Biography
Dr. Gargi Maheshwari serves as Vice President, Biologics Development at Bristol Myers Squibb responsible for process and analytical development for BMS’ biologics portfolio.
Prior to this role, she led Cell Therapy Development at BMS. She joined BMS from Merck & Co where she spent close to 20 years progressing through roles of increasing responsibility. Her last role at Merck was as Associate Vice President leading the Biologics Process Development & Commercialization function in the Merck Manufacturing Division where her team focused on biologics drug substance manufacturing processes supporting commercial and late stage pipeline biologics. She started her career at Merck Research Laboratories working on vaccine programs at various stages of development. In additional to leading functional verticals, Dr. Maheshwari has led cross divisional teams on all Chemistry & Manufacturing Control aspects of biologics, cell therapy & vaccines development. At Merck, she served as the co-lead of the Integrated Development and Supply Team for KEYTRUDA® and led the team through licensure under breakthrough therapy designation. Dr. Maheshwari has led and contributed to the development of a number of vaccines, cell therapies and biologics which are now in the market.
She has received many prestigious awards both internal to her company as well as being recognized by organizations such as PhRMA, Prix Galien, ACS Heroes of Chemistry and Manufacturing Leadership Council. She was also elected to the prestigious US National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. She is also a fellow of American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering . She is passionate about mentoring and developing diverse talent working with individuals early in their career to supporting advancement of those with more experience, including actively supporting Women in Science & Engineering. Dr. Maheshwari is well-recognized internationally for her expertise in bioprocess development and commercialization, leading teams and large functional organizations spanning multiple geographies. She has been invited to present at and chair international conferences.
Dr. Maheshwari received a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA and her undergraduate degree in Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, and has 2 grown sons.