Adriana Kiędzierska-Mencfeld

Few leaders can both define an industry and reshape its future. Dr. Adriana Kiędzierska-Mencfeld is one of them. As Chief Operating Officer of Polpharma Biologics Group and President of the Management Board of Polpharma Biologics SA, she has led the rise of the largest biotechnology company in Central and Eastern Europe by turning a small company into a global player with over 1,300 employees.

Her impact is visible in Poland’s leap onto the international biotech stage. Under her leadership, the company developed and launched the first two biosimilar drugs created in Poland — natalizumab and ranibizumab — approved by both the EMA and FDA. These milestones demonstrate that Polish biotechnology can meet the world’s highest standards.

Dr. Kiędzierska-Mencfeld playes a key role in transforming the company into a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), offering specialized services in the development and manufacturing of biologic drugs for external partners. She also led the introduction of AI-driven solutions across biotech operations. Her focus on efficiency, advanced technology, and scalability has built a solid foundation for the company’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

Among her many strengths, it is her leadership style that truly makes her stand out. As the only woman leading a biotech company in Poland, she brings vision and purpose to her role — empowering her teams through trust, autonomy, and accountability. She fosters a culture where innovation flourishes and where women are encouraged to take on leadership roles.

Dr. Kiędzierska-Mencfeld is not only building a company, but she is also building a sector, a culture, and a future for Polish biotechnology. Her work has a lasting impact, and her leadership is setting new standards for what is possible in science, business, and beyond.