Dr Chu is working at the company's Biomune Campus in Lenexa, Kansas, and is part of the Biology Management Team and a member of the Ceva Scientific Advisory Board. He reports to Dr Arnaud Bourgeois, Ceva Santé Animale Vice President and Global Biologics Director.

Dr Steve Chu

Dr Bourgeois said: "We are dedicated to attracting top industry talent. With the rapid expansion of our Biology R&D international network and the strategic move towards swine and cattle vaccines, Ceva needed a strong and experienced leader. With Steve, we simply chose the best."

He stressed the importance of hiring one of the top scientific minds in the industry, adding: "Ceva is growing explosively right now. Our industrial growth is evidenced by our heavy investment in existing manufacturing units, while continuing to add new, state-of-the-art facilities. In addition, we've already created a solid foundation of the industry's top scientific minds. Our existing team is extraordinary, and the addition of Steve generates even more power. With these two commitments to industry and talent, we’re perfectly positioned to continue offering unique solutions to our customers."

Dr Chu's enthusiasm for Ceva's future is evident; the company's culture and philosophy were very attractive to him.

He said: "Ceva has long been known for poultry vaccine innovation. It's a leader in new technology, a rising star in the competitive biotech industry. I came here to contribute to the success, to be a part of this exciting growth, and to make a real difference in my field. The innovation, the creativity, the vision – I simply had to be part of this incredible team."

Dr Chu has a long and distinguished background. He holds a B.S. in Veterinary Medicine, a DVM, an M.S. in Veterinary Virology and a PhD in Microbiology. He was formerly Global Chief Biologics Officer – Distinguished Research Fellow for Elanco Animal Health, and he has also held positions at Pfizer, Fort Dodge Animal Health and Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. He is a member of the American Society for Virology and he has been honoured with the CDC Director's Innovation Award in the category of People Prepared for Emerging Health Threats and Healthy People in a Healthy World for the 'Development of an Equine West Nile DNA Vaccine'. He is proud that he not only developed the first West Nile vaccine but also the first DNA vaccine for any species. He also created the first inactivated BRSV vaccine and single-dose modified live BRSV cattle vaccine. He also co-developed a reverse genetic avian influenza vaccine against highly pathogenic H5N1, and secured the first federally licensed product in the US and European Union.