Management Team
Accera is backed by experienced management and commercialization teams, representing 75 combined years experience and with a deep understanding of the pharma and biotech industries. We have been involved in the successful commercialization of a number of start-up companies and numerous drugs in the CNS category.
Holger Kunze | President and CEO
With more than 30 years managerial experience with multinational pharmaceutical and nutrition companies, Holger Kunze, currently serves as President and CEO of Accera, Inc., a privately-held, commercial-stage, healthcare company focused on the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics to treat central nervous system disorders. Mr. Kunze previously served as the Regional Business Unit Head for Nestle Health Science’s HealthCare Nutrition Business Unit in the Africa, Oceania and Asia (AOA) territories. While managing more than 600 employees, Mr. Kunze integrated the Novartis Medical Nutrition Business into the Nestle Nutrition Division, leading it to one of the top Medical Nutrition companies in the region with more than $250M in sales for 2011. Under his leadership, Nestle Health Science consistently delivered annual targeted top and bottom line performance and is gaining market share in all key markets. Prior to joining Nestle, Mr. Kunze held various managerial positions within Novartis for more than 10 years. From 2004 to 2007, Mr. Kunze led and managed the Consumer Health division of the Asia Regional Novartis Medical Nutrition business unit. During his tenure, Mr. Kunze established the Asia Regional Medical Nutrition Office in Singapore, supported and coordinated the acquisition of the Mead Johnson Adult Nutrition business and lead and managed the Medical Nutrition businesses for Novartis in 17 Asian countries. Prior to his position as Manager for Novartis Medical Nutrition, Mr. Kunze served as the Region Head for Novartis’ Consumer Health “OTC” Unit in the Greater China area for nearly three years where he stabilized and grew the business after several years of poor performance and high employee turnover. Additionally, he established a new product registration strategy in China, continued to grow market share and launched two new products in Taiwan. He also hired and built a new management team and launched two new products and gained market share in Hong Kong. Among Mr. Kunze’s other positions within Novartis included Managing Director of Consumer Health “OTC and Nutrition” Business Units in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Medial Nutrition Manager of Novartis Medical Nutrition business unit in Asia and Marketing Manager of Novartis Nutrition USA. Prior to his time with Novartis, Mr. Kunze held various managerial positions within Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals and additionally worked as a scientist for Phillip Morris USA. Mr. Kunze holds a B.S. in Biochemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University and is complemented by his MBA coursework at the University of Colorado.
William T. Poncy, M.B.A. | Vice President, Commercial Development
William brings more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to Accera. He has a demonstrated track record of success in all aspects of the pharmaceutical commercial organization. Prior to joining Accera in 2007, he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Myogen, Inc. (acquired by Gilead Sciences) where he built the commercial organization and launched a pulmonary anti-hypertension franchise. Previously he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing, North America for Pharmion where he developed an oncology commercial organization. He started his career in field sales with Berlex Labs and then from 1982 until 2000, William held several positions at DuPont Pharmaceuticals including sales, managed care, trade, marketing, public policy and various management roles. Bill received his B.S. in Biological Science from the University of California, Irvine and his M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.
Samuel Henderson, Ph.D. | Vice President, Research & Development
Samuel Henderson's research has defined new pathways in the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Most recently, Dr. Henderson was at The Institute of Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO where he investigated the genetics of aging. Prior to that, he was a Lead Scientist at GenoPlex, Inc. directing research in anti-aging technologies. Dr. Henderson has co-authored numerous scientific publications, patents and reviews, including fundamental discoveries in aging research. He received his B.A. in Biology from Washington University, St. Louis, MO and his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology from University of Chicago. He received extensive post-doctoral training in developmental biology at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Henderson is the scientific founder of Accera.