Satej Bhandarkar
About Satej Bhandarkar
Satej Bhandarkar serves as the Vice President of Development Strategic Operations at Kite Pharma, having held various roles in the pharmaceutical industry, including positions at Sanofi-Aventis and Shire Pharmaceuticals. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Pune, a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and an Executive MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management.
Current Role at Kite Pharma
Satej Bhandarkar serves as the Vice President of Development Strategic Operations at Kite Pharma. He has held this position since 2021, contributing to the company's strategic initiatives and operational efficiency in the development of innovative therapies.
Previous Experience in Pharmaceutical Industry
Before joining Kite Pharma, Bhandarkar held several significant roles in the pharmaceutical industry. He worked as Senior Vice-President of Program Management, Strategy, and Corporate Development at Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc. from 2017 to 2021. Prior to that, he served as Senior Director of Corporate Due Diligence at Shire Pharmaceuticals from 2015 to 2017. His experience spans various aspects of pharmaceutical development and corporate strategy.
Educational Background in Pharmacy and Management
Bhandarkar earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm.) from the University of Pune. He furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Additionally, he completed an Executive MBA at MIT Sloan School of Management from 2012 to 2014, enhancing his management skills within the pharmaceutical sector.
Early Career and Research Experience
Satej Bhandarkar began his career as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Utah from 1998 to 2000. He then worked as Scientist II at Emisphere Technologies from 2000 to 2002, where he focused on research and development in pharmaceutical sciences. His early career laid the foundation for his expertise in drug development and strategic operations.
Tenure at Sanofi-Aventis
Bhandarkar worked at sanofi-aventis as a Senior Manager from 2002 to 2009. During his seven-year tenure, he contributed to various projects and initiatives, gaining valuable experience in the pharmaceutical industry that would inform his later roles.