Geoff Nichol
About Geoff Nichol
Geoff Nichol is the Head of Pre Partnered Programs at AbCellera, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles in prominent biopharmaceutical companies. He holds an MBA from Warwick Business School and has made significant contributions to the field of immuno-oncology, notably in the development of key cancer therapies.
Current Role at AbCellera
Geoff Nichol serves as the Head of Pre Partnered Programs at AbCellera, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the development of programs prior to formal partnerships. His work is conducted in a hybrid setting in the United States.
Previous Experience in Biopharmaceuticals
Prior to joining AbCellera, Geoff Nichol held several significant positions in the biopharmaceutical industry. He served as Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Sangamo BioSciences from 2011 to 2023. Before that, he was the Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development at BioMarin Pharmaceutical from 2016 to 2023. He also held the position of Senior Vice President of Product Development at Medarex from 2002 to 2010, where he played a key role in the development of important cancer immunotherapy products.
Educational Background
Geoff Nichol studied at the University of Otago, where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BMedSc MB ChB) from 1972 to 1979. He later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Warwick, specifically at Warwick Business School, from 1992 to 1996. His education combines medical training with business acumen.
Achievements in Oncology Development
Geoff Nichol has been instrumental in the foundational development of key immune-oncology monoclonal antibody assets, specifically Yervoy and Opdivo, during his tenure at Medarex. His contributions to the field of cancer immunotherapy were recognized with the Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology in 2018, related to the programs he was involved with at Medarex.
Professional Affiliations and Leadership Roles
Geoff Nichol is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and has held various leadership roles in the biopharmaceutical sector. He served as the past president of the board of Alumni of the University of Otago in America. Additionally, he has been involved as a director at Tempest and Haemalogix, contributing to the governance of innovative biopharmaceutical companies.