Sheila Sponselee
Chief People & Operations Officer ProQR Therapeutics
Sheila Sponselee is Chief People & Operations Officer at ProQR Therapeutics, where she unites culture, people, and operations to enable innovation in RNA-based biotech. She began her career in the IT sector before making the leap into biotech—driven by her passion for fast-paced environments where change is the constant and the opportunity.