
Meet the Senior Management Team
Advent BioServices has a mix of highly experienced people working together in cell and gene therapy science and innovation.

MIKE SCOTT
President
Mike brings a wealth of experience to Advent Bioservices, having held several senior clinical and scientific positions within the NHS and in academia. He has spent 30 years in the field of cellular therapy and has co-authored more than 90 papers. Mike has Masters’ degrees in haematology and immunology and his PhD was in the area of stem cell biology. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology, a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists and holds a visiting Professorship at Anglia Ruskin University.
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Alessandra De Riva
Head of PD and R&D
Alessandra is responsible for Process Development and R&D activities at Advent Bioservices.
Alessandra brings over 20 years of experience in R&D, PD, CMC and regulatory affairs gained in the private and academic sectors in cell and gene therapy, immune-oncology and immunology. Alessandra holds a PhD in Molecular Immunology obtained at the National institute for Medical Research and sponsored by UCL, and studied Biological Sciences at the University of Padova (Italy).
Alessandra has authored several papers, reviews, and posters and has spoken at numerous conferences and webinars. Alessandra is also a member of the British Society for Immunology.
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KELLY BALSOM
Head of Operations
Kelly is a member of the Advent Bioservices senior management team. She established and is responsible for the Production Team, the Cryostorage facility, the Manufacture of Cellular Therapies at Advent Bioservices and the Biobanking service respectively. Kelly joined Advent Bioservices from a private London Hospital where she worked as Quality Manager for their Transplant Service, and Stem Cell Laboratory Manager prior to this. With over 20 years experience in the field of Haematology, Stem Cells and Cryostorage Kelly is considered an expert in her field and holds an MSc in Biomedical Science and a Diploma in Management and Leadership. Kelly actively engages in ongoing CPD that positively impact both Advent Bioservices and the wider Advanced Cellular Therapies environment.
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MARK NEVILLE
Head of Facilities
Mark is responsible for all aspects of Facilities Management to ensure the built environment and associated facilities meet the needs of Advent Bioservices including maintenance, building services, safety and security.
Mark brings over 10 years of Facilities Management experience and joins Advent Bioservices from NHS Blood & Transplant where he managed a busy Blood Centre along with a portfolio of remote sites. Mark holds IOSH and Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) Qualifications.
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CRISTINA TRENTO
Head of Quality Assurance
Cristina is responsible for the Quality Management System underpinning all Advent Bioservices activities and services.
Cristina has previously held the role of Quality Director in a cell therapy manufacturing MHRA and HTA licensed facility and was overseeing the manufacture of umbilical cord derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) and viral vectors.
Before becoming a Quality Manager, Cristina was a post-doctoral scientist studying the molecular and cellular biology and clinical applications of MSCs. Cristina holds a PhD in Life Sciences obtained from the Haematology Department of Imperial College London, a BSc and MSc in Medical Biotechnology from Padua University Medical School (Italy), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality and Regulation from University College London.
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JON GILLHAM
Head of Quality Control
Jon is responsible for the Quality control laboratories which support product testing and release services for manufacturing activities at Advent Bioservices. Jon has 13 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry and has worked within GMP and QC functions throughout his career.
Jon joins Advent from a CAR T-cell therapy manufacturer where he was responsible for the development and operation of the QC function spanning multiple laboratories. Prior to this Jon has worked within vaccine manufacturing and with biological product manufacturing.
Jon holds a BSc in Biotechnology and is a member of the Royal Society of Biology.
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LEE PICKERSGILL
Head of Information Technology
Lee is Head of Information Technology. He has established and is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of Advent Bioservices operational and business support system, including mission-critical applications and technology to support the Company’s long-term goals.
Lee brings over 15 years of IT experience in Information systems and IT management. He has a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Management and Business as well as being a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
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CATRIN PARKER
Head of Human Resources
Catrin is our Head of HR, responsible for the strategic direction and execution of Advent Bioservices’ human resources.
Catrin is responsible for designing the HR policy framework including procedures and processes, supporting the Company’s long-term growth. Catrin is a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years’ experience delivering innovative people related change in both the private and higher educational sectors.
Catrin has a Masters in Occupational Psychology and is Level A and B Psychometric testing trained.
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