Frank Smith, PhD, MBA is the current President of XenoSTART, START’s preclinical business. Frank is a seasoned life sciences executive with over 15 years of experience spanning oncology research, quality operations, and global business development.

As President, Frank will set the strategic vision for XenoSTART, align the unit with broader corporate objectives and position the organization as a premier partner in the marketplace. Frank will be focused on building and developing a best‑in‑class team, leading Laboratory Operations, Documentation, and Logistics, and ensuring strong vendor and supply‑chain management. He will implement and leverage KPIs, deploy technology to enhance efficiency, manage budgets, and drive long‑term facility and staffing plans.

In his role, Frank will be responsible for operational leadership of XenoSTART and for building a scalable, high‑performing business focused on growth, while fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. Frank’s operational expertise and hands‑on leadership style will be central to strengthening compliant laboratory operations and driving cross‑functional collaboration.

Frank joins XenoSTART after successful roles of increasing responsibilities at Charles River Laboratories, GSK and most recently, Champions Oncology. Frank earned a B.S. in Biology from Rowan University, a Master of Science in Biology from West Chester University, and later, a Ph.D in Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology from Temple University and an MBA from Villanova University.