Brendan La Haye
About Brendan La Haye
Brendan La Haye is a Process Engineer II at Kite Pharma, specializing in gene cell therapy. He has a strong background in food science and technology, with extensive experience at Fonterra in various roles related to process engineering and production management.
Current Role at Kite Pharma
Brendan La Haye serves as a Process Engineer II at Kite Pharma, a position he has held since 2021. He works in Hoofddorp, North Holland, Netherlands, where he leads operational excellence improvement projects within a cGMP environment. His focus is on Gene Cell Therapy CART, which involves overseeing processes that are critical to the development and production of cell therapies. In addition to his engineering responsibilities, he is also responsible for training newly recruited Cell Therapy Specialists, ensuring they are prepared for their roles in the organization.
Previous Experience at Fonterra
Prior to his current role, Brendan La Haye accumulated extensive experience at Fonterra, where he held various positions from 2014 to 2021. He worked as a Process Technologist in Heerenveen, Friesland, Netherlands, and as a Production Line Lead in Te Rapa. His roles included managing manufacturing deviations and overseeing the production processes for cream cheese and butter. He also served as a Powders Technologist and a Technical Graduate, gaining a comprehensive understanding of food science and technology in a practical setting.
Education and Expertise
Brendan La Haye has a strong educational background in engineering and food science. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Auckland, completing his studies from 2012 to 2014. He furthered his education at Massey University, where he obtained a Master's degree in Dairy Science and Technology in 2015. This combination of engineering and food science education has equipped him with the necessary skills to excel in process engineering within the food and biotechnology industries.
Research Experience
Brendan La Haye gained research experience as a Summer Research Student at The University of Auckland from 2013 to 2014. This role allowed him to apply his academic knowledge in a practical research setting, contributing to his understanding of scientific principles and methodologies. This experience complements his engineering and technology background, enhancing his capabilities in process engineering and operational excellence.
Professional Development
Throughout his career, Brendan La Haye has engaged in various roles that emphasize professional development and skill enhancement. His experience in managing manufacturing deviations and leading process improvement projects demonstrates his commitment to operational excellence. His role in training Cell Therapy Specialists at Kite Pharma further illustrates his dedication to fostering talent and ensuring high standards within the organization.