Dr. Henkel acquired more than 20 years experience in life science R&D at different managerial positions. He is organic chemist by training, obtained his PhD with Professor Zeeck at the University of Goettingen, Germany and worked with Professor Vederas in Canada in the area of biochemistry. After joining Bayer Pharma he worked as medicinal chemist and in 2002 he became vice president, heading the department of enabling technologies. He also served as an executive member of the international research committee bearing responsibility for portfolio management and strategic decision making of Bayer Pharma research.

Dr. Henkel co-founded IMD in 2006. He successfully co-managed acquisition of investors with a volume of more than 10mio Euro.

With his functions, Dr. Henkel gained experiences in multiple Pharma and life science application areas. Under his guidance several Natural materials have been successfully brought into Pharma pre-clinical development or development for Food or Cosmetic applications.