Genmab Appoints Dr. Katja Nielsen as General Manager for Germany, Strengthening European Commercial Expansion
Genmab A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: GMAB), a global biotechnology leader in antibody-based medicines for cancer and other serious diseases, today announced the appointment of Dr. Katja Nielsen as General Manager for its German operations. This key leadership addition marks a significant step forward in Genmab’s strategic efforts to expand its commercial footprint across Europe and deliver innovative antibody-based therapies to a broader patient population.
Dr. Nielsen officially joins the company on August 1, 2025, and will oversee Genmab’s operations in Germany—Europe’s largest pharmaceutical market and a pivotal launchpad for biotech growth in the region. Her appointment reflects Genmab’s commitment to scaling its European presence and preparing for the next wave of commercial launches across its pipeline of proprietary and partnered oncology products.
Strengthening Commercialization in a Core European Market
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Copenhagen, Genmab has grown into one of the biotechnology industry’s most respected companies for its work in pioneering antibody therapeutics. With a growing portfolio of marketed products, a robust pipeline of investigational therapies, and multiple global partnerships, the company is now entering a new phase focused on global commercialization and sustainable geographic expansion. Germany, as Europe’s largest economy and a leader in pharmaceutical innovation, represents a natural first step in that evolution.
“Welcoming Dr. Katja Nielsen to the Genmab team underscores our long-term commitment to bringing our innovative medicines to patients around the world,” said Brad Bailey, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Genmab. “Germany is not only a significant healthcare market but also a gateway to broader European access. Dr. Nielsen’s deep understanding of oncology, combined with her commercial acumen and proven leadership in organizational scaling, will be instrumental as we accelerate our mission to improve the lives of patients.”
A Seasoned Industry Leader with a Vision for Growth
Dr. Nielsen brings with her more than two decades of leadership experience within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, with a specialization in oncology product development and commercialization. Over the years, she has held senior executive positions at several multinational pharmaceutical firms, including Gilead Sciences, Daiichi Sankyo, and Eli Lilly, where she spearheaded major oncology launches, led cross-functional teams, and helped shape market access strategies in complex healthcare environments.
Known for her ability to build strong teams and navigate regulatory and reimbursement frameworks in Europe, Dr. Nielsen is uniquely positioned to lead Genmab’s efforts in Germany. Her mandate will focus on establishing the company’s local operations, building key stakeholder relationships with healthcare providers, regulators, and patient organizations, and setting the stage for future commercial rollouts from Genmab’s oncology pipeline.
“I am honored and excited to join Genmab at this pivotal time in its growth,” said Dr. Nielsen. “Genmab is a company known not only for its scientific innovation but also for its commitment to improving patient outcomes through transformative antibody-based therapies. I am passionate about oncology and believe strongly in the company’s mission. Germany presents a dynamic landscape with both opportunities and challenges, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the company to navigate that complexity and build a leading presence in Europe.”
A Strategic Market Entry Grounded in Science and Patient Impact
Germany’s healthcare ecosystem—characterized by advanced research institutions, sophisticated reimbursement systems, and high patient volumes—has long made it a priority for companies looking to scale in Europe. For Genmab, this market entry comes at a time when its pipeline is advancing steadily toward commercial inflection points.
The company’s approach to commercialization is rooted in scientific excellence, patient-centricity, and operational agility. By establishing an in-country presence, Genmab aims to deepen its engagement with German clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to ensure its therapies are not only accessible but aligned with the local standards of care and healthcare system expectations.
“Genmab is evolving from a research-centric biotech into a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company,” Bailey added. “This evolution requires strong local leadership in key regions like Germany, where medical innovation and healthcare delivery intersect in complex and meaningful ways. Dr. Nielsen’s arrival is a testament to our readiness to meet this moment with both strategic foresight and executional excellence.”
Antibody Science as the Foundation for Growth
At the heart of Genmab’s expansion lies its dedication to antibody science, a field in which the company has consistently broken new ground. The company’s proprietary antibody technologies, including its DuoBody® and HexaBody® platforms, have enabled the development of highly targeted therapies for cancer, autoimmune conditions, and other serious diseases. Several of these therapies—either developed in-house or through partnerships—have progressed into late-stage clinical development or have already reached the market.
This science-driven approach is central to the company’s identity and growth. Genmab’s decision to build a commercial infrastructure in Germany comes amid continued momentum for its lead programs and a vision to bring first- or best-in-class medicines to global markets in a timely and impactful manner.
“Genmab’s innovative pipeline and antibody platforms provide a unique opportunity to reshape the treatment landscape for people with cancer,” Dr. Nielsen said. “We are not just bringing more medicines to market—we are working to ensure that the right patients have access to truly differentiated therapies that address unmet needs. I am eager to build an organization that embodies that purpose here in Germany.”
Leadership Aligned with Personal Passion
In addition to her professional qualifications, Dr. Nielsen brings a leadership style characterized by adaptability, resilience, and personal passion—qualities that will serve her well as she leads Genmab’s efforts in a highly competitive market.
“Germany is a unique market with a rich medical heritage and a high standard for therapeutic innovation. It also presents specific regulatory and access challenges that require careful navigation,” she added. “As a mountaineering enthusiast, I’ve learned that every climb requires preparation, patience, and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions. I bring that mindset to my work—always ready to find new paths and take on new challenges.”
Her personal philosophy aligns well with Genmab’s culture of scientific curiosity, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Building a Sustainable Future in Europe
Dr. Nielsen’s appointment is part of a broader strategic initiative by Genmab to build sustainable commercial operations in Europe. While Germany marks the first major commercial hub on the continent, the company is expected to explore additional market expansions in the coming years as its pipeline matures.
With offices already established in key locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, Genmab is well-positioned to coordinate global launches and develop localized strategies that reflect the needs of each individual market. The German expansion—and Dr. Nielsen’s leadership—represents both a milestone and a signal of what’s to come.
“As we look to the future, our goal is to ensure that our therapies are not only scientifically advanced but accessible to the patients who need them most,” said Bailey. “That means investing in people, infrastructure, and partnerships that can translate scientific innovation into real-world impact. Dr. Nielsen’s leadership in Germany will be critical to achieving that vision.”
Genmab is an international biotechnology company specializing in the creation and development of differentiated antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. With a mission to improve the lives of patients through innovative and targeted therapies, Genmab’s proprietary antibody platforms and deep research pipeline support a growing portfolio of both partnered and wholly owned products. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with offices in the United States, the Netherlands, Japan, and now Germany, Genmab is committed to delivering breakthrough science that makes a difference.
