--- title: Team description: Meet RheaVita’s team—driving innovation in continuous freeze-drying to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical solutions. --- ## Get to know the people behind RheaVita At RheaVita, our pioneering spirit is driven by a team of dedicated professionals passionate about redefining pharmaceutical manufacturing. Each member brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to our mission—ensuring every solution meets the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and reliability. ![RheaVita team at CPHI](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7633.png?width=2000&height=1500&name=IMG_7633.png) ## Executive Team ![Thomas-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thomas-web.jpg?width=2035&height=1681&name=Thomas-web.jpg) ### Thomas De Beer CEO Read more ![Patrick Baeyens](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo-009.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=photo-009.jpg) ### Patrick Baeyens CFO Read more ![Alain-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alain-web.jpg?width=2219&height=2017&name=Alain-web.jpg) ### Alain Segers CCO Read more ![Joris-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Joris-web.jpg?width=2313&height=1886&name=Joris-web.jpg) ### Joris Lammens CTO Read more Back Executive Team ![Thomas-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Thomas-web.jpg?width=2035&height=1681&name=Thomas-web.jpg) ### Thomas De Beer CEO Dr. Thomas De Beer is an industrial pharmacist with deep expertise in continuous manufacturing of drug products. His PhD and postdoctoral research focused on pioneering PAT-driven innovations in pharmaceutical drug product manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on lyophilization. Since 2010, he has been Professor of Process Analytics & Technology at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ghent University. Building on his groundbreaking work in continuous freeze-drying in collaboration with Jos Corver since 2012, he co-founded RheaVita in 2018, where he now serves as CEO. With an extensive track record in pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation, Dr. De Beer is committed to revolutionizing lyophilization through RheaVita’s breakthrough technologies, seamlessly translating cutting-edge research into industrial practice.   [Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-de-beer-9691625/) Back Executive Team ![Patrick Baeyens](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo-009.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=photo-009.jpg) ### Patrick Baeyens CFO Patrick Baeyens obtained various degrees in strategic financial management and reporting. He has experience in the technology, logistics and healthcare sectors. Most recently he managed the financial planning and analysis for Karo Healthcare. In 2022 he won the “Buy-out company of the year” award from the BVA (Belgian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association). With extensive experience in financial leadership roles, he is committed to driving the financial health of RheaVita, ensuring stable growth. [Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbaeyens/) Back Executive Team ![Alain-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alain-web.jpg?width=2219&height=2017&name=Alain-web.jpg) ### Alain Segers CCO Dr. Alain Segers holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Brussels. He began his career with Baxter as Principal Scientist. Later he was active in executive business roles and built commercial organizations for Baxter, SangStat Medical (now Sanofi), Gambro BCT (now Terumo), and Cerus. Throughout his career as consultant and entrepreneur-in-residence he has served clients worldwide with commercial and strategic support. With extensive experience in sales and marketing in the life science industry, he is committed to establishing the RheaLyo™ technology as a standard for high-value pharmaceuticals. [Connect with Alain on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/alainlouissegers/) Back Executive Team ![Joris-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Joris-web.jpg?width=2313&height=1886&name=Joris-web.jpg) ### Joris Lammens CTO Joris holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ghent University, where he specialized in continuous freeze-drying and process analytics. Passionate about bridging science and industry, he wants to accelerate the translation of novel pharmaceutical technologies into real-world applications. In 2022, he joined RheaVita to apply his expertise in formulation and process development to help transform traditional lyophilization into a faster, more reliable, and scalable technology. Joris works as CTO organizing and streamlining our R&D projects. [Connect with Joris on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joris-lammens-a4a2baba/) ## Department Leads ![photo-004](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo-004.