Gonzalo Alva
About Gonzalo Alva
Gonzalo Alva serves as the Director of Process Development at Kite Pharma, bringing over 13 years of bench-based experience in the biotech-pharma industry. He has a strong background in laboratory regulations, project planning, and formulation development, having previously worked at Amgen Inc. and Glaxo Smith Kline.
Work at Kite Pharma
Gonzalo Alva serves as the Director of Process Development at Kite Pharma, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the development of processes that support the company's innovative therapies. His work is based in Santa Monica, California, where he applies his extensive experience in the biotech-pharma industry to drive project success and operational efficiency.
Education and Expertise
Gonzalo Alva holds an MBA from Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, which he completed between 2003 and 2007. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from East Carolina University from 1989 to 1992. His educational background supports his expertise in formulation development and physicochemical studies, including salt and form selection.
Background in Biotech and Pharma
Before joining Kite Pharma, Gonzalo Alva worked at Amgen Inc. for 21 years as a Senior Lab Manager from 2001 to 2022. He also spent eight years at Glaxo Smith Kline as a Scientist from 1993 to 2001. His extensive background includes over 13 years of bench-based experience, providing him with a strong foundation in laboratory regulations, safety, and compliance.
Achievements in Employee Retention
Gonzalo Alva has demonstrated success in employee retention and morale throughout his career. His leadership skills have been recognized for initiating the start-up of new group functions and fostering a positive work environment. He is respected for his ability to work collaboratively with multiple clients and development sites.
Skills in Project Planning and Compliance
Gonzalo Alva possesses proven project planning experience, particularly with multi-site initiatives involving LRM and CROs. He has strong knowledge of compliance, including cGMPs and GLPs, and is skilled in Lean Lab methodologies and 5S practices. His expertise extends to negotiating, budgeting, and achieving operational excellence.