BIOQUAL Announces Retirement of President and CEO Dr. Mark G. Lewis; Dr. Hanne Andersen Elyard Named as Successor
BIOQUAL, Inc., a leading provider of in vivo and in vitro preclinical research services, has announced the upcoming retirement of its long-serving President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mark G. Lewis. Effective May 31, 2025, Dr. Lewis will step down from his executive leadership role after more than two decades of impactful contributions to the company. He will, however, remain actively involved in guiding BIOQUAL’s strategic direction as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Lewis’s successor will be Dr. Hanne Andersen Elyard, the company’s current Chief Scientific Officer. Her promotion to President reflects BIOQUAL’s commitment to fostering leadership continuity and scientific excellence as the company continues to expand its contract research capabilities in support of biomedical innovation.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Dr. Mark G. Lewis began his tenure at BIOQUAL in August 2003, initially serving as a Senior Scientist. His early contributions to the organization set the stage for a steady ascension through leadership roles. By October 2008, he was named Executive Vice President, a role in which he was instrumental in shaping the company’s operational strategies and expanding its client relationships. In 2010, he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, a role he has held for 15 years.
Under Dr. Lewis’s leadership, BIOQUAL experienced significant growth in both scientific capabilities and industry relevance. The company has played a crucial role in supporting preclinical research for infectious diseases, oncology, immunology, and vaccine development, including pivotal work in response to global public health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, influenza, and most recently, COVID-19.
Dr. Lewis’s tenure was marked by an unwavering focus on scientific rigor, operational integrity, and client satisfaction. He guided the company through evolving regulatory landscapes and positioned BIOQUAL as a trusted partner for government agencies, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical companies alike.
Reflecting on his transition, Dr. Lewis shared, “The entire BIOQUAL team is excited and honored to have Hanne assume the role of President of BIOQUAL and to continue driving and growing our contract research program. Working alongside Hanne for over eighteen years, I remain impressed by her expertise in client contract and business operations capabilities and am confident that through her leadership our company will continue its successful operations.”
He added, “BIOQUAL has always been defined by its people — dedicated researchers, scientists, and operational staff who are passionate about the pursuit of scientific progress. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I look forward to continuing to support the company’s long-term strategic goals as Chairman of the Board.”
Introducing BIOQUAL’s New President: Dr. Hanne Andersen Elyard
Dr. Hanne Andersen Elyard brings a distinguished track record of scientific achievement and leadership to her new role as President of BIOQUAL. Her appointment signals a seamless transition that builds on nearly two decades of experience with the company.
Dr. Elyard earned her Ph.D. in microbiology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 2000. Following her doctoral studies, she completed a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship in the AIDS Vaccine Program at SAIC-Frederick, Inc., a contractor supporting the National Cancer Institute, from 2001 through 2005. During this formative period, she developed extensive expertise in immunology and virology research — areas that would remain central to her career.
In January 2006, Dr. Elyard joined BIOQUAL as a staff scientist. Her early work contributed to the advancement of preclinical studies focused on viral pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. Her commitment to excellence and innovation quickly earned her promotions to increasingly senior roles. In 2010, she was appointed Research Director, where she led teams of scientists in designing and conducting complex in vivo studies.
Her leadership capabilities and scientific acumen were further recognized when she was named Vice President of Science in 2018. In this capacity, Dr. Elyard played a key role in expanding the company’s research portfolio and enhancing client engagement strategies. By 2022, she had been promoted to Chief Scientific Officer, overseeing all of BIOQUAL’s scientific programs and research teams.
Throughout her career, Dr. Elyard has demonstrated a deep understanding of both the scientific and operational aspects of contract research. Her collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and attention to scientific detail have earned her widespread respect among colleagues, clients, and industry peers.
She has authored or co-authored more than 105 peer-reviewed scientific publications, contributing to the global body of knowledge in microbiology, immunology, and infectious disease research. Her work has informed the development of vaccines and therapies across multiple disease areas and continues to influence translational research worldwide.
A Vision for the Future
As President, Dr. Elyard will be tasked with steering BIOQUAL through its next phase of growth, focusing on scientific innovation, operational excellence, and client service. Her leadership will be critical as the company continues to support a rapidly evolving biomedical research landscape that includes emerging infectious diseases, gene therapy, and personalized medicine.
In a statement acknowledging her new role, Dr. Elyard said, “I am honored to assume the role of President at such an exciting time for BIOQUAL. I am deeply grateful to Mark for his mentorship and visionary leadership over the years. His contributions have laid a strong foundation for continued growth and innovation. I look forward to working with our talented team to further our mission of advancing scientific discovery through high-quality preclinical research.”
Dr. Elyard emphasized her commitment to sustaining BIOQUAL’s culture of scientific integrity and collaboration. “Our clients rely on us for critical research that informs the development of life-saving medical interventions. We take that responsibility seriously, and we will continue to invest in our people, our technologies, and our partnerships to ensure we meet the highest standards in everything we do.”
As BIOQUAL transitions to new leadership, the company remains well-positioned to build on its strong legacy and continue its trajectory of success. The appointment of Dr. Elyard ensures both continuity and a fresh perspective, aligning with BIOQUAL’s commitment to excellence in preclinical research.
With Dr. Lewis’s continued involvement as Chairman of the Board and Dr. Elyard’s leadership as President, the company is poised to navigate the future of biomedical research with confidence and purpose. BIOQUAL’s leadership transition reflects a thoughtful and strategic succession plan that underscores the company’s stability, resilience, and forward-looking vision.
For clients, partners, and stakeholders, this change marks the beginning of a new chapter grounded in scientific strength and strategic foresight — one that promises continued innovation in support of global health and medical advancement.
