Consultant, Leadership Coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker
Self-Employed
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Dirk De Smaele Email & Phone Number
Consultant, Leadership coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker
at
Self-employed
LinkedIn matched
✓ Verified July 2026
3 data sources
Profile completeness 86%
Current company
Self-employed
Role
Consultant, Leadership coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker
Location
Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium
Who is Dirk De Smaele? Overview
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Dirk De Smaele is listed as Consultant, Leadership coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker at Self-employed, based in Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium. AeroLeads shows a matched LinkedIn profile for Dirk De Smaele.
Dirk De Smaele previously worked as Coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker and Partner at A Transformational Journey at Self-Employed and Global Head Therapeutics Development and Supply at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Dirk De Smaele holds Phd, Applied Biological Sciences - Organic Chemistry from Ghent University.
Profile bio
About Dirk De Smaele
With 28 years of leadership experience in R&D at J&J Innovative Medicine, I have had the privilege of leading high-performing global teams in end-to-end CMC process and product development for both synthetics and biologics. My career has been built on a foundation of scientific expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for empowering people. As a seasoned executive, I have successfully navigated complex challenges, driven innovation, and delivered results by fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and growth.Now, I am excited to bring these experiences and insights into my new role as a leadership coach, trainer, and consultant. My mission is to empower leaders to unlock their potential, inspire their teams, and drive sustainable success. Having been in the trenches of a high-stakes, fast-paced environment, I understand the pressures and nuances of leadership. I have seen firsthand the transformative power of clear vision, empathy, and strategic alignment, and I am eager to help others apply these principles in their own leadership journeys.Whether you’re looking to elevate your leadership skills, develop high-performing teams, or navigate organizational change, I’m here to offer practical guidance, grounded in decades of real-world experience. Let’s work together to create a future of empowered leaders and thriving teams and organizations.
Current workplace
Dirk De Smaele's current company
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Self-Employed
14 roles
Dirk De Smaele work experience
A career timeline built from the work history available for this profile.
Coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker And Partner At A Transformational Journey
Current
Self-Employed
A Transformational Journey offers several journeys, depending on your professional profile, your personal needs, interests etc1. Deep Dive Transformational Journey for Therapists, Coaches, Trainers and Leaders: Embark on a transformational journey of personal and professional growth. Learn to rewire limiting patterns at a deep neurological level, facilitating lasting change within yourself and your environment. Discover how to address the root causes of these patterns, rather than simply managing them. Step into the person you are truly meant to be. This approach leverages the power of Therapy and the in-house developed Transformational Keys Program. 2. Leadership Transformational Journey for Leaders, HR, L&D, OD Professionals and Trainers:Embark on a leadership development journey to create collaborative environments built on trust and psychological safety. Learn how to cultivate long-term, successful relationships—both at work and beyond—by enhancing your self-awareness, openness, self-accountability, and conflict resolution skills. The approach is inspired by methodologies such as Radical Collaboration, Organisation and Relationship Systems Coaching, The Human Element Points of You and individual coaching. 3. Culture Transformational Journey for Teams and Organizations: Embark on a transformative journey of team and organizational development, where you'll master the art of cultivating thriving, collaborative environments built on trust, psychological safety and high-performance teamwork. Learn how to foster a culture that empowers individuals to unleash their full potential, driving both personal growth and collective success.
Sep 2024 - Present
Global Head Therapeutics Development And Supply
Responsible for Synthetics and Biologics CMC (API, Formulation, Device, Analytical Development), including Clinical Supply (planning, pack and label, logistics) for Johnson&Johnson Innovative Medicine R&D. Leading a global organisation of 2000+ employees across sites in US, EU and Asia.
Aug 2022 - Aug 2024
Global Head Chemical & Pharmaceutical Development And Supply
Responsibility for Small Molecule Development (API Process Research, Formulation and Analytical Development) and for Clinical Supply (planning, packaging & labeling and logistics), across all modalities (small molecules and biologics) for Janssen R&D. Leading a global organization of 1000+employees, with sites in US, EU and Asia.
Jan 2021 - Jul 2022
Vice President Global Head Small Molecule Development
Global Head Small Molecule Development, Janssen R&D. Responsible for a global ~700 employee organization, with end-to-end responsibility for the development of Small Molecules from NME declaration, to launch and life cycle management. Includes API development, Drug Product Development, Analytical Development and Pharmaceutical Sciences with sites in EU, US and Asia.
Jan 2015 - Nov 2021
Vice President, Global Head Analytical Development, Janssen R&D
Responsible for the global Analytical Development organization. End-to-end scope, from NME declaration to launch and life cycle management for Small and Large Molecules, with 600+ employees across sites in EU, US and Asia
Oct 2012 - Dec 2014
Vice President Asia Pacific - Latin America And Drug Product Integration
Global Head of the Pharmaceutical & Analytical Development Network in Asia Pacific - Latin America and Drug Product Integration
Oct 2010 - Oct 2012
Sr Director Technical Integration Drug Product Development
Sr Director Technical Integration Drug Product Development. Leading a global group of project managers responsible for Drug Product Development activities (CM&C). Scope is Early Development, Late Stage Development and Tech Transfer to Commercial Operations for Chemicals and Biologics. Employees in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, India and US (NJ, PA, CA).
Sep 2009 - Mar 2011
Sr Director Drug Product Development
Responsibility for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Formulation Development, Analytical Development.
Aug 2007 - Aug 2009
Director Formulation Development + Site Head
Jan 2006 - Aug 2007
Director Chemical Development
Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research And Development
Department Head of Chemical Development Group in Beerse / Belgium, incl Chemical Process Research, Analytical Development and Pilot Plant.
Dec 2004 - Dec 2005
Director - Cmc Leader
CMC Leader for accelerated HIV compound (Development, Filing, Transfer into Commercial). Responsible for defining overall CM&C strategy, coordinating API development, Drug Product development and Analytical development activities, as well as aligning with Regulatory, Quality and Commercial Strategy.
Feb 2003 - Dec 2005
Director Chemical Process Research
Jul 2001 - Nov 2004
Project Leader Chemical Process Research
Aug 1996 - Jun 2001
2 education records
Dirk De Smaele education
Phd, Applied Biological Sciences - Organic Chemistry
Ghent University
Engineer, Biological Sciences - Organic Chemistry
Ghent University
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Dirk De Smaele
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What company does Dirk De Smaele work for?
Dirk De Smaele works for Self-employed.
What is Dirk De Smaele's role at Self-employed?
Dirk De Smaele is listed as Consultant, Leadership coach, Trainer, Keynote Speaker at Self-employed.
Where is Dirk De Smaele based?
Dirk De Smaele is based in Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium while working with Self-employed.
What companies has Dirk De Smaele worked for?
Dirk De Smaele has worked for Self-Employed, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies Of Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson, and Alza Corporation.
How can I contact Dirk De Smaele?
You can use AeroLeads to view verified contact signals for Dirk De Smaele at Self-employed, including work email, phone, and LinkedIn data when available.
What schools did Dirk De Smaele attend?
Dirk De Smaele holds Phd, Applied Biological Sciences - Organic Chemistry from Ghent University.
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