Howard Bland
About Howard Bland
Howard Bland serves as the Executive Director of External Supply & Partnerships at Kite Pharma, where he leverages his extensive background in process development and supply chain management within the biotechnology sector. His career includes significant roles at Amgen, Kite Pharma, Sandoz, and Lonza, demonstrating his expertise in contract negotiation and supplier management.
Current Role at Kite Pharma
Howard Bland serves as the Executive Director of External Supply & Partnerships at Kite Pharma. He has held this position since 2022, working from Pennsylvania, United States. In this role, he is responsible for managing external suppliers and aligning them with the strategic and tactical objectives of the organization. His expertise in process development and partnerships is critical to the company's operations in the biotechnology sector.
Previous Experience at Kite Pharma
Bland has held multiple roles at Kite Pharma, including Senior Director of Supply Chain from 2019 to 2022 and Director of Sourcing and Procurement from 2017 to 2019. His tenure at Kite involved overseeing sourcing strategies and supplier management, contributing to the company's supply chain efficiency. He also served as Director of Sourcing and Supplier Management for a brief period in 2017.
Career Background in Biotechnology
Bland has a comprehensive background in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to his roles at Kite Pharma, he worked at Amgen as Director of Contract Manufacturing from 2006 to 2013 and as Director of Supply Chain from 2013 to 2015. He also held the position of Director of Supplier Relationship Management at Sandoz from 2015 to 2017, further enhancing his expertise in supply chain management.
Education and Qualifications
Howard Bland earned a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Biotechnology from The University of Glamorgan, studying from 1990 to 1994. He also completed a Diploma in Management Studies at the University of West London between 1998 and 2000. His educational background supports his extensive experience in process development and business management within the biotechnology sector.
Skills and Expertise
Bland possesses strong skills in contract negotiation and business development, particularly in external supply and partnerships. He has demonstrated the ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-pressure situations, showcasing his leadership capabilities. His extensive experience in managing external suppliers aligns with the strategic goals of organizations in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.