Gretchen founded Trophic Communications in December 2017 bringing with her 20+ years as a strategic communicator and investor relations specialist in the global biopharmaceutical industry. With the company name inspired by ‘trophic factors,’ or molecules that are critical in the growth, survival and differentiation of neurons, Gretchen built the organization with the vision of cultivating, supporting and distinguishing life science companies at all stages of development. As Managing Director of Trophic, Gretchen has created a highly creative and lively work environment and has established a company culture in which bringing clients high-quality service and tangible results remains paramount.
Throughout her career, Gretchen has worked with and counseled a range of companies, from early-stage innovators to pharmaceutical leaders. A true entrepreneur, she also built the European office of MacDougall Biomedical Communications as Managing Director. In addition to 4 years on the management team of Ingenium Pharmaceuticals, her expertise is grounded in her career at Feinstein Kean Healthcare (Boston) where she oversaw the entire Corporate Practice, advising over 50 biotechnology and pharmaceutical clients.
Outside of her professional life, Gretchen is known for her ability to make salads (with homemade salad dressing!) that even the most vegetable-averse individuals will enthusiastically eat. Apart from that, Gretchen can also be found speedily biking through Munich, poring through New Yorker cartoons and bravely boating in the wilderness of Canada.

Stephanie joined Trophic as Account Director and is a driving force in creating value-building communications strategies for both European and US companies. Before joining the team, Stephanie lead a number of successful industry debuts, investor relations projects and supported the development of countless corporate materials ranging from websites to corporate presentations. Having transitioned from neuroscientist to life science communications specialist some years ago, Stephanie brings a steadfast scientific and analytical perspective to the table and is committed to developing a deep understanding of the technology behind each company.

Stephanie holds a PhD in Neuroscience and Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich and presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Alzheimer Society, Munich. In her free time, she is a stage diva, avid reader and fearless rock climber.

Florence joined Trophic Communications as Business Manager and oversees all administrative aspects of the organization, ranging from contractual issues to financials and Human Resources. Having graduated with a degree in Law from the Universidad de Navarra, Spain, Florence previously headed the Project and Contract Department for Siemens in Tunisia before delving into business administration at MacDougall Biomedical Communications in early 2016. Florence is also the in-house language expert, speaking a number of foreign languages including English, Spanish, Catalan and French, among others. Despite her linguistic achievements, she has yet to master the art of effectively communicating with her dog, Willow “Bean”.

Jacob joined Trophic as Account Executive and is skilled in applying his extensive scientific background from 3 continents to the field of life science communications. As a trained Microbiologist, Jacob can dive deep into diverse topics, identifying and analyzing intricate details that form the building blocks used to develop highly-individualized content and strategies for clients. At Trophic, Jacob is responsible for supporting a range of projects for clients including development of key corporate messaging materials, scientific mechanism-of-action slides, websites, building focused media and investor lists, and facilitating non-deal roadshows. He also provides clients with speaker training workshops to accelerate their pitching ability and to concisely deliver the corporate story to a broad range of audiences.

Jacob’s background includes a postdoc at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Munich and a PhD from The University of Texas-MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He currently serves as the presentation coach of the Amgen Scholars Program at Ludwig-Maximillians University in Munich.

On almost any day of the week, Jacob can be spotted zooming through Munich on a bright red Vespa. Having lived in Houston, Texas for a number of years, he is also the proud owner of an authentic cowboy hat and is sure that the world would be a better place if everyone was fluent in sarcasm.

Eva joined Trophic as Account Director in June 2020, bringing over 8 years of corporate communications experience in the biotechnology sector. Before joining Trophic, she held the position of Associate Director, Investor Relations and Communications at NASDAQ-listed uniQure, an AAV-based gene therapy company operating in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Lexington, Massachusetts, in the US. During her tenure, Eva helped lead several successful financing rounds raising over $500 million. In addition, she was responsible for developing all aspects of uniQure’s corporate communications and building strong buy- and sell-side financial community relationships, logging many air miles on the trips back and forth to the US.

At Trophic, Eva leverages her expansive background in European and United States financial markets to support the ongoing development of Trophic’s international investor relations services as well as building the range of companies, technologies and products in development represented in Trophic’s client base.

Eva graduated from the University of Amsterdam, holding a degree in Business Economics and Child Development and is currently finalizing her Executive MBA at the Amsterdam Business School. With her native enthusiasm for biking, Eva likes to explore her new home in Munich and has become a fan of biergarten culture. She is also an expert in Surinam and Indonesian cuisine and is known to share outstanding Dutch gin with her colleagues.

