Leiden, The Netherlands, April 3rd, 2025 – NecstGen, the Netherlands Center for the Clinical Advancement of Stem Cell and Gene Therapies, announces that Paul Bilars will be stepping down as Chief Executive Officer in July, after five and a half years of dedicated service. Paul’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing NecstGen as a place of innovation and excellence in the field of Cell and Gene Therapy.
Paul’s journey for NecstGen began with a vision: to create a centre that not only advances cell and gene therapies but also fosters collaboration across academia and industry. Many stakeholders and supporters were engaged by Paul, many of whom also played pivotal roles in the starting the initiative and jointly founding NecstGen. His commitment to this mission has led to the development of a state-of-the-art GMP facility at the Leiden Bio Science Park, providing services for Cell Therapy manufacturing, Viral Vector production, and cleanroom rental.
Under Paul’s stewardship, NecstGen has forged pivotal partnerships that have accelerated the translation of groundbreaking therapies from bench to bedside. Collaborations with organisations such as Pan Cancer T have advanced personalised TCR T-cell therapy approaches, focusing on innovative strategies to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients. NecstGen has secured important industry interactions including the support of decentralised manufacturing of CAR-T cell therapies for Galapagos.
Paul’s leadership was also marked by significant financial milestones, including securing investments from key stakeholders such as Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University, the National Government through the Groeifonds, and the Province of South Holland to support the establishment and growth of NecstGen’s facility.
Beyond these achievements, Paul’s energetic and supportive approach has cultivated a strong culture of proactive innovation within NecstGen. His genuine care for colleagues and partners alike has fostered an environment where ideas flourish, and boundaries are pushed.
As Paul embarks on a new chapter, his NecstGen colleagues extend their gratitude for his dedication. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and guide the organisation’s future endeavours. Paul will continue his commitment to healthcare by joining ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, an organisation dedicated to mental health and resilience. ARQ’s mission aligns with his passion for improving lives through innovation and care, making it a natural next step in his journey.
NecstGen remains committed to the vision that Paul helped to build and will continue to support groundbreaking Cell and Gene Therapy advancements. Continuity will be ensured through the ongoing support of shareholder LUMC, as well as the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Arjen Schippers and Chief Financial Officer Jan Rydlo. The organisation looks forward to a future shaped by the strong foundation he has laid and remains dedicated to driving innovation for the benefit of patients worldwide.
About NecstGen
NecstGen is a non-profit Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) and centre of excellence for Cell and Gene Therapy, located in a purpose-built GMP facility at the Leiden Bio Science Park, the largest bio-cluster in the Netherlands. NecstGen provides critical contract development, manufacturing, and rental services to academic and industrial therapy developers, enabling the delivery of next-generation therapeutics to patients.
