FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics Names Delara Motlagh as Chief Operating Officer
In a strategic move to enhance its operational leadership and accelerate the growth of its cutting-edge platforms in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and cell therapy, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics, Inc., a pioneer in the development and manufacturing of iPSC-based technologies, announced the appointment of Dr. Delara Motlagh as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). The appointment, effective immediately, marks a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to advancing regenerative medicine and cell therapy solutions worldwide.
As COO, Motlagh will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s business and research strategies while overseeing the execution of operational objectives across both domestic and international markets. Her responsibilities will span multiple business units, including the company’s discovery research initiatives and its growing cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) segment. She will report directly to Tomoyuki Hasegawa, Chief Executive Officer of FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics.
A Visionary Leader for a Transformative Industry
Commenting on the appointment, Hasegawa praised Motlagh’s extensive leadership background and expertise across key facets of the life sciences and cell and gene therapy (CGT) industries.
“We are excited to welcome Delara, a leader within the cell and gene therapy (CGT) industry, to FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics,” said Hasegawa. “With her extensive experience in life sciences, strategic leadership, and deep CGT expertise, she is well-positioned to advance our mission of delivering high-quality iPSC-based solutions to customers worldwide, as well as to grow our cell therapy CDMO business.”
Dr. Motlagh brings more than 20 years of experience across the biopharmaceutical and medical device industries. She has held key executive and leadership roles that span commercial operations, research and development, business strategy, and global marketing. Her career includes impactful tenures at well-established industry leaders such as Catalent Pharma Solutions, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, and Baxter Healthcare—organizations recognized for their innovation and scale in drug development, biologics, and cellular therapeutics.
This depth of cross-functional experience uniquely positions Motlagh to lead FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics through its next phase of growth, particularly as the company continues to evolve as a global partner in regenerative medicine.
An Experienced Executive Joining at a Pivotal Moment
In her statement, Motlagh expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ journey during what she described as a particularly dynamic and promising period for the company.
“I am honored to join the FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics family at such an exciting time in the company’s growth,” Motlagh stated. “FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ commitment to innovation and excellence in iPSC technology is truly inspiring, and I look forward to working with the talented team to expand CDMO capabilities and accelerate the development of transformative cell therapies.”
Her background in both scientific research and executive leadership makes her uniquely capable of bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and scalable commercialization—an essential skill set as FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics expands its operational infrastructure and CDMO services to support clients developing next-generation cell therapies.
Academic Foundations and Business Acumen
Motlagh’s academic background reflects a rigorous foundation in both the life sciences and executive management. She holds a Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics and a Master of Science in Biology from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She also earned an Executive MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, one of the most prestigious business programs globally, and completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
This combination of scientific acumen and business leadership gives Motlagh a distinctive lens for evaluating both the technological promise and commercial viability of regenerative medicine platforms.
Expanding Global Reach in iPSC and CDMO Services
The appointment comes at a time of accelerating momentum for FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics. The company has steadily emerged as a leading global provider of iPSC-derived products, offering solutions across drug discovery, disease modeling, toxicity testing, and regenerative medicine. Its iPSC-based platforms are seen as highly valuable tools in both research and therapeutic development due to their consistency, scalability, and ability to differentiate into virtually any cell type.
In addition to providing research-grade cell products, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics is rapidly expanding its CDMO services to support cell therapy developers from early-stage development through clinical and commercial manufacturing. This includes a broad spectrum of capabilities such as process development, GMP manufacturing, quality testing, and regulatory support—critical components for companies advancing novel cell-based treatments into the clinic.
With the cell and gene therapy industry facing increasing pressure to scale efficiently, deliver consistent quality, and navigate a complex regulatory landscape, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ expansion into CDMO services positions it as a critical enabler for biotech and pharma companies alike.
Reinforcing Strategic Leadership Amid Industry Growth
Motlagh’s appointment also signals FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ broader intention to reinforce its leadership team as it navigates a rapidly evolving landscape in regenerative medicine. The company is part of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, which has made significant investments in advanced therapies and CDMO infrastructure, including through its global subsidiaries such as FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.
By aligning itself with seasoned executives who bring both operational discipline and a vision for innovation, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics is strategically positioning itself to compete and thrive in a market projected to exceed $40 billion globally by the end of the decade, driven by increasing demand for personalized medicine and breakthroughs in cellular therapies.
Dr. Motlagh’s appointment as COO marks a significant milestone in FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics’ mission to transform healthcare through regenerative technologies. Her leadership is expected to catalyze new levels of operational performance and strategic growth as the company deepens its partnerships across the life sciences ecosystem.
As the landscape for iPSC and cell therapy continues to mature, Motlagh’s unique blend of scientific depth, operational expertise, and visionary leadership will be instrumental in driving the company’s next chapter.
In the coming years, FUJIFILM Cellular Dynamics aims not only to advance the frontiers of iPSC applications but also to become a trusted partner to cell therapy innovators across the globe. With a bolstered leadership team, an expanding CDMO footprint, and a commitment to scientific excellence, the company is well-positioned to help shape the future of regenerative medicine—one cell at a time.