Valeria joined Trophic Communications as Account Executive after working in e-commerce at Amazon in the Transaction & Risk Management and Retail sectors. With a foundation in business backed by an MSc in Consumer Affairs from the Technical University of Munich and a BA in Sociology and German from Western Washington University, Valeria adds a fresh dimension to the Trophic team, contributing a methodical marketing perspective to all internal and external projects.

Based on her versatile professional and educational experiences, which include having worked for the marketing chair of the Technical University of Munich, as well as for the Consumer Protection Division of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, Valeria’s role at Trophic encompasses the generation of an immense array of social media content and graphics, supporting in the development of all types of materials such as press releases and positioning workshop presentations as well as successfully implementing media and investor relations efforts.

She is also a former Fulbright Fellow, having spent one year teaching English in Potsdam, Germany, and a recipient of the DAAD Study Scholarship for Graduates of all Disciplines, which funded her Master’s Degree.

Having grown up cross-culturally, Valeria speaks English, German and Italian fluently. When she is not at Trophic, you may find her lounging by the Isar (the mellow river that flows through Munich) with a spiralbound notebook for creative writing in hand, practicing dance moves and French vocabulary with friends, keeping her eyes peeled for fluffy four-legged critters and zealously snacking on pistachios and dark chocolate.

Anja joined Trophic in 2024 as an Account Director, bringing over 16 years of experience in strategic communications and investor relations within the biopharmaceutical sector. With a background as a trained biologist and journalist, Anja combines scientific insight with expert storytelling to navigate complex communications challenges. Her career spans roles at Nadaq-listed biotech companies, big pharma, and research institutions like the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Notably, she has led internal and external communications efforts before, during, and after an IPO on the Nasdaq.

Anja’s deep expertise in life sciences communication, coupled with her strategic leadership, ensures that she delivers impactful narratives and drives successful stakeholder engagement. Her diverse suite of expertise also includes creating impactful social media campaigns, developing animations to explain complex modes of action, overseeing website projects, and preparing clients for crisis communication.

An intrepid traveling, hiking and nature enthusiast, Anja loves to be in the mountains. She recently completed a major part of a trek across the Alps, a test of mental and physical fitness that inspires awe from the Trophic team.

Laura joined Trophic in 2019 as Account Executive after completing her PhD in the field of immuno-oncology at the LMU in Munich. This valuable training adds a solid scientific background in the field of immunotherapy as well as an abiding admiration for all immune cells to the Trophic team.
While conducting her Bachelor and Master’s studies of Biology at the University of Regensburg, Laura was awarded with a DAAD scholarship for an internship at the University of Sydney, broadening Trophic’s repertoire of all forms of proper English usage.

As a part of the Trophic team, she will use her passion for communicating advances in life science to support client accounts through content development to building media outreach strategies in both English and German, as well as conducting investor relations for both private and public biotechnology companies.
When Laura is not busy keeping the Trophic team sane, she is most likely cooking delicious pasta dishes or exploring the world above and below the sea from the deserts of the Oman to the underwater world of Mauritius.

Charlotte joined Trophic in 2021 as Account Executive after submitting her PhD thesis in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and immunology to the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität in Munich. Having worked as a graphic designer, she brings to Trophic her passion for breaking down complex scientific concepts into an easily understandable and creative visual format for clients. Given her unique skills in addition to being a native German speaker, she is perfectly positioned at Trophic to tailor written and visual communication in both English and German.

When not at Trophic, Charlotte can be found covered in paint perfecting her skills to the likes of Bob Ross or even quickly pencilling sketches. She is always eager to travel the world to find interesting locations to paint, go diving or hit the slopes.

Marie joined Trophic Communications as Account Executive and provides the organization with another layer of strong, scientific support. Having joined the team while completing her PhD in Experimental Medicine from the Technical University Munich, she is enthusiastic to apply her scientific background, which also includes a Master’s in Biology from the University of Regensburg, to the expansive ecosystem of strategic life science communications and investor relations. As a part of the Trophic team, she is responsible for leading research for a variety of projects, supporting the development of content in both English and German and executing a number of individualized strategies for a wide range of clients. Her approach to the business, which includes gaining a comprehensive overview of what makes each client unique, germinates from a strong passion for effectively communicating about science.

