Global Management Team
Meet our management team based across our global sites.
- About Us
- Global Management Team
Executive Team
Emile Lens
Chief Executive Officer
(CEO)
Over the last decade, Emile has been involved in driving buy and build strategies in the life sciences industry. His primary focus at Synexa is to build a top-class company for scientists to work at, delivering the highest quality services to clients possible. Emile is passionate about working with people and scaling businesses in the life sciences industry.
Emile holds a MSc degree in Economics at Erasmus University. He started his career in investment banking at MeesPierson and ABN AMRO NV, moving later to industry and becoming a board member at Maxeda, a KKR-backed European DIY retail company. He subsequently became an entrepreneur and founded and invested in a number of companies during his career. Prior to joining Synexa, Emile served as board member of Avania, a global medical device CRO, where he was deeply involved in the successful buy and build strategy of the company.
James Lloyd
Chief Financial Officer
(CFO)
James Lloyd is a finance professional with a distinguished career. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Synexa, leveraging his extensive experience in financial management, planning, and analysis. His background includes roles at EnteroBiotix, Valneva, Q² Solutions, and Deloitte and secondments with Lloyds Banking Group. James joined Synexa in December 2023 to lead the company’s financial planning initiatives and help bolster Synexa’s ambitions for growth.
Claire Jenkins
Chief Commercial Officer
(CCO)
Claire holds a BSc Hons degree in Chemistry and began her career as a bioanalytical lab scientist for Procter & Gamble. With a passion for business and a desire to deliver for customers, Claire moved into Business Development over 25 years ago.
Joining Synexa Claire brings over twenty year’s experience in sales team leadership, spanning clinical and preclinical development. With expertise in developing commercial strategies and providing strong sales leadership, empowering commercial teams to meet their targets.
With specific experience in clinical laboratory services Claires focus at Synexa is to lead the Commercial and Account Management functions, ensuring we grow and retain our customer base, while delivering innovative solutions for each of our customers.
Paul Holme
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
In 2013, Paul (along with 3 other co-founders) founded Alderley Analytical, a Regulatory Bioanalysis CRO based near Manchester, UK. Paul held the position of CEO, driving the success and growth of the business toward a successful exit/acquisition by Synexa Life Sciences in 2024. Prior to co-founding Alderley Analytical, Paul held the position of Director of Regulatory Bioanalysis at AstraZeneca.
An experienced scientist and manager, Paul is recognised as a motivational leader. Paul’s career spans over 34 years, working in both discovery and regulatory environments in Large Pharma and Contract Research Organisations (CRO’s). Across his career he has amassed an in-depth knowledge in toxicology, DMPK and regulatory bioanalysis. Maximising efficiency, productivity, building and managing high performing teams is something he thrives upon, with a particular focus on quality. Paul holds a BSc Honours degree in Pharmacology from the University of Manchester.
Jordyn van Teylingen
Global Head of Bioanalysis and Soluble Biomarkers
Jordyn holds a Master of Science degree in Medical Physiology from Stellenbosch University, and specialises in ligand-binding and cell-based immunoassay development and validation. With a strong focus on regulated large molecule pharmacokinetic (PK) and Immunogenicity (ADA and nAb) assessment, Jordyn ensures validations remain aligned with regulatory expectations, while being fit-for-purpose for the generation of clinically relevant data. Additionally, Jordyn oversees the development and validation of all soluble biomarker methods based on Context-of-Use.
Jordyn’s mission is to ensure Synexa always maintains sight of the end goal of bioanalysis, by considering what can be done to make processes and data more patient-centric.
Natalie Strickland
Global Head of Cell Biology, Translational Science & Genomics
Natalie earned her PhD in molecular genetics (University of Stellenbosch) before transitioning into infectious disease immunology with a special interest in cellular immunity to HIV/TB co-infection for her postdoctoral research (University of Cape Town). She has extensive experience in both molecular and advanced immunological techniques, including multiparameter flow cytometry. As Global Head of Cell Biology, Translational Science & Genomics, Natalie oversees work in the development of complex flow cytometry and cell-based assays, translational ProtoTrials® and the research and development of novel analytical technologies.
