Will Junker
About Will Junker
Will Junker serves as the Head of Vector Manufacturing Quality at Kite Pharma, where he applies his expertise in quality engineering and regulatory practices to enhance organizational efficiency. With a background in chemical engineering and extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he has held various leadership roles across multiple companies, focusing on operational excellence and team development.
Current Role at Kite Pharma
Will Junker serves as the Head of Vector Manufacturing Quality at Kite Pharma, a position he has held since 2021. He operates from the company's facility in Oceanside, California. In this role, he focuses on maintaining high standards of quality in vector manufacturing processes. His responsibilities include ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and implementing integrated corporate practices to enhance operational efficiency.
Previous Experience at Kite Pharma
Prior to his current role, Will Junker worked at Kite Pharma as the Senior Director of Quality Engineering from 2017 to 2021. During his tenure in Santa Monica, California, he specialized in quality engineering practices and regulatory compliance, contributing to the organization's overall quality management system.
Education and Expertise
Will Junker studied Chemical Engineering at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, where he achieved a Diploma in Engineering from 1995 to 1999. His educational background supports his expertise in leveraging IT and automation technologies to improve organizational efficiency and compliance within the pharmaceutical industry.
Career History and Key Roles
Will Junker's career spans several notable positions in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. He has held roles at AstraZeneca, MedImmune, IBM Global Services, Aventis, and Baxter BioScience. His experience includes leading global computer validation efforts, managing validation and automation projects, and overseeing IT quality and compliance operations. Notably, he designed and launched the Right First Time initiative, which significantly reduced deviation rates.
Leadership and Mentorship
Will Junker has a strong background in building and leading high-impact global teams. He emphasizes operational excellence and accountability in his leadership approach. Additionally, he is dedicated to mentoring and coaching key contributors within his teams, fostering a culture of integrity and high performance.