BioNTech appoints former Sobi chief Guido Oelkers as new CEO

BioNTech has filled its long-vacant chief executive position after a six-month search.

The board selected Guido Oelkers, Ph.D., who most recently led Swedish pharmaceutical company Sobi.

At Sobi, Oelkers oversaw the licensing of the RSV therapy Synagis, the $915 million purchase of Dova Pharmaceuticals for its thrombocytopenia drug Doptelet, and the launch of the bleeding-disorder treatment Altuviiio in partnership with Sanofi.

Oelkers said he is honored to lead BioNTech and aims to grow the firm into a global biopharma with multiple approved products by 2030 while advancing its pipeline.