Our Team, Our Story
Since 2021, BioGntx and its team of specialists have been extensively engaged in developing its IP and testing the first research products based on plant-based substances. Our leadership team brings a wealth of experience and expertise from various fields, ensuring a well-rounded and innovative approach to our work.
Introducing our experienced and diverse management team:
D. (Diggy) ter Horst
CEO
Diggy ter Horst has served as a Founder and CEO in various revolutionary (tech) companies worldwide and has a proven track nurturing young companies into successful businesses.
In addition to his expertise in horticultural lighting, he is also knowledgable about sustainability and the use of technology to improve the environmental impact of agriculture and food production.
Dr. M. (Marjolein) Wildwater
CSO (Off-site Vivaltes)
Marjolein Wildwater has a PhD degree in Molecular Genetics & Developmental Biology from Utrecht University. Her work was published in Nature and Cell, two highly prestigious scientific journals, and awarded with the PhD award of the year 2006.
After her PhD, Marjolein received a VENI talent award from the Dutch Government, an award only assigned to the top 10% of young talented upcoming researchers. Marjoleins main focus has been on developmental biology, stem cell biology, toxicology and efficacy of health beneficial compounds.
She has been initiating and leading several international research consortia at European union level. In 2016 she founded Vivaltes, a Contract Research Organisation that takes advantage of the newest scientific knowledge to successfully replace, refine and reduce animal testing with regards to compound effects for human health. In that capacity Marjolein has been nominated for Global CEO Excellence award of the year 2023.
Dr. C.J. (Cees) Beukelman
CMO Medical Biologist/specialized in immunology and (Off-site PhytoGenix)
Cees is assistant professor at the University of Utrecht since 1991. He has a degree in medical biology and specializes in drug discovery and drug development.
He is involved in various projects developing plant based-medicine and his expertise and experience form a perfect fit with BioGntx.
Mr. drs. N.U.N. (Nicole) Kien
General Counsel (Off-site LS&H Lawyers)
Nicole Kien has been an attorney at law in the Netherlands for over 30 years and has unique expertise in the (global) life sciences & health market. She has extensive knowledge of the regulatory frameworks that govern these markets.
She is skilled in advising clients on various issues including licensing, regulatory, access and compliance. She is (a.o.) officer in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee of the International Bar Association, registered mediator and is widely recognized as a leading specialist in her field.
Diggy
ter Horst
CEO
Diggy has served as a Founder and CEO in various revolutionary (tech) companies worldwide and has a proven track nurturing young companies into successful businesses.
In addition to his expertise in horticultural lighting, he is also knowledgable about sustainability and the use of technology to improve the environmental impact of agriculture and food production.
Anniken
Amdam
Commercial Director
Anniken is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience in entrepreneurship, company development and strategic growth. Throughout her career, she has specialized in driving executive leadership and building high-performing organizations.
With a strong track record of collaborating with leading international brands, Anniken excels at turning strategic visions into financial success. Her expertise lies in combining, sales, marketing and revenue management to drive profitability and sustainable growth.
Joy van
Leeuwen
Marketing Communication Manager
Joy van Leeuwen is a results-driven Marketing Communication Manager with a strong focus on brand growth, strategic storytelling and digital engagement. She translates business goals into impactful campaigns that connect with target audiences effectively.
Rob
Beens
CCO
Rob provides Management,- Advisory & coaching support services as Sparring Partner to International SME companies with a base in The Netherlands. Over the last 35 years Rob has been active as executive director/CEO in different companies and industries.
Field of expertise : building and expanding international businesses, service and distribution management and international sales & marketing in B2B environments and strategic portfolio management. Rob holds specific experience in AgriTech, Supply Chain Management, Services (Rental, IT, Distribution) and Start-Ups. In his capacity Rob is CEO of the family office of DIBA Holding BV, a Dutch investment company.
Bianca
Roorda
Quality Assurance Manager
Bianca is an experienced QESH professional with an extensive and wide experience in the food industry in the field of Quality, Environment, Safety & Health and employee behavior.