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=photo-004.jpg) ### Jos Corver Advisor Read more ![John-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/John-web.jpg?width=2026&height=2094&name=John-web.jpg) ### John Van Veen Product Design Read more ![MaikGuttzeit_headshot3](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MaikGuttzeit_headshot3.jpg?width=5271&height=7906&name=MaikGuttzeit_headshot3.jpg) ### Maik Guttzeit QA Read more ![Laurens Leys](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo-030.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=photo-030.jpg) ### Laurens Leys GMP Process Development Read more ![Mathieu-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mathieu-web.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=Mathieu-web.jpg) ### Mathieu Massart Process Engineering & IT Read more ![PieterJan-web-1](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PieterJan-web-1.jpg?width=2358&height=1648&name=PieterJan-web-1.jpg) ### Pieter-Jan Van Bockstal Internal Operations & Quality Read more ![Iris-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Iris-web.jpg?width=2370&height=1966&name=Iris-web.jpg) ### Iris Burez Administrative Executive Read more Back Department Leads ![photo-004](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo-004.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=photo-004.jpg) ### Jos Corver Advisor *Jos Corver’s technical background started in Aero- and Hydrodynamics with a special emphasis on rheology. Since 2011 he started developing the continuous freeze-drying process, shortly followed by a close collaboration with Dr. Thomas De Beer. In 2018 he co-founded RheaVita to further develop and market this technology.* [Connect with Jos on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joscorver/) Back Department Leads ![John-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/John-web.jpg?width=2026&height=2094&name=John-web.jpg) ### John Van Veen Product Design John van Veen is our System architect designing our aseptic manufacturing machines. John has a background in mechanical engineering  and over 30 years of experience in machine building for the pharmaceutical industry. He has worked with companies such as BOC Edwards Pharmaceutical Systems (today IMA), Inno4Life, and DEC Group, playing a key role in the development of a wide range of equipment including freeze dryers, loading systems, washing machines, filling and stoppering machines, and capping machines—all designed in line with sterile and aseptic principles, GMP requirements, and EU Annex 1 guidelines. In addition, he also developed a complete product line for the serialization of pharmaceutical packaging to comply to the Falsified Medicines Directives. [Connect with John on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-van-veen-4018627/) Back Department Leads ![MaikGuttzeit_headshot3](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MaikGuttzeit_headshot3.jpg?width=5271&height=7906&name=MaikGuttzeit_headshot3.jpg) ### Maik Guttzeit QA For almost 20 years Maik Guttzeit was Team Leader Validation at GEA which provides customized GMP Lyophilizer systems. He is member of the GAMP® D-A-CH committee, of ASME BPE Subcommittee on System Design and also of the ECA validation group. In 2018 he joined Bayer AG, initially as Global Technology Manager Aseptic and Sterile and later as principal expert for C&Q concepts. Maik is currently working as a Senior Expert for GMP Lyophilization and Aseptic Projects. [Connect with Maik on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/maik-guttzeit/) Back Department Leads ![Laurens Leys](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/photo-030.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=photo-030.jpg) ### Laurens Leys GMP Process Development Laurens is a Process Specialist dedicated to developing and optimizing freeze-drying processes on our GMP-Flex lines. He obtained his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ghent University and joined RheaVita in 2024. With extensive expertise in process analytical technologies (PAT), formulation development, and process optimization for biopharmaceutical processes, Laurens focuses on creating robust and efficient freeze-drying solutions, particularly within the context of continuous freeze-drying, to ensure product quality, scalability, and regulatory compliance. [Connect with Laurens on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurens-leys-604339117/) Back Department Leads ![Mathieu-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Mathieu-web.jpg?width=2384&height=3040&name=Mathieu-web.jpg) ### Mathieu Massart Process Engineering & IT Mathieu brings a broad background in engineering, mechanics, and applied physics to support innovation in pharmaceutical technology. At RheaVita, he contributes to the development of continuous freeze-drying solutions by combining hands-on technical experience with system-level thinking, helping to translate complex ideas into robust, manufacturable technologies. With experience across R&D, product development, and technology transfer, Mathieu has worked in both industrial and healthcare environments—always at the intersection of innovation, quality, and real-world application. x designs. Earlier roles have involved setting up R&D labs, guiding multidisciplinary engineering teams, and supporting the scale-up of advanced technologies in both Europe and