Natalie is passionate about providing creative solutions in challenging scientific research areas and delivering high-quality scientific solutions to our customers.
Paula Thornton
Global HR Director
Paula joined Synexa in October 2022 as Global HR Director and leads HR, Payroll, L&D, Employee Engagement, Reward & Recognition, Talent Acquisition & Retention for Synexa Globally.
Paula has been in the Life Science space for 7 years in senior HR roles. She is a qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development. Paula spent 5 years in the social housing sector as Head of Corporate Services during that time acting as Chief Executive for 1 year taking the company through M&A.
She also spent over 10 years in the private sector focussing on HR, IT and Marketing throughout the UK and Europe with multisite businesses. Prior to that she served over 5 years in HR within South Wales Police.
Paula is driven and passionate about the engagement, happiness and development of people and the significant impact they have in the success of the company. Paula is committed to Synexa’s success and embodying the vision of improving human health.
Scientific Team
Dr. Justin Devine
Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer
(CIO)
Justin is a medical doctor, immunologist and pharmacologist (Stellenbosch University) and a co-founder of Synexa.
His primary focus is to understand our clients’ objectives in new drug development by designing biomarker strategies to bring real insight to the challenges of clinical development. Justin has a very deep understanding of the role that biomarkers and pharmacogenetics play in understanding the performance of a candidate drug.
He is particularly passionate about improving the drug development process by bringing innovative approaches to early phase research, including new ideas in translational medicine, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence
Amber Bennett
Principal Scientist & Head of Bioanalysis MEA
Amber specialises in the development and validation of complex ligand-binding and cell-based immunoassays to support clinical trials. This includes regulated PK, ADA, and nAb assessments, as well as Context-of-Use assays.
Her career at Synexa has consistently centered on addressing scientific challenges and delivering high-quality assays. She has trained and led Synexa’s soluble biomarker teams globally in advanced large molecule assessment techniques, including MSD, ELISA, and fluorescence- and luminescence-based platforms.
Earlier in her career, Amber worked as a Regulatory Affairs Officer, gaining extensive experience in regulatory compliance, license applications, and Drug Master File preparation. This experience has been instrumental in deepening her understanding of regulatory submission requirements.
Amber is passionate about bespoke scientific approaches and enjoys providing practical solutions for complex problems. She holds a Master of Science degree in Physiology from Stellenbosch University, with a focus on immunology and stress-induced inflammatory conditions.
Bianca Randall
Principal Scientist
Bianca is a distinguished scientist with a Baccalaureus Technologiae in Biomedical Technology and over a decade of specialization in flow cytometry, primarily with Synexa Life Sciences. Her multifaceted expertise encompasses clinical sample analysis, method development, and validation, as well as the design of bespoke assays to meet client needs.
Having contributed to Synexa’s flow cytometry labs globally, she has been instrumental in both assay transfer and staff training. With a keen interest in instrumentation, Bianca combines technical proficiency and practical insight to deliver robust and reliable assays, making her an invaluable asset in the field of clinical trials.
Leani Thiart
Principal Scientist
Leani holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology from Stellenbosch University, specializing in human immunology. With extensive expertise in molecular and advanced immunological techniques—including multiparameter flow cytometry and ELISpot assays—she excels in developing bespoke assays, validation, and clinical sample analysis.
As a Principal Scientist in Translational Science, Leani leads translational studies and ProtoTrials®, effectively overseeing projects from site initiation through to completion. Her experience in establishing new laboratories and collaborating across various global sites enhances her ability to deliver impactful results, combining technical proficiency with practical insight.
Andreia Soares
Global Head of Scientific Strategies
Andreia is a cellular immunologist with extensive experience in advanced immunological techniques, such as multiparameter flow cytometry. She completed her PhD and post-doctoral research in Clinical Science and Immunology at the University of Cape Town and brings with her a unique perspective on biomarker discovery with her background in infectious diseases and clinical immunology.
Sally Hannam
Scientific Director
Sally Hannam is a distinguished expert in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), bringing over 35 years of experience to the field.
