Sonia
Benhamida

Sonia is an HEC business school graduate. Whilst studying at HEC, she simultaneously studied at AgroParistech where she obtained a Master’s degree in genetics. She then gained a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from Paris University, specialising in gene therapy. She decided to start her career in academia and became assistant professor at CentraleSupelec where she taught biology and co-founded a research group in mathematical biology applied to biological systems. During that time, she coordinated European FP6 projects and co-led collaborative projects with both public (CEA, CNRS, École Normale Supérieure de la rue d’Ulm…) and private (Les Laboratoires Servier, Genzyme…) partners. She also founded the biology student club which organised extracurricular activities around the discipline. In 2007, she joined Rothschild and Cie where she performed both origination and execution activities in Mergers and Acquisitions. She took part in transactions in several industrial sectors and strengthened her financial skills and experience whilst offering healthcare customers an in depth knowledge of their industry and technological issues. Following her investment banking experience, she became a Business Development professional within Ipsen. Initially in charge of the financial modelling team, she then led late stage oncology BD and finally moved to the UK to become Head of early stage business development. During her years at Ipsen, she originated and/or executed several strategic deals, led the negotiation of a spin out and coordinated several initiatives around process optimisation. She has recently joined DNB, one of the leading Nordic banks, to become Head of Healthcare CEMEA. She carries out strategic advisory and financing transactions for large companies among other activities as she covers all available products and services offered by DNB.
Sonia also has a green belt in operational excellence and was nominated in the BioBeats Movers and Shakers list in 2016. A mother of two and ballet enthusiast (both watching and practicing), she is also an active member of W.I.T.H. (Women Innovating Together in Healthcare).