Marion Hitchcock is the Managing Director of the Gene & Cell Therapies Incubator Berlin and an R&D Strategy & Portfolio Manager at Bayer, leveraging over 20 years of extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry with a strong focus on open innovation and ecosystem engagement.

In her current position, Marion is at the forefront of establishing a pioneering GCT-focused biotech hub in Berlin, developed through a public-private partnership with Charité-University Medicine. This initiative is dedicated to accelerating innovation and facilitating the translation of laboratory research into real-world applications in the field of gene and cell therapies. Her profound expertise in strategic partnerships and stakeholder management has enabled her to successfully spearhead significant initiatives, including the development of the Bayer Research & Innovation Center in Cambridge, USA, as well as impactful research collaborations with prestigious institutions such as the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University.

Marion’s diverse expertise spans gene and cell therapies, oncology, and external innovations in therapeutics. She is widely recognized for her commitment to promoting positive change and actively engaging with the scientific community, positioning her as a key contributor to the ongoing advancements in biotechnology.