Gubra, a leader in preclinical services within metabolic and fibrotic diseases and with a strong pipeline of novel discovery projects, today announced the election of Monika Lessl and Astrid Haug as new independent members of the Board of Directors as of November 1st, 2023.
Monika Lessl, a German citizen, is an internationally experienced pharma executive with more than 15 years R&D leadership experience from Bayer AG (Germany). Monika is currently Executive Director of Bayer Foundation, and Senior Vice President; Head of Corporate R&D and Social Innovation Bayer AG. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin. In her former role as Head of Innovation Strategy she developed and led Bayer’s Innovation Agenda to strengthen Bayer’s Innovation capabilities and foster new business models. As Head of External Innovation Therapeutics at Bayer’s pharmaceutical division she was responsible for creating the external innovation strategy and leading global partnering activities. Besides her executive role, she is a Board member of the Futurium, Berlin’s museum of the future, and acts as a jury member of the European Innovation Council and the German Ministry of Science and Education.
Astrid Haug, a Danish citizen, is an independent consultant in Astrid Haug ApS bureau, consulting private companies, organisations, start-ups and funds on digital strategy, social media, innovation, and green impact communication. She is the author of six books and recognised as an expert on radio and television debates and other media covering these topics. Astrid holds a cand. mag. in Media Sciences and is Member of Faculty at CBS/Børsen Executive Board education and member of the Digital Council at the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences. Besides that, she acts as board member in UNICEF Denmark (Chair), Symbion A/S, Nørrebro Teater and in two start-ups; Re-Zip Aps and Veras ApS (Veras vintage).
Jacob Jelsing, Chair of Gubra, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Monika and Astrid, each bringing strong complementary competencies and experiences to the board of directors of Gubra. With Monika’s knowhow and strong focus on driving organizations, while promoting innovation and sustainability through strategic initiatives and partnerships, she is a perfect fit for Gubra’s planned international expansion. Similarly, Astrid will be playing an important role on our continued focus on digital innovation, branding, and marketing, as well as our strong ESG commitment.”
Astrid Haug said:
“Gubra is a remarkable company demonstrating that a highly innovative business with a long history of profitable growth goes hand in hand with a strong ESG commitment. I am delighted to be part of the board and to contribute to unfold Gubra’s further potential.”
Monika Lessl said:
“With Gubra’s strong focus on partnerships and international expansion, as recently demonstrated with the new Gubra Inc. entity in US, I look forward to contributing as a board member to take both the discovery pipeline and the contract research business to the next level.”
After the Extraordinary General Meeting the board of directors now consists of six members:
- Jacob Jelsing, Chair
- Alexander Martensen-Larsen, Vice Chair, independent board member
- Henriette Dræbye Rosenquist, independent board member
- Arndt Schottelius, independent board member
- Monika Lessl, independent board member
- Astrid Haug, independent board member
