GBI Biomanufacturing has appointed Chandra Kelley as chief business officer, tasking her with leading the company’s commercial strategy, business development organization, client engagement efforts and long-term growth planning as the CDMO expands its capabilities and market presence. The company described the move as aligned with its focus on supporting early-stage antibody and antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs.
Kelley brings more than 25 years of experience in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry, with a track record in driving commercial growth, building strategic partnerships and scaling customer-focused sales organizations across large-molecule development and manufacturing services. Before joining GBI, she held senior commercial development roles at KBI Biopharma, Pfanstiehl and SAFC.
“GBI Biomanufacturing is entering an exciting new phase of growth and capability expansion,” said Jesse McCool, president of GBI Biomanufacturing. He said Kelley brings the client and market insight needed to deepen support for early-stage antibody and ADC projects, and noted that her experience structuring integrated, phase-appropriate work packages for rapid early phase supply aligns with GBI’s latest solutions in monoclonal antibodies and bioconjugation.
As CBO, Kelley will focus on growing GBI’s customer base, strengthening strategic partnerships, improving proposal and project evaluation processes, and aligning commercial execution with operational capabilities to support sustainable growth.
“I’m excited to join GBI at such a dynamic stage of growth,” Kelley said. She pointed to the company’s recent expansion in South Florida, which adds commercial-scale production capacity for complex biologics and complements its long-standing expertise in mammalian-based recombinant protein production. Kelley highlighted GBI’s commitment to scientific excellence, operational flexibility and customer service, and said she looks forward to helping further position the company as a trusted CDMO partner from development through commercialization.