Newcells Biotech appoints Emile Shaffu as Director of Sales

Newcells Biotech (“Newcells”), a leading drug discovery partner specializing in developing in vitro models and bespoke assay services to improve the prediction of in vivo human outcomes, today announced the appointment of Emile Shaffu as Director of Sales. With over 20 years of international sales and management experience in the life sciences, his appointment is part of the Company’s commercial strategy to strengthen its position across key global markets and improve customer support.

Emile joins Newcells following a series of recent appointments to the executive and US commercial teams, forming part of the Company’s strategy for further expansion and technological innovation¹. In his new role, Emile will lead the international sales strategy, building on the team's rapid growth and commercial success in the past year. His appointment will provide further support for Newcells’ global network, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to customer service and meeting increasing market demand for new approach methods (NAMs) in drug discovery.

Emile brings a wealth of commercial and technical expertise spanning molecular biology and cutting-edge genomic technologies, with a proven track-record in developing successful sales strategies and driving the adoption of innovative scientific solutions. Most recently as UK Regional Business Manager at Californian-based Bionano Genomics, he spearheaded the successful introduction of the Company’s novel optical genome mapping technique to the UK market, working closely to employ the technology across industry, the NHS, and academia.

During his five-year tenure at Horizon Discovery (now Revvity), Emile held various positions responsible for expanding and fortifying customer networks for its portfolio of drug discovery CRISPR/RNAi products and screening services in the UK, Europe, and the US. He also gained experience within the Nordic market through his role at epigenetics company, Diagenode. Emile holds a Master’s degree in Business Studies from Aston University and a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Sheffield Hallam University.

Emile Shaffu, Director of Sales, Newcells Biotech, said: “Throughout my career, I have focused on opportunities in areas of high innovation. Newcells puts this at the forefront of its capabilities; combining unique expertise with cutting-edge technology to offer targeted solution to researchers’ complex problems. I am eager to join the Company, collaborate with the team, and apply my expertise to enhance access to these industry-leading in vitro models – in this way, we can take the guesswork out of drug development and accelerate clinical translation across more programmes globally.”

Dr Mike Nicholds, CEO and Co-Founder, Newcells Biotech, commented: “Emile’s successful track record and proven leadership in the life sciences sector will play a pivotal role as we expand our global footprint and deliver on our mission to improve the translation from preclinical studies to first-in-human trials.” He added: “This announcement builds on the recent appointment of Anthony Kayas and Catherine Ulich to our US team and is integral to our growth strategy and drive to service our customers.”

1. Press release (11th June 2024): Newcells Biotech strengthens executive and US team with key appointments