Executive Chairman
President
SVP of Operations
VP of Strategy
VP of Finance
VP of Human Resources
VP of Business Development & Project Management
VP of Research & Development
VP of Quality & Regulatory Affairs
General Manager
The diverse background of our analytical team gives Nitto Avecia Pharma Services an in-depth understanding of all facets of the drug development process. Their expertise translates into accurate chemical and microbiological results you can rely to ensure the successful manufacturing of your product.
Quality Control/Stability >
Protecting product quality, integrity, and security with cGMP-validated photostability equipment.
President
Seiji Fujioka, President of Nitto Avecia, Inc.’s Human Life Science division since 2018, has steered the organization through a period of remarkable growth. He concurrently serves as the Corporate Senior Vice President of Nitto’s Medical Division, overseeing numerous projects in the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. Seiji has been an integral part of Nitto since 1985, embodying the company’s core value, “Innovation for Customers.” He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Doshisha University.
VP of Finance
Gordon Russell, Nitto Avecia’s VP of Finance, has overseen the organization’s finances since 2000 when Avecia acquired the Hybridon DNA manufacturing facility in Milford, MA. Over two decades, Gordon’s diligence and integrity have propelled the organization into the leading contract manufacturer of oligonucleotides. He played a key role in the leadership teams overseeing the acquisitions of Girindus America and Irvine Analytical.
President
Tammy Cooper, President, has been with Nitto Avecia since 2005 and has played a vital role in increasing the business growth throughout her tenure. Prior to taking on the role of President in 2024, Tammy was the Vice President of Business Development since 2017. Tammy is unwavering in her commitment to build a strong foundation based on innovation, sustainability, and customer centricity to maintain our success as one of the top CDMOs in the oligo market. With over two decades in the pharmaceutical industry, Tammy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Prince Edward Island.
Senior VP of Operations
Kelly Behrendt, Senior Vice President of Operations, has been with Nitto Avecia since 2007, amassing nearly three decades of experience in pharmaceutical and medical device fields. Leading Avecia’s 1600 mmol manufacturing capacity expansion and now spearheading further development of Avecia’s laboratory space, Kelly is passionate about continuous improvement. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Administration Management from Metropolitan State University and an MBA in Management and Operations from Capella University.
Senior VP of Regulatory Affairs and Quality
Loriann Baranauskas, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Quality, joined Nitto Avecia in 2014, bringing over thirty-five years of management experience in Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Compliance in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry (GMP, GCP, and GLP). Loriann oversees the Quality Management System implementation and Compliance initiatives at all of Nitto Avecia’s FDA inspected manufacturing sites. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Fitchburg State College and is passionate about developing flexible Quality solutions that support the development of products serving global patient populations.
VP of Analytical and Pharma Services
Gordon Marr is the Vice President of Analytical and Pharma Services. Gordon joined the Nitto Avecia Team in September 2021. Gordon has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having spent time working for large and small pharmaceutical companies, a multinational generic company and a couple of CDMO companies. Gordon is passionate about designing lean operations in analytical R&D and QC lab operations that facilitate the API and drug product development and commercialization processes across multiple global regulatory markets. Gordon received a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Herriot Watt University, a Master’s degree in Clinical Pharmacology from the University of Aberdeen, and a Doctorate in Pharmaceutical Analysis from the University of Bradford.
Senior VP of Human Resources
Debra Vasques Bruneau, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Nitto Avecia since 2020, previously served as the Global Human Resources Leader – Organizational Effectiveness and M&A – for Xerox. With a passion for implementing programs that enhance leadership and organizational effectiveness, Debra has a track record of positively impacting employee retention and engagement in previous organizations. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Merrimack College.
General Manager, California
Atef Khezri, General Manager, brings with him more than 18 years of Operations leadership experience within the global life sciences companies. His expertise encompasses various fields including vaccine manufacturing, cell and gene therapy, biologics CDMOs, and medical devices. He has manufacturing experience in both clinical and commercial scale. Atef is driven by his passion for continuous improvement, adept problem-solving skills, unwavering commitment to quality and compliance, and dedication to operational excellence. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy.
