Our team

Professor Jean-Michel Foidart graduated in Gynecology from the University of Liège and also obtained a PhD in cell biology and biochemistry, before directing its Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics.

Co-founder of Mithra, he is the author of more than 1300 publications on women’s health and experimental oncology. Professor Foidart holds the Francqui Chair, Doctor Honoris Causa of the Pierre and Marie Curie University of Paris and the Paul Sabatier University of Toulouse. He is Officer of the Order of Leopold II, Commander, Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown, Professor Extraordinary, Honorary of the ULg and Perpetual Secretary of the Royal Academy of Medicine of Belgium. He was also General Secretary of the European Society of Gynecology and member of multiple editorial boards of international peer-reviewed journals.

Ms. Valérie Gordenne holds a Master's degree in Pharmacy from the University of Liège.

She has over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical Research & Development with extensive leadership experience in full drug development across a range of therapeutic areas, in particular in women's health (CSO Mithra, CEO Novalon, General Manager Odyssea). Through the management of various functions and activities, she has developed a deep operational and strategic knowledge and expertise in drug development. She is currently Chief Scientific Officer at Auxin Surgery, CEO of the start-up Odix and advisor in regulatory affairs.

Jacques Platieau holds a degree in Mathematics and Computer Sciences from the University of Mons-Hainaut, Belgium.

Mr Platieau began his career at IBM Belgium in the Telecommunications division as System & Sales Engineer. In July 2003, he joined the Business Consulting practice of IBM Belux as Partner and Industrial Sector Leader and in 2005 Jacques Platieau became General Manager of IBM Global Business Services for Belgium/Luxembourg. In July 2005, his responsibility was extended to the Benelux. Mr Platieau has been Vice-President and General Manager of IBM Global Business Services for the BeNeLux up to March 2010. On 6 April 2010, Mr Platieau was nominated Vice-President, Country General Manager for IBM Belgium & Luxembourg.

Mr Jacques Platieau is board member of various associations, UWE, VOKA, BECI and Agoria. He is Vice-President of Futurocité in Mons and President of the Basket Ball Club of Braine.

Jacques Platieau held the mandate as independent director in Mithra Pharmaceuticals SA between 8 June 2015 and 30 June 2018, as from which he was replaced by his management company Castors Development SA until its resignation on 25 November 2020.