Spotlight On: Chris Cozic, Executive Vice President & Chief People Officer, Genmab
April 2025 — Invest: met with Chris Cozic, executive vice president and chief people officer of Genmab, to discuss the company’s recent milestones, expansion in New Jersey, industry collaborations, talent acquisition strategies, and the evolving biotech landscape.
What have been some recent milestones and achievements for Genmab in New Jersey?
Over the past seven years, we’ve been rapidly expanding in New Jersey, particularly in the Princeton-Plainsboro area and beyond. We’ve continued our efforts to discover and develop new antibody therapeutics to help patients. Our journey in serving patients has also enabled us to expand our footprint in New Jersey. In fact, within the next couple of weeks, we’ll be completing our new site in the state, further supporting our expansion. We’ve been fortunate to be part of a thriving ecosystem, surrounded by other companies in the industry, top universities, and a strong talent pool. The state of New Jersey itself has made this a welcoming and supportive home for us.
How does Genmab partner with other companies, institutions, or even government agencies in the region to advance research and development?
We are members of various trade associations like PhRMA and BIO. Personally, I have a deep appreciation for the BioNJ team, which plays a crucial role in supporting both the industry and patients. We collaborate with multiple universities in various ways, including research partnerships, development initiatives, internships, fellowships, and preceptorship programs. These collaborations allow us to access innovative thinking and top-tier talent.
How do you approach talent acquisition and retention in the competitive biotechnology industry?
Genmab has experienced double-digit growth in New Jersey every year for the past seven years. We’ve expanded from fewer than 20 employees to nearly 1,000 in the state. We’ve developed strong expertise in talent acquisition and, importantly, retention. Our turnover rate is significantly lower than the industry average, which speaks to our ability to foster long-term employee engagement. New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer a deep talent pool with industry experience in pharma, biotech, and related technology sectors. When you combine that talent with Genmab’s unique value proposition — a growth-stage biotech with an entrepreneurial spirit and an outstanding culture — it sets us apart in this competitive landscape. In addition to leveraging technology and strengthening relationships with academic institutions, we focus on building our reputation in the ecosystem. This visibility, combined with an authentic and engaging workplace culture, helps us attract and retain top talent while fostering innovation and community.
Given Genmab’s international presence, how do you ensure a cohesive corporate culture across global offices?
Culture isn’t static, it evolves. While our core values remain the same across all locations, the way those values manifest in our workplace culture varies slightly based on regional dynamics, staff composition, and local customs. We embrace these differences while maintaining a strong foundation of commonality. This balance creates a uniquely dynamic and inclusive work environment that makes Genmab a special place to work.
What makes New Jersey an ideal location for growth in the bioscience sector?
New Jersey is an excellent location for bioscience growth for several reasons. First, the state government actively supports innovation, technology, and biotech, fostering a rich ecosystem that enables companies like ours to thrive. Additionally, New Jersey is home to world-class universities, established biotech and pharma companies, and a concentration of talent and expertise. This forward-thinking environment has been built over decades, creating a strong foundation for continued industry growth.
What infrastructure investments or policy changes do you believe are necessary to sustain long-term industry growth?
To sustain growth, we need to remove barriers to innovation, simplify hiring and expansion processes, and ensure cost-effective operations. There are already discussions about new legislation and incentive programs to attract AI-specific talent, which is a great step forward. Forward-thinking initiatives like these will be crucial for maintaining a thriving biotech industry. No single entity has all the answers, which is why collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and academic institutions is key.
Which sectors within bioscience are driving growth in New Jersey, and how is Genmab positioning itself to support these high-growth areas?
There are several high-growth areas, including AI and technical R&D talent. We collaborate with academic institutions to align curricula with industry needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for biotech careers. Beyond talent development, we must also address challenges such as cost of living and transportation. Enhancing affordability and accessibility in New Jersey could further support industry expansion.
Are there any other emerging technologies that are transforming Genmab’s operations?
AI is by far the most disruptive technology, not just for biotech but across all industries. AI is blurring the lines between tech and life sciences, enhancing efficiency, and creating new competition for talent. At Genmab, we view AI as a tool that empowers employees with almost limitless resources to improve their work. It’s a game-changer that will continue to reshape the industry in profound ways.
What are Genmab’s top priorities for the next two to three years?
Genmab is at a critical inflection point, transitioning from a partnership-based business model to a fully independent one. Our top priorities include executing late-stage clinical trials, building global infrastructure for commercialization, maintaining scientific innovation, and exploring organic and inorganic opportunities to strengthen our portfolio and leverage our strong R&D capabilities.
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