Rebecca Simamora is a dynamic executive leader with over two decades of experience transforming pharmaceutical, biotech, and venture capital organizations into industry-leading enterprises. Her career is defined by a relentless commitment to operational excellence, strategic innovation, and fostering talent. Rebecca has built and scaled multiple startup companies, forged groundbreaking partnerships with major pharmaceutical firms, and executed clinical and operational strategies that drive measurable results.
Rebecca’s expertise lies in rare disease therapeutics, gene and cell therapy, and clinical development. She has played a pivotal role in advancing drug development programs, leading Phase 1 through Phase 3 trials, and negotiating strategic partnerships that align with organizational goals. Her track record includes spearheading multimillion-dollar cost-saving initiatives, restructuring clinical operations teams for efficiency, and overseeing cross-functional programs that meet and exceed ambitious objectives.
As Vice President of Clinical Operations at Neuren Pharma, Rebecca navigated the complexities of rare neurodevelopmental diseases, including Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and Angelman’s Syndrome. She was instrumental in transitioning Neuren’s operations from Australia to the U.S., achieving company objectives five months ahead of schedule. Her negotiation skills resulted in a 25% reduction in trial expenses, and her leadership ensured seamless integration of new talent into the organization.
Rebecca’s entrepreneurial spirit shines in her consultancy work with MLG Bio. As Principal, she provided strategic guidance to biotech companies, creating infrastructure, hiring plans, and operational roadmaps tailored to each client’s unique challenges. Her role extended beyond consultancy, serving as a mentor to rising professionals and fostering company cultures that attract and retain top talent.
At MedImmune/AstraZeneca, Rebecca redefined clinical operations within the cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal therapeutic areas. She led transformative initiatives, including a strategic partnership with Covance that saved the organization $30 million. Her leadership extended beyond operations, as she mentored future leaders and instilled a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Her tenure at Regenxbio Inc. marked another milestone, where she realigned clinical operations to optimize rare disease trial execution. Rebecca’s ability to renegotiate contracts and restructure workflows underscored her exceptional strategic and operational acumen. She navigated sponsor transfers and academic collaborations, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational rigor.
Rebecca’s work with Hibiscus Biotechnology exemplified her ability to evaluate innovative technologies and guide venture studio companies from concept to clinical trials. She served as a trusted advisor in due diligence exercises, ensuring investments were rooted in scientific rigor and market feasibility. Her collaboration with academic institutions and investors bridged the gap between groundbreaking research and commercial success.
Throughout her career, Rebecca has maintained a steadfast focus on fostering innovation and cultivating high-performing teams. Her hands-on approach to team-building ensures that organizations are staffed with the right talent to meet their strategic goals. She excels in navigating complex business landscapes, creating operational frameworks that are both adaptable and resilient.
Rebecca’s academic foundation in chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh laid the groundwork for her extensive career in the life sciences. Her early roles as a clinical scientist and project manager honed her analytical skills and provided her with a deep understanding of clinical trial design and execution. These experiences shaped her ability to deliver operational excellence in highly regulated environments.
With multiple patents to her name, Rebecca exemplifies a commitment to advancing science and improving patient outcomes. Her visionary leadership, coupled with her ability to balance strategic planning with tactical execution, has earned her recognition as a trusted advisor and change agent in the industry.
Rebecca Simamora’s career is a testament to her character, knowledge, strategic vision, and communication skills. She embodies the ethos of a leader who not only achieves goals but also inspires those around her to strive for excellence.
Character:
Rebecca is a visionary leader whose integrity and passion inspire those around her to achieve their best while fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. She demonstrates unwavering commitment to her teams and stakeholders.
Knowledge:
With expertise spanning clinical development, rare diseases, and operational strategy, Rebecca has deep insights into the life sciences industry. Her ability to navigate complex challenges and drive innovation sets her apart.
Strategic:
Rebecca excels at aligning organizational objectives with actionable strategies, delivering measurable outcomes. Her forward-thinking approach ensures sustainable growth and long-term success for the companies she serves.
Communication:
Rebecca’s ability to engage diverse audiences, from investors to cross-functional teams, ensures alignment and clarity in every initiative. Her communication style fosters collaboration and drives informed decision-making.