the US. Mathieu holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the **University of Ghent** and an **MBA from Solvay Business School**, combining deep technical insight with a solid understanding of business and strategy in high-tech environments. [Connect with Mathieu on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathieu-massart-7485011/) Back Department Leads ![PieterJan-web-1](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PieterJan-web-1.jpg?width=2358&height=1648&name=PieterJan-web-1.jpg) ### Pieter-Jan Van Bockstal Internal Operations & Quality Pieter-Jan Van Bockstal obtained his PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ghent University (Belgium) in 2018, where he focused on the development of continuous and controlled freeze-drying technology. He continued this work as a Postdoctoral Researcher funded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO) in collaboration with RheaVita, implementing in-line process control in continuous freeze-drying. In 2020, he joined RheaVita as a Process Specialist, supporting the valorization and marketing of the technology through feasibility studies and scientific validation of equipment design. Currently, Pieter-Jan manages Internal Operations and the Quality Management System (QMS) at RheaVita, ensuring the delivery of services and equipment that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. [Connect with Pieter-Jan on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/pieter-jan-van-bockstal-1b751661/) Back Department Leads ![Iris-web](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Iris-web.jpg?width=2370&height=1966&name=Iris-web.jpg) ### Iris Burez Administrative Executive Together with her colleagues from Organise it, Iris provides high-level administrative and organizational support to the RheaVita team ensuring  seamless operations and efficient communication within the organization. Iris holds a Master’s degree in Speech Therapy and Audiology. After working for two years as a medical representative, she transitioned into the administrative field. Over the years, she has built extensive experience across various sectors, including retail, construction, and the medical industry. She is proficient in providing administrative support as well as in optimizing processes and implementing new ones. She takes pride in contributing effectively, supporting others, and adding value to every organization she works with. [Connect with Iris on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-burez-9b19aab/) ![doctor-image](https://www.rheavita.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ReahVita-BV%20Images/Images/doctor-image.jpg?width=1500&height=1463&name=doctor-image.jpg) Our experts ### Schedule a consultation with our experts to explore the best solutions for your needs. [ Talk to an expert ](https://cta-eu1.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLyUe03lBe%2BivxKqBP6VfoSG2PKkR00Z4YMzgKmL4nbDGB4hb1xmMBeQe2KQ6IJMSreT7I3N2KcZSWvvdKG40Tit1yeQwTpJGVONH85tMTNrDJ%2BJ0hUUglQpnbUQQIDmTqN8r5pzbKkYYyIfp%2B%2FzMyK0ZLbnKMJ2AxEgXsI84LtmCrPYrd%2BN4%2FBzOdvWmI3&portalId=25028350) ## Latests news ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/Bayer-wuppertal-1.jpeg) Industry brief #### What a Bayer Case Study Reveals About Continuous Freeze-Drying of Peptide Drug Products Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20depicts%20an%20empty%20glass%20vial%20as%20used%20for%20pharmaceutical%20products%20standing%20on%20a%20pile%20of%20books%20The%20books%20are%20guidelines%20for%20manufaturers%20An%20example%20is%20Annex%201-1.png) Industry brief #### Embracing Annex 1 Compliance with Advanced Freeze-Drying Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/Monza.jpg) News #### Patheon (Thermo Fisher Scientific) brings RheaVita’s continuous and controlled lyophilization technology to Monza site Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/Stoppered-1.png) News #### Top Pharmaceutical Freeze Drying Solution in Europe Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/Not%20used/GMP%20Flex_%20Spin-Stopper%20Isolator%20(RH)-1.png) Industry brief #### Accelerating Biopharma R&D with Continuous Freeze-Drying Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/site/website-pages/vial-with-jet-and%20red-beam_LinkedIn-optimized.jpg) Industry brief #### Innovative Spin-Freeze-Drying Technology Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/GMP%20Flex_%20Spin-Stopper%20Isolator%20(RH)-2.png) Industry brief #### Reimagining Batch Freeze-Drying: Scientific Solutions for Persistent Pain Points Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20features%20a%20stateoftheart%20BSL2%20laboratory-1.jpeg) News #### Launch of the BSL-2 compliant laboratory freeze-dryer Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/frost-window.jpg) News #### RheaVita joins lyoHUB Read ![](https://www.rheavita.com/hubfs/Generated%20Blog%20Post%20Images/Pharmaceutical%20manufacturing%20equipment%20showcasing.jpeg) Industry brief #### The Importance of Continuous Manufacturing Systems in Pharma Read [ Read more ](https://www.rheavita.com/news?hsLang=en) #### Stay in the know. 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