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Els Heykants has a diverse background in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Els started their career at Shire as the Director of Global Strategic Planning and Program Management, where they were responsible for optimizing the GI portfolio and leading the development team for RESOLOR. Els also played a key role in new market introductions and business planning processes.

Following their time at Shire, Els held various consulting roles at TheraSolve, Galapagos, and a global public health organization affiliated with Johnson and Johnson. In these positions, they provided program and portfolio management services, developed strategies, and managed drug development programs.

In 2013, Els founded Pi M Consulting BV, a consulting firm specializing in program and project management in the life science industry. Els focused on developing executable roadmaps, implementing planning methodologies, and leading interdisciplinary drug and medical device development projects.

Els has also held board and expert positions at KU Leuven, Research Foundation Flanders, and KCE Trials, where they contributed their expertise in various capacities.

Currently, Els is the Head of Business Development Operations at Galapagos, where they oversee the functional planning, PMO systems, and reporting. Els also leads the Systems, Reporting, and Analytics team and previously held the role of Head of Planning and Reporting, where they built the GLPG Project Management Organization and implemented planning, forecasting, and budgeting frameworks.

In summary, Els Heykants has extensive experience in strategic planning, program and project management, and business development within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Els has a proven track record of success in optimizing portfolios, leading drug development programs, and implementing effective planning methodologies.

Els Heykants holds a Doctor's Degree in Engineering (PhD) with a specialization in Physical Chemistry, which they completed from 1993 to 1997. Els also earned a Master's Degree in Bio-Engineering (M.Eng.) in Chemistry and Food technology, which they pursued from 1988 to 1993. Els Heykants further pursued additional certifications and programs, including the Vlerick Middle Management Program in Business Administration and Management, General, which they completed from 2008 to 2009. Els also received certification by examination in Regulatory Affairs from the European Regulatory Affairs Course in 2000-2001. In addition, Els Heykants obtained certification in Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2002-2003. Prior to their scientific and engineering pursuits, Els Heykants had also studied ballet, music, music history, violin, and piano at the Music and Dance Academy from 1978 to 1988. Overall, Els Heykants has a diverse educational background spanning physical chemistry, bio-engineering, business administration, regulatory affairs, project management, and artistic disciplines.