Raphael Ognar | President & CEO, Co-founder
NKILT Therapeutics Inc.

Visionary and charismatic biotech executive with over 28 years of experience spanning commercial strategy, drug development, and product lifecycle management. Raphaël has held key global and regional leadership roles at top-tier pharmaceutical companies including Novartis Oncology, Celgene, and Bristol Myers Squibb, with a 23-year track record of success in Oncology and Hematology. Over the past decade, Raphaël has deepened his focus on Immuno-Oncology and Cell Therapy, culminating in the founding of NKILT Therapeutics, Inc. in 2021. Prior to this, he launched ANIM8 LLC, an executive advisory firm providing strategic and operational consulting for early-stage biotech. Raphaël holds a Master’s degree and a D.E.A. in Physiology and Neurosciences from the University of Bordeaux I & II, as well as an MBA in Strategic Marketing and Enterprise Management from IAE Tours University. Beyond his commitment to advancing cancer therapies, Raphaël is an avid rock climber, vintage wine enthusiast, musician and front man in his family band, and passionate animal rescuer who enjoys traveling the world with family and friends.