She has introduced quality systems resulting in a guaranteed system and obtaining/continuing certification and maintains the high standard for continuous improvement of systems, procedures, methods of operation and feedback on the underlying behaviour together with the staff from all levels within the company. Bianca facilitates improvement projects (including TPM/ 5S/ specific projects), Root Cause Analysis (fishbone/ 5-Why/ Is-is not) and is responsible for the validation of BioGntx Master Plan, preparing and performing of validation protocols of existing and new machines. She has a wide range of experience in partner-based projects and assignments.
N.N.
Technology Transfer Manager (Platform Integration)
The Technology Transfer Manager act as bridge between BioGntx sales and marketing team, its development team and BioGntX commercial partners, making sure the IP based technology platform-based innovation becomes real-world, usable applications in partner environments.
The manager translate BioGntx’s technology platform solutions into integration plans and follow up, guide partners through technical onboarding, and keep projects moving across multiple stakeholders (Sales, R&D, regulatory, business, IP/legal). The core responsibility is to translate the proprietary platform into technically viable, commercially relevant production applications with partner organizations while ensuring alignment with licensing and IP objectives.
Richard
van Bueren
CFO
Richard serves as Chief Financial Officer, bringing over two decades of experience in financial management, corporate governance, and international business operations. His expertise spans financial strategy, reporting, risk management, and funding for high-growth and innovation-driven companies.
With a strong background in cross-border finance and organizational leadership, Richard plays a key role in ensuring financial stability and supporting the company’s strategic development across its international footprint.
Vanessa
Häusler
Management Assistant
Vanessa supports the BioGntx team with administrative coordination, project organization, and day-to-day operations. With experience in office management and HR support, she ensures smooth processes and effective communication across all areas of the company.
Rinus
Beintema
CIO
Rinus is the founder and owner of Medican Campus B.V., based in Rotterdam. He brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial leadership, scientific expertise, and hands-on experience in laboratory environments.
With a professional background as a researcher and lab technician, Rinus has worked extensively in the development and formulation of cannabinoid-based products. His deep understanding of product innovation, lab processes, and regulatory frameworks in the medical cannabis sector supports BioGntx’s mission of science-driven and compliant growth.
George
Joubert
Lab technician
George is a Laboratory Technician at BioGntx with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology from the University of Portsmouth. He supports pharmaceutical research through precise lab work, data analysis, and a strong focus on quality.
George brings both scientific knowledge and hands-on experience to help drive innovation in drug development.
The Story of BioGntx
The story of BioGntx is one fuelled by passion and unwavering belief. Its founders, deeply ingrained in the biotech and plant-based life science industries, embarked on a mission to revolutionize the perception of initially plant-based formulation with its IP based Technology platform.
Driven by a desire to scientifically validate and improve the efficacy, bioavailability, dose sparring and safety of substances for cosmetics, food supplements and pharma products with known obvious effects, the founders recognized the inherent potential for development of its IP based technology platform.
Pooling together their diverse backgrounds and expertise, they formulated an ambitious vision, underpinned by a profound dedication to scientific inquiry. Compiling an experienced and reputable team paved the way for the commencement of BioGntx’s pioneering research endeavours, marking the inception of an organization that would challenge conventional paradigms.
As BioGntx’s scientific investigations unfolded, the results they obtained were nothing short of spectacular. The profound impact and immense potential exhibited by its prototype products propelled the founders to further invest their efforts and capital into expanding the company’s research and development activities leading to a successful filing of already 2 PCT’s (2025). BioGntx is currently in the process of redirecting its focus towards pre-clinical trials and partnership projects aimed at go-to-market product launches.
Driven by a shared passion and a resolute belief in the power of its IP based solutions, BioGntx continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. Its founders’ unwavering commitment and dedication serve as the driving force behind the organization’s ongoing pursuit to revolutionize the field of biotechnology and contribute to the well-being of individuals.
