovery and development services, technology platforms and proprietary innovation1.
The company said Dr. Holbrook brings more than 25 years of experience as both a scientist and R&D leader, applying novel technologies and data approaches to drug discovery and advancing programs toward the clinic1. Her background covers multi-modal 'omics, data science, novel therapeutic modalities and precision medicine, along with experience in commercializing technologies and shaping drug discovery partnerships1.
Most recently, Dr. Holbrook served as Therapy Area Head for Cardiovascular, Renal and Hepatic Disease and Head of in vitro Discovery Platforms at Novo Nordisk1. Earlier in her career, she worked at two UK biotech firms, taking the Chief Scientific Officer post at Biomodal and a Vice President of Translational Medicine role at BenevolentAI, according to the filing.
Her academic record includes an appointment as Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Southampton, a senior investigator position at Singapore's A*STAR institute, and an adjunct professorship at the National University of Singapore, per the filing. Earlier still, she began her career at GSK, moving through roles of increasing responsibility in therapy areas and bioinformatics, the filing states. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Cell Biology from University College London and a B.Sc. in Genetics from the University of Newcastle, according to the document.
CEO Christian Wojczewski said Holbrook "has a keen understanding of how data, AI and new technologies are transforming drug discovery and development today" and "combines this forward-looking perspective with deep scientific expertise and a strong focus on generating robust, actionable results."1
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