Rentschler Biopharma has announced its appointment of Veit Bergendahl, PhD, as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Bergendahl succeeds Christiane Bardroff, who will depart Rentschler in the first quarter of 2026 after three-and-a-half years as COO.

Effective April 1, Bergendahl assumes responsibility for Rentschler’s operational areas of clinical and commercial current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) manufacturing). He will also oversee cGMP engineering and technology, in addition to production automation.

Rentschler also said that Bergendahl would join the Executive Board at the CDMO.

Bergendahl Brings International Experience

The company lists Bergendahl’s experience in global biopharmaceutical development, production, and chemistry, manufacturing, and controls among his bona fides. In the past, Rentschler said, he has supervised facility buildouts that have improved efficiencies and partnerships.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the Executive Board and the team at Rentschler Biopharma,” Bergendahl said. “I aim to support and strengthen the dedicated teams in Laupheim [Germany] and Milford [Massachusetts].”

In doing so, Bergendahl said he hopes to further enhance process efficiency and robustness, and leverage new technologies. This, he said, will “further advance operational excellence and develop long-term client-partnerships based on the highest levels of quality.”

Prior to his appointment at Rentschler, Bergendahl held several posts at Boehringer Ingelheim over a period of 13 years. These included Head of Clinical Supply Biologicals and Executive Director, Upstream Manufacturing. Earlier resume credits include Miltenyi Biotec, Roche, and Cellular Dynamics International.

Rentschler Reaction to New COO

That experience is to Rentschler’s benefit, according to the company’s interim CEO, Uwe Buecheler, PhD.

“We are gaining a highly experienced international leader who will strengthen our operations with his deep expertise,” Buecheler said. “[Bergendahl] will further accelerate the positive direction we have taken, especially through his strengths in innovation and operational excellence.”

Nikolaus F. Rentschler, PhD, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, also commented.

“[Bergendahl’s] shared values and strong focus on partnership and sustainable development represent a significant asset,” Rentschler said.