Yan Guo, PhD, PMP, RAC

- Lead strategic business development initiatives, identifying and launching new client partnerships to drive long-term growth. - Shape deals from early engagement through operational execution, ensuring alignment between client objectives, program delivery teams, and internal stakeholders. - Partner with cross-functional teams, including PM, CMC, and scientific leadership, to translate client needs into actionable programs and scalable solutions. - Build and maintain strong executive-level client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor to ensure satisfaction, retention, and portfolio expansion. - Contribute to market intelligence and strategy, identifying emerging opportunities in cell and gene therapy to expand service offerings and competitive positioning.

- Led strategic initiatives for key accounts, driving long-term partnerships and ensuring alignment between client objectives, internal operations, and program delivery. - Owned end-to-end program execution across multiple accounts, coordinating cross-functional teams in CMC, biologics, and cell & gene therapy projects to deliver results on time and within scope. - Shaped business development opportunities within key accounts, identifying growth areas, negotiating engagements, and translating client needs into actionable programs. - Built and mentored high-performing, cross-functional teams, establishing governance, standard operating procedures, and scalable project management frameworks. - Provided strategic guidance to clients and internal leadership, bridging technical expertise, operational execution, and business priorities to support sustainable growth and innovation.

- Founded and scaled the US Project Management function, building governance frameworks, processes, and best practices from the ground up to support complex biologics and cell & gene therapy programs. - Hired, mentored, and led high-performing cross-functional PM teams, establishing clear roles, responsibilities, and performance standards to ensure operational excellence. - Expanded PM team responsibilities to include proposal development, technical support, and client-facing program guidance, directly contributing to new business and long-term client success. - Owned end-to-end program execution across multiple portfolios, aligning internal stakeholders, clients, and regulatory teams to deliver projects on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives. - Partnered closely with business development and scientific leadership to integrate new client programs seamlessly into operational workflows. - Developed standardized tools, reporting mechanisms, and metrics to monitor program performance, risk mitigation, and resource allocation across global programs. - Provided strategic guidance to senior leadership on program priorities, resource planning, and operational optimization, enabling scalable growth and enhanced client satisfaction.

- Supported the buildout of the PMO and implemented scalable governance and delivery frameworks to enable biologics and cell & gene therapy program growth. - Led cross-functional global teams across Commercial, BD, Regulatory, CMC, and Clinical Ops to execute high-priority client programs. - Oversaw project budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning, improving cost controls and delivery transparency. - Served as single point of accountability for multiple projects, providing milestone updates, risk mitigation strategies, and issue resolution. - Developed dashboards and integrated tracking systems to align internal stakeholders and external partners on KPIs and deliverables. - Drove program-level decision-making with scenario planning, risk assessment, and go/no-go recommendations, influencing senior-level prioritization.

- Built the US PMO from the ground up, defining team structure, roles, and operational processes aligned with global business needs. - Oversaw multiple drug development programs from pre-IND through clinical stages, aligning internal functions and CRO/CDMO partners. - Maintained competitive awareness and adapted project approaches to ensure best-in-class program delivery. - Led budgeting and scenario planning with Finance and Legal, supporting accurate forecasting, scope control, and risk-based resource allocation. - Mentored and developed future project leaders, creating a talent pipeline for early-stage programs. Standardized cross-functional governance and reporting processes for early-phase development. - Managed vendor relationships to ensure timelines and quality compliance for externally executed activities.

- Managed US government-funded (~$50M) Pandemic Prevention Program (P3) and multiple R&D programs in oncology, infectious diseases, and CNS. - Oversaw collaboration governance, ensuring contract compliance and productive partnerships with Legal, BD, and Finance. - Led cross-functional teams from early research to IND-enabling stages, accountable for timelines, budgets, risks, and milestone reporting. - Served as primary communication point with US Government stakeholders, submitting technical and business status reports. - Championed knowledge management by maintaining updated project data in corporate PM systems. Proactively identified operational risks and implemented mitigation plans to maintain stakeholder engagement and delivery continuity.

- Directed client projects and US Government-funded programs, understanding biologic/pharmaceutical drug and vaccine development requirements. - Acted as primary interface between clients and internal teams, ensuring alignment of scope, timelines, and technical expectations. - Partnered with Sales, Order Management, and Finance to manage budgets, revenue forecasting, and project-level financial controls. - Led project planning and execution with rapid adaptation to changes in strategy, scope, or regulatory conditions. - Delivered milestone communications and risk summaries to senior stakeholders, enabling proactive decision-making. - Maintained high client satisfaction through consistent delivery, transparency, and scientific engagement.

- Transitioned from Scientist to project management due to strong organizational and communication skills. - Traveled globally with CEO and CSO for collaborations on TB and HIV vaccine programs. - Led cross-departmental planning meetings, tracked milestones, and represented AERAS in communications with external collaborators. - Implemented detailed project plans, managing scope, budget, schedule, quality, and risk mitigation. Produced monthly and annual reports and presentations for senior management to keep stakeholders informed on project status.