When Marie isn’t at her desk, she can frequently be found in deep conversation with Willow “Bean” Roters and is known to have a drawer of tasty treats waiting to be consumed by Trophic’s most esteemed canine colleague. Apart from being an ardent office dog supporter, Marie is an active member of a nature conservation association and enjoys going hiking in the stunning mountainside of the Alps. She is also determined to deepen her knowledge of Italian cuisine but in the meantime makes outstanding “Schweinsbraten” and homemade “Knödel”, two classic and delightful staples of Bavarian cuisine.

Desmond joined Trophic in 2021 as Account Executive after completing his MA in Social Media Communications at the Dublin City University with a dissertation examining the importance of social media affordances in the wake of online social activism. Hailing originally from Detroit, Michigan, he brings with him a diverse background in the marketing, healthcare, and education industries. As a member of the Trophic team, Desmond applies his experience in digital media and patient advocacy to create compelling content that conveys the amazing work being conducted within the Life Sciences sector. A native English speaker, Desmond is also conversational in Japanese.

In his spare time, Desmond can be found writing short stories based on historical events or baking the best blueberry cobbler you’ll ever taste. He has lived in Detroit, Houston, NYC, Dublin, and is excited about making Munich his new home and continuing his love for the German language.

Alison joined Trophic in 2023 as a Senior Account Executive with over 13 years of experience in organizational communication. Holding a PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Kansas, Alison is a published researcher and social scientist. She is trained in corporate messaging, crisis management, and intercultural communications.

Previously an Assistant Professor in Business Communications and Management for five years at West Texas A&M University, Alison was recognized with awards for her innovative digital projects and dedicated service to the field.

Alison has a diverse background, including running an international social and digital media business where she created educational communications and amassed over 1.1 million followers.

In her free time, Alison enjoys spending time with her family, traveling (having visited over 25 countries to date), and indulging in her passion for social media.

Verena joined Trophic in 2024 as a Senior Account Executive, bringing extensive expertise in strategic marketing and brand management. In her previous role in a biopharmaceutical company, she led a dynamic marketing team that shaped communications strategies and made complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Her experience spans public relations, project management, and creative design -skill sets that enable her to approach Trophic’s client needs from multiple angles with a unique blend of creativity to develop compelling narratives and build strong corporate identities.

Verena holds a Master of Science in International Marketing & Brand Management from Lund University, specializing in consumer trends and innovation. Her native German fluency and proficiency in English further enhance her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Having lived in five countries, she brings a unique international perspective to her work at Trophic.

Outside the office, Verena is an avid traveler who loves discovering new cultures and cuisines in distant lands. Her Austrian roots fuel her passion for the outdoors, whether she’s hiking, skiing, running, or cycling.

Veronika joined Trophic in 2023 as Account Executive supporting the team with her multifaceted communication and graphic design skills and experience. Veronika holds an MA in Journalism and has worked as a Public Relations officer at the Max Planck Institute for Social Law and Social Policy in Munich for five years before becoming a part of the Trophic team. Combined with her further work experience in various communication departments in the scientific and business sectors as well as in journalistic media outlets, she is optimally suited to create meaningful and engaging client materials.

A native German speaker, Veronika is also fluent in English and Spanish and has lived in India, Ecuador and Argentina during her educational years. When she is not busy drafting, editing and sketching at Trophic, you might see her taking pictures or shooting short videos, documenting the beauty of everyday life.

Sara joined Trophic in 2023 as an Account Executive, bringing her ample experience in communications and project management. Before joining Trophic, she worked as a Project and Communications Manager at Data-Pop Alliance, where she supported the organization with its external outreach, social media and stakeholder communications. With a degree in Political Science and Development Studies, Sara brings to the team years of experience in research and writing engaging pieces that break down complex issues for a general audience. She is also trained in social media management and is skilled in creating communication strategies that allow clients to convey their messaging accurately. Having lived in the USA, studied in Colombia and done a semester abroad in Italy, Sara is fluent in English, Spanish and Italian.

Sara enjoys learning new things in her free time, listening to history podcasts and having passionate, in-depth discussions about music and films.

Born 8 years ago in the heart of Bavaria, Willow “Bean” has a strong nose for business and biotech and an even stronger commitment to locating food and food-like substances. After working for years in a variety of office settings, Willow joined Trophic with substantial expertise in barking when the doorbell rings, demanding head pats during stressful situations and offering strategic counsel through tail wagging. Fluent in English, German, Bavarian and Labrador, Willow can often be heard contributing on conference calls with emphatic snores, sighs and sporadic toy squeaks. On the whole, Willow is delighted to be a part of the Trophic team, apart from having her photo taken every morning, and looks forward to the next apple core she’ll receive