Dr Simon Johannes Bulling has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of ProBioGen AG, the Berlin-based contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).

The appointment effective April 15, 2026 strengthens the company's operational leadership to support expansion across biologics and advanced therapies.

In his new role, Bulling will lead ProBioGen’s operational business and oversee manufacturing across its growing portfolio, including recombinant proteins, viral vectors, and cell and gene therapies. His appointment comes at a time when the company is scaling capabilities to support clinical and commercial manufacturing globally.

Bulling brings extensive experience across the biopharma and CDMO landscape, with leadership roles spanning both drug substance and drug product operations. Prior to joining ProBioGen, he served as Site Head at Celonic and was a member of its Executive Committee. His earlier roles include senior leadership positions at Recipharm, Rentschler Biopharma, Vetter Pharma, and Sandoz, where he led operations, manufacturing strategy, and organizational development in highly regulated environments.

Most recently, Bulling worked as an advisor to biopharma companies on manufacturing strategy, operational scale-up, and organizational design within good manufacturing practice (GMP) frameworks. He holds a PhD from the Medical University of Vienna.

Commenting on his appointment, Bulling said he aims to build on ProBioGen’s scientific and technological strengths by enhancing operational excellence, scalability, and customer focus across its portfolio.

CEO Dr. Alfred Merz highlighted Bulling’s experience in scaling complex manufacturing organizations, noting that his expertise aligns with the company’s next phase of growth, spanning both clinical and commercial production.

The appointment comes as ProBioGen expands its manufacturing footprint, including investments in protein and viral vector production and plans to establish a GMP cell therapy manufacturing facility at the Berlin Center for Gene and Cell Therapy. These developments are aimed at strengthening end-to-end capabilities—from early-stage development to commercial supply—positioning the company as a key partner in the global biopharmaceutical ecosystem.