VP of Human Resource
Emily Pullen, Vice President of Nitto Avecia and Nitto Avecia Pharma Services. Emily is a seasoned professional in the field of Human Resources, boasting a J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She has honed her skills as an HR attorney and culture and compliance consultant with extensive HR executive leadership experience. Prior to accepting this role, Emily was Vice President, Head of People at Allurion Technologies. With over 20 years of international and US-based HR experience, Emily brings a wealth of strategic HR knowledge and a strong commitment to fostering an engaged and diverse workforce.
VP of Research and Development
Prasad Panzade, Ph.D. brings over 25 years of experience in the multidimensional chemical industries, encompassing both pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors. Dr. Panzade holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, specializing in pharmaceutical product development, as well as analytical sciences and technology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Panzade has been an active member of several professional organizations, including AAPS, IPA, and SPDS. He is also a dedicated mentor, committed to cultivating the next generation of leaders in the industry. Before joining us, Prasad served as the Head of Analytical Sciences and Laboratory Operations at Catalent, Inc.
Prasad’s extensive expertise and leadership will be vital in advancing our research and development objectives, driving innovation, and enhancing our capabilities in product development and analytical sciences.
VP of Business Development & Project Management
Craig Dobbs, Vice President of Business Development & Project Management is responsible for Avecia’s commercial activities including sales, marketing, business development, and project management. Craig brings over 30 years of technical and client experience in the synthetic biomolecule market having initially trained as a nucleic acid, oligo, and peptide chemist at the Rockefeller University and the University of California Irvine before initiating his commercial career. Craig’s leadership and expertise will be instrumental in achieving our business objectives and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.
General Manager, California
Nathan Poole is the General Manager at the Irvine CA Pharma facility and a recent addition to the Nitto Avecia Team since May 2021. He is responsible for the operational management of the site to ensure the continued development and execution of a world class contract manufacturing organization and analytical service provider. Nathan has over 18 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and combination device industry from which the vast majority has been within the CDMO space. Nathan has broad hands-on experience throughout operations, supply chain, and an extended history in operating through multiple global regulatory markets. Nathan holds a Bachelor degree in Biology from the University of New Mexico.
VP of Quality & Regulatory Affairs
Dr. Qu brings over 20 years of technology development and quality management expertise gained from leading roles in several multinational pharmaceutical companies. Her extensive experience spans Pharmaceutical Quality Systems and Quality Risk Management, encompassing all GxP activities to uphold regulatory compliance, ensure product quality, and protect patient safety. Susan is passionate about cultivating a culture of quality throughout organizations through a holistic approach, collaborating closely with all functional teams. Before joining Nitto Avecia, Dr. Qu held progressive quality leadership positions at Abio-X Holdings, WuXi Biologics, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Genzyme Sanofi.
Dr. Qu obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Emory University, and her MBA from Babson College.
Vice President
Masaki Hayashi, Vice President of Nitto Avecia and Nitto Avecia Pharma Services, has more than 20 years of experience in the chemical field at Nitto Denko Corporation. He has held key roles in the R&D, Intellectual Property, Oligonucleotide Drug Discovery, and Corporate Planning Divisions of Nitto Denko Corporation, primarily responsible for strategic planning, business development, and alliances. Most recently, since 2022, he has been responsible for strategic planning for the Human Life Solutions Sector.
Hayashi holds a Master’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Hyogo.
Executive Chairman
Yoshihiko Terada, Executive Chairman, has been with Nitto Avecia since 2022 and has served as Vice President and Director of the Medical Division at Nitto Denko Corporation since 2015. Before joining Nitto Denko Corporation, Yoshi had 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and consulting firms, respectively. He is committed to contributing to patients and the oligonucleotide market through Nitto Avecia’s excellent capabilities, along with Nitto Denko Corporation’s brand and core technologies. Yoshi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Doshisha University.
10 Vanderbilt Avenue
Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: (949)-951-4425
Fax: (949) 951-4909
6 Vanderbilt Avenue
Irvine, CA 92618
4 Chrysler
Irvine, CA 92618
