Mark Boterman
Mark Boterman is Site Director Operations at Ardena Bioanalysis in Assen. He leads bioanalytical operations and overall site performance, with responsibility for operational execution, capacity planning, process optimization, and cross-site alignment of workflows and systems.
With more than two decades of experience at Ardena, Mark has held various leadership roles contributing to the growth and development of the organization’s bioanalytical capabilities. He combines extensive expertise in ligand binding assays and LC-MS/MS with a strong focus on operational excellence, team development, and organizational performance. At Ardena, he focuses on building high-performing teams, fostering collaboration, and supporting consistent, high-quality delivery to clients.
Mark is passionate about continuous improvement, people development, and creating an environment that supports both individual and organizational growth.
Niels Nijstad
Niels Nijstad is a Subject Matter Expert in bioanalysis at Ardena. He supports Sponsors in aligning drug development needs with Ardena’s scientific and operational capabilities.
His work focuses on phase-appropriate bioanalytical strategies for drug development programs, including PK, ADA, and biomarker assays. He brings over 15 years of experience across biotech and CRO environments, with expertise at the intersection of translational bioanalysis, regulatory expectations, and business operations.
Niels obtained his PhD from the University of Groningen, where his research focused on cholesterol transport.
Esther Biemans
Esther Biemans is a Senior Scientist and Project Manager at Ardena. She brings extensive experience in large molecule analysis and has specialized in developing and validating PK, PD, and ADA assays for a wide range of drug development projects over the past 15 years.
Since moving into the CRO industry in 2010, Esther has worked as a senior scientist and project manager, building extensive expertise in large molecule bioanalysis.
Esther obtained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Groningen in 2006, focusing on immunology and enzymology. She subsequently completed postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver before transitioning into the CRO industry.
Henri Meijering
Henri Meijering is Associate Director Operations at Ardena Bioanalysis. He brings expertise in drug development and pharmacokinetics, with a strong focus on bioanalytical chemistry and mass spectrometric techniques.
Since joining Ardena in 2012, Henri has held several roles across the organization, including Project Manager, Team Lead Project Management, and Business Support Manager. In his current role, he leads teams specializing in small and large molecule LC-MS/MS analysis and oversees laboratory operations and project management activities.
Henri received his master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, specializing in bioanalytical chemistry and mass spectrometric techniques. With more than two decades of experience, he is dedicated to advancing scientific excellence and fostering collaboration within the bioanalytical field.
Gunnar Flik, PhD
Gunnar Flik joined Ardena in 2024 as Division Head of Bioanalytical Services. With over 20 years of experience in drug discovery within biotech and CRO environments, Gunnar brings a wealth of strategic vision and entrepreneurial expertise to his role. He is dedicated to developing comprehensive short- and long-term strategic plans aimed at optimizing efficiency, fostering growth, and enhancing profitability within Ardena’s Bioanalysis division.
Prior to joining Ardena, Gunnar served as owner and Managing Director of operations EU of Brains On-Line which was later acquired by Charles River Laboratories (CRL). He led the successful and seamless integration of Brains On-Line into CRL. Gunnar played a pivotal role in the seamless integration of Brains On-Line into CRL, where he subsequently served as Site Director and contributed to strategic initiatives within the Discovery Business Unit, advising on partnerships and M&A activities.
Gunnar holds a PhD in Neuropharmacology.
Ariane De Ganck, PhD
Since 2019, Ariane has overseen Ardena’s drug product activities, spearheading successful integration and transformation at Ardena Pamplona and expanding the company’s capabilities to include sterile services.
With over a decade of senior management experience in CRO/CDMO sectors, Ariane excels in leading multidisciplinary teams and is dedicated to team development, fostering networks, and maintaining a customer-centric approach. Her leadership has also been instrumental in driving business development initiatives.
Prior to joining Ardena, Ariane made significant contributions to the growth of Biogazelle, a specialized CRO in RNA and DNA biomarker services.
Ariane holds a PhD in biomedical sciences, focusing on proteins and oncology