BOSTON, MA — Cilcare, a biotechnology company focused on auditory science, has appointed Kevin Franck, PhD, MBA, as Head of US and General Manager, North America. Based in Washington, DC, Franck will oversee the company’s North American growth strategy, including efforts to expand partnerships involving its clinical research and development platforms.
Franck brings more than 25 years of experience spanning clinical audiology, hearing science, medical device development, clinical research, commercialization, and biotechnology. His appointment comes as Cilcare works to expand its activities in North America, including opportunities involving auditory therapeutics, research services, and drug-device combinations.
Experience Across Audiology, Medical Devices, and Biotechnology
Most recently, Franck served as Chief Clinical Officer at Otolith Labs, a company developing technology for vestibular disorders. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing and New Product Planning at Frequency Therapeutics, where his responsibilities included clinical strategy, business development, pre-commercial planning, and engagement with strategic partners and investors.
Earlier in his career, Franck served as Director of Audiology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston, overseeing clinical audiology services and research activities. During that period, he continued providing care to adults and children using cochlear implants, hearing aids, and consumer hearing devices. He also held a faculty appointment in otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School.
His industry experience includes leadership positions at Cochlear Limited, where he served as Head of Clinical and Audiological Products and Strategy, and Bose, where he helped develop and commercialize a business focused on hearing loss.
Franck holds a PhD in Hearing Science from the University of Washington, a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and an MBA in Healthcare Management from the Wharton School.
Supporting Cilcare’s North American Expansion
In his new position, Franck will focus on strengthening Cilcare’s presence in North America and developing partnerships around its clinical and research platforms.
Celia Belline, CEO and co-founder of Cilcare, highlighted Franck’s combination of clinical, scientific, and industry experience.
“Kevin brings a rare combination of audiology and medical engineering expertise, research funding experience, and an extensive network across pharmaceutical companies, universities, and hospitals in the US. These capabilities will be instrumental as Cilcare advances its programs at the intersection of auditory science, drug development, and clinical research.”
Franck also emphasized the company’s existing partnership with CBSET and the opportunities associated with its new facility in Waltham, Massachusetts.
“I’m very excited to join the Cilcare Team. I look forward to building new opportunities in North America and continuing to work closely with our long-standing partner CBSET. Its new Waltham facility will expand our capabilities and create new avenues for innovation, including drug-device combinations.”
The appointment brings additional clinical and commercial leadership to Cilcare as the company pursues partnerships involving auditory drug development, diagnostics, and related research capabilities.
About Cilcare
Headquartered in Montpellier, France, Cilcare is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in auditory science, with a focus on drugs and diagnostics intended to prevent and treat hearing disorders. The company conducts preclinical and clinical development activities for its own pipeline and for industry and academic partners, with operations spanning Europe, North America, and Asia.
Source: Cilcare
