Sandra Bakker
About Sandra Bakker
Sandra Bakker serves as the Senior HR Director for Europe at Kite, a Gilead Company, where she has played a significant role in shaping the company culture and leading HR initiatives since 2018. With extensive experience in human resources across various organizations, she has held key positions at CEVA Logistics, Omron Healthcare Europe, and Gilead Sciences.
Work at Kite Pharma
Sandra Bakker currently serves as the Senior HR Director for Europe at Kite Pharma, a Gilead Company, a position she has held since 2018. In this role, she is a member of the European leadership team, contributing to strategic HR initiatives. She has played a significant role in establishing the company culture at Kite's European headquarters and manufacturing site. Additionally, she led the HR build-out for the cell therapy therapeutic area in Europe, focusing on organizational design and onboarding a high volume of new employees.
Previous Experience in HR Management
Prior to her current role at Kite Pharma, Sandra Bakker worked at Gilead Sciences in various HR management positions from 2014 to 2018. She served as Senior HR Manager for the Netherlands, Belgium, and Nordics, and previously as HR Manager for the Benelux and Nordics. Her earlier experience includes working as an HR Business Partner EMEA at Omron Healthcare Europe from 2011 to 2014 and as HR Manager at CEVA Logistics from 2009 to 2011.
Education and Expertise
Sandra Bakker holds a Master of Science degree in Culture, Organization, and Management from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, which she completed from 2004 to 2007. She also pursued a Master in Labor Law at the same university from 2008 to 2009. Earlier, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management, Economics, and Law from Hogeschool INHOLLAND from 2000 to 2004. Her educational background supports her extensive expertise in human resources and organizational management.
Career Development and Progression
Sandra Bakker's career in human resources began at CEVA Logistics, where she worked as an HR Officer from 2007 to 2009. She then progressed to HR Manager roles at CEVA Logistics and Gilead Sciences before taking on senior leadership positions. Her career trajectory reflects a strong focus on HR strategy and organizational development across various sectors in Europe.