Biotechnology
10 CHROs in Biotechnology
These ten executives hold chief people officer titles at biotechnology companies, most of them developing therapeutics or genetic medicines. A reader can learn how CHROs lead people teams in biotechnology companies.
Professionals to explore
01—10Alison Highlander
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · GRAIL
Chief People Officer at GRAIL since June 2026; the profile describes GRAIL as a Biotechnology Research company that specializes in cancer detection. Former Senior Vice President, People at GRAIL (2025–2026), Vice President, Human Resources at Silk Road Medical, Inc. (2017–2024) and Vice President, Human Resources at Roche (2013–2017).
Barbara Howes
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Eikon Therapeutics
Chief People Officer at Eikon Therapeutics since November 2021; the profile describes Eikon Therapeutics as a Biotechnology Research company. Former Chief Human Resources Officer at Pliant Therapeutics (2019–2021), Sr. Director, Learning & OD, Diversity and Inclusion at Genentech (2008–2014) and Vice President, Disney University at The Walt Disney Company (2003–2008).
Bee Nguyen
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Arsenal Biosciences, Inc.
Chief People Officer at Arsenal Biosciences, Inc. since September 2020; the profile describes Arsenal Biosciences as a clinical stage, programmable cell therapy company focused on solid tumors. Former Vice President Human Resources (2017–2020), Executive Director Human Resources (2014–2017) and Senior Director Human Resources (2011–2014) at Ultragenyx.
Beth Anton Grous
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Generate:Biomedicines
Chief People Officer at Generate:Biomedicines since April 2023, and also a board member at SitterStream and Venture Advisor at SemperVirens VC; the profile describes Generate:Biomedicines as a Biotechnology Research company. Former Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer at Tripadvisor (2015–2023) and Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources at Nuance Communications (2014–2015).
Curtis Demick
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · CREATE Medicines
Chief People Officer at CREATE Medicines since November 2022; the profile describes CREATE Medicines, formerly Myeloid Therapeutics, as a Biotechnology company. Former Senior Vice President, Head of Human Resources at Goldfinch Bio (2017–2022) and Senior Director, Head of Human Resources at ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2012–2017).
Kristen Stants
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Parabilis Medicines
Chief People Officer at Parabilis Medicines since August 2023; the profile describes Parabilis Medicines as a Biotechnology Research company. Former Chief People Officer at Magenta Therapeutics (2020–2023), Vice President, Global Talent Management at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2017–2020) and Senior Director, Human Resources at Biogen (2014–2016).
Lee Ann Marchionna
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Arbor Biotechnologies
Chief People Officer at Arbor Biotechnologies since June 2022; the profile describes Arbor Biotechnologies as a Biotechnology Research company developing genetic medicines. Former Principal at Vitality HR, LLC (2017–2022), Interim Chief People Officer at Genocea (2022) and at Revitope (2019–2022), and Fractional CHRO at Theseus Pharmaceuticals (2021).
Lisa McGrath
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · nChroma Bio
Chief People Officer at nChroma Bio since December 2024, and also Chief People Officer at Nvelop Therapeutics since 2023; the profile describes nChroma Bio as a Biotechnology Research company developing genetic medicines. Former Chief People Officer at Surface Oncology Inc. (2017–2023) and Senior HR Consultant & Business Partner at HRBIOBOSTON (2005–2017).
Nicole Jones
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Spur Therapeutics
Chief People Officer at Spur Therapeutics since July 2022; the profile describes Spur Therapeutics as a clinical-stage biotech focused on gene therapies. Former Head of Global Talent & Leadership at Merck (2021–2022), Vice President, Talent Development at Strategic Education, Inc (2019–2021) and Head of Global Learning & Development at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2017).
Sara Den Besten
LinkedInExperience: Chief People Officer · Stoke Therapeutics
Chief People Officer at Stoke Therapeutics since June 2025; the profile describes Stoke Therapeutics as a Biotechnology Research company focused on restoring genetic health. Former Chief Culture and Engagement Officer (2022–2024) and Chief People Officer (2021–2022) at Generation Bio, and Managing Partner at Den Besten Group.
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's company stage to yours, since HR for an early research startup differs from HR for a clinical-stage or public company preparing to commercialize. Also consider whether you want someone who built an HR career inside biotech and pharma or someone who brought top HR experience from another industry.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How do you hire scarce scientific talent when larger pharma companies recruit from the same pool?
- 02How did your HR team change as the company moved from research into clinical trials or commercial launch?
- 03What has worked for keeping people engaged through funding uncertainty, program cuts or restructuring?
Reaching CHROs in Biotechnology
How can I contact one of these CHROs in Biotechnology?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including GRAIL; Eikon Therapeutics and Arsenal Biosciences, Inc., based on profile data retrieved on October 3, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach CHROs in Biotechnology?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
What if they don't reply?
You pay nothing. Instant Expert sends follow-up reminders, and if the person hasn't booked or answered within 7 days, the request expires and any hold on your card is released. You can invite several of the 10 people on this list at once and cap your total spend, so you pay only for the ones who accept.
About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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