Andrea Douglas, Class of 1986
Scientist merged into a Biotech Executive.
What have you been doing since you left Kilvington?
I lead CSL’s (Australia’s leading Biotechnology company and largest company on the ASX) Organisation Transformation Office, which integrates and drives major organisational design changes that have broad implications to the business across areas of strategy, structure, governance, process and people. I also lead government relations strategy in Australia.
I’ve held various roles at CSL since 2005, including Vice President, R&D Strategy and External Affairs where I led the global R&D strategy, product portfolio, R&D investment and prioritisation processes. I was also Vice President, Licensing, Head of Global R&D Project Management and Program Director, Influenza.
Before joining CSL I was the CEO of the Gene CRC. I also held a senior research role at WEHI where I studied the molecular genetics of breast cancer.
I have a PhD degree in Forensic Medicine from Monash University and a Masters degree in Health Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. I am also Director of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and BioCurate and was a Director of AusBiotech from 2013-2019.
Can you share a career highlight?
Receiving the ‘2020 BioMelbourne Network’s Women In Leadership award’
I was thrilled to receive this award and to follow in the footsteps of many remarkable female leaders before me. I am passionate about uniting academia, industry, and public policy to support the development of a thriving biotechnology ecosystem in Australia. It’s a great honour to contribute to this industry and to be able to facilitate the translation of our world class research into health benefits for all.
What are your future plans?
I’ve just moved out of R&D and into a broader organisational role, so that will keep me challenged for the next few years. I’m fortunate to be in the medical research and health sector which makes getting up each day pretty easy – so as long as I keep finding the work challenging I can’t imagine working in another industry. I have supplemented my executive role with Board roles in the past few years and I can imagine in future I will spend more time in that capacity.
What are your memories of Kilvington?
I have great memories of growing up and learning in a safe and nurturing environment and of fun and friendship. Me and my closest friends from Kilvington still catch up regularly, and go on an annual ‘girl’s trip.