As BioAgilytix continues to grow, it is important to remember that our employees are the ones on the ground making it happen every day. They understand better than anyone else what sets BioAgilytix apart from the rest. For that reason, we’ve been interviewing members of our Scientific, Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Business Development teams to hear their stories about life at BioAgilytix, and help you learn how they contribute to our success.
In this Q&A session, we get to know William Hunter, Director of Business Development and Global Key Accounts at BioAgilytix Europe, as he discusses why he moved to Germany for his role and what he sees coming for BioAgilytix in the industry.
What initially drive you to join the BioAgilytix team?
For most of my career, I have focused on bioanalytical technologies, and I first interacted with BioAgilytix as a technology provider. I got the impression that BioAgilytix is an organization that knows what it’s doing. In the industry, BioAgilytix is known as a quality laboratory, and so when I was recruited for a position as a field-based sales rep it was a no-brainer to join the team and combine my scientific interests with business development.
Tell us a little about your role and how it has evolved.
I joined BioAgilytix as a Business Development Manager for the West Coast Territory. I acted as a field-based sales rep and worked to build BioAgilytix’s business portfolio in that region. From there, I was promoted to Global Key Accounts Director where I was able to get some experience landing large, impactful accounts for the company. Currently, as the Director of Business Development and Global Key Accounts at BioAgilytix Europe, I am getting the business development group up and running here in Hamburg. I am here on an eighteen-month assignment to hire the best people possible and get them operational so they can continue to build the business when I return back to the states.
What made you take the leap and move to Germany?
I saw this role as a rare opportunity to get to move to a new country while keeping my job! I get to see Europe and explore a new culture, which has been an amazing experience so far. And more than that, it was an exciting opportunity to help promote the quality science, premier laboratory facilities, and prestigious large molecule expertise available at BioAgilytix’s European headquarters – letting the European market know the quality bioanalytical resources now available so closely to them, and how we can really benefit their drug development efforts. There are of course a few challenges in trying to grow a business in a market in which I have no preexisting professional connections, but I like a challenge; it’s made me really stretch myself and it’s been fulfilling to prove to myself that I can do it.
What industry opportunities do you see coming for BioAgilytix in Europe?
Our team is not intimidated by challenging assay designs; in fact, that’s where we thrive. We excel at revitalizing projects that have previously failed at other facilities. We also have deep expertise and a lot of success in biosimilar and novel therapeutics development, as well as assay validation. The sky is the limit for BioAgilytix’s location in Hamburg as we continue to deliver the premium science and services that our customers need to take their drugs to market quickly.
What do you think sets BioAgilytix apart from other CROs in the industry?
BioAgilytix is comprised of strong scientists with genuine experts that are recognized and highly respected by the industry. Customers also know that their project will be with the same group of experienced scientists from start to finish, since we are good at retaining these employees, and that is a valuable perk for most of them.
How would you describe the company culture at BioAgilytix’s European headquarters?
BioAgilytix has a truly fun culture. The leadership team makes a real effort to foster open communication at all levels. I have access to all of our C-suite level executives, which isn’t common in our industry. The company is also committed to fostering a strong team culture, and they regularly host team building events, lunches, and happy hours to bring employees together outside of everyday work. I think this communication and openness is key to making progress as a company.
What is your favorite thing about working at BioAgilytix’s Hamburg location?
It is exciting to work somewhere where my job is scientifically interesting, and where I get to influence the growth and evolution of the company and my role. Helping to make a difference in BioAgilytix’s European trajectory is very rewarding and satisfying.
Interested in hearing from other BioAgilytix team members? You can find other Q&A sessions from our employees here.
Interested in joining the BioAgilytix team? Visit our careers site to learn more about what it’s like to work at BioAgilytix and to view our current career opportunities.