As a co-founder of Alderley Analytical (acquired by Synexa in October 2024), she has built a career developing and validating quantitative LC-MS assays to meet rigorous regulatory guidelines in GLP and GCP-accredited environments. Sally’s expertise spans small molecules, peptides, proteins, biomarkers, and oligonucleotides, making her a trusted authority in bioanalytical method development and validation. Sally holds a BSc in Applied Biology from the University of the West of England.
Timo Piironen
Scientific Director
Timo Piironen is a seasoned scientist with extensive experience in biotechnology and immune technology. He currently serves as scientific director at Synexa Life Sciences and holds an Adjunct Professor position at the University of Turku. His career spans over two decades, with notable roles including co-founding and leading Syrinx Bioanalytics (acquired
by Synexa in 2022) as Scientific Director and working as a Senior Scientist at Orion Pharma and Bayer HealthCare. Timo earned his PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Turku, where he continues to contribute to academic and industry advancements.
Caroline Beltran
Scientific Consultant
Caroline is a specialist cell biologist with a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology and a decade of experience in medical research focussed on biomarker discovery, translational medicine and infectious diseases. In 2020, she won a personal fellowship from the Francis Crick Institute to develop advanced imaging technologies for three-dimensional disease modelling. This cutting-edge technology provides a more comprehensive view of disease pathology and enhances the understanding of therapeutic efficacy. Caroline joined Synexa and the Scientific Strategies team in 2023.
Matti Kimberg
In Memoriam
Matti was a molecular geneticist (University of Stellenbosch) and immunologist (University of Cape Town), with more than 10 years’ experience in regulated bioanalysis and clinical biomarkers.
As CSO, his primary focus was to ensure that the execution of all work performed at Synexa was scientifically driven by the objective of generating data that is informative towards answering the specific questions being asked in the context of each study. He had a deep understanding of the principals of the regulatory framework supporting bioanalysis and applying the guidelines provided by regulators to novel analytical technologies and therapeutic modalities.
Matti was passionate about using world class science and innovation to transform the way novel therapeutics are developed, to bring them to market faster, cheaper and safer.
Supervisory Board
Paul O’Riordan
Chairman of Supervisory Board
Paul is a co-founder of Synexa and served as CEO from 2003 to 2022. His long-held ambition is to help build a unique global organisation of professional scientists that can significantly improve the efficiency and success rate of new drug R&D, which he believes is a critical strategic issue facing the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare systems throughout the world.
Paul chairs the supervisory board, which oversees key decisions related to the strategic direction of the group, the performance and growth of the company, good corporate governance, sustainability and social responsibility. He works closely with the CEO to drive accelerated scaling of the company through its ‘buy & build’ strategy. Paul is closely involved in building and maintaining key commercial partnerships and representing Synexa at industry level.
Paul is a chartered accountant (Ireland) and holds an MBA from Harvard University. He is a former partner at McKinsey & Co., where he worked from 1991-2003 in London, Dublin and Johannesburg.
Tom Klein Robbenhaar
Supervisory Board Member
Tom Klein Robbenhaar joined the Gilde Healthcare Private Equity team early 2012. As a partner in the Gilde Healthcare private equity team, he focuses on origination, deal execution and serves on the supervisory boards of investee companies.
Tom has hands-on portfolio management experience in Pharma (Pharmaline), CRDMOs (Viroclinics and Synexa), elderly care (Stepping Stones), outsourced healthcare services (Novicare) and clinic buy & builds (RAD-x).
Prior to joining Gilde Healthcare, Tom worked as Manager at KPMG Corporate Finance where he worked extensively interdisciplinary, with amongst others KPMG Tax and KPMG Healthcare. Tom holds a master degree with distinction in Financial Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam.
Redmar Koene
Supervisory Board Member
Redmar Koene is an investment professional at Gilde Healthcare. He is involved with deal origination and deal execution and serves on the supervisory boards or equivalent of investee companies like Synexa and KLIFO (Drug Development Consulting).
In addition, he worked with Symeres (drug discovery CRO) on strategy and M&A, as well as with several other companies on executing successful buy-and-build agenda’s. Prior to joining Gilde Healthcare, he worked as investment professional at a Swiss-based investment company, investing in both listed as non-listed companies.
