By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : August 26, 2026 11:25 am
Cimitan has been with Celonic for more than four years, including over three years as CEO
Swiss-based Celonic Group CEO Dr. Samanta Cimitan will leave the company toward the end of 2026 to take up a senior leadership role with a leading global life sciences organisation, the company announced.
Cimitan has been with Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for more than four years, including over three years as CEO.
During her tenure, she led the company through a strategic transformation aimed at strengthening its position as a pure-play biologics contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) and expanding its operational and commercial capabilities.
Under her leadership, Celonic strengthened GMP performance at its Heidelberg site in Germany and secured an extension of its Manufacturing and Import Authorization (MIA) for its mid-scale commercial manufacturing facility.
The company also established its Biologics Development Center (BDC) in Basel, Switzerland, focused on next-generation bioprocessing technologies, including process intensification and advanced perfusion.
Cimitan’s tenure also saw Celonic expand its customer base, secure new development and manufacturing programmes, and deepen long-term partnerships across the biotechnology sector.
The company’s Board of Directors and shareholders expressed appreciation for Cimitan’s leadership and contribution to Celonic’s transformation.
Josef Otto Rettenmaier, Chairman of the Board, said Cimitan had been instrumental in transforming Celonic into a focused, next-generation biologics CDMO while strengthening its commercial position and regulatory, technical and manufacturing capabilities.
The company said its CEO succession process is well advanced, with a successor already identified. The successor will be announced shortly. Cimitan will work with the Chairman and incoming CEO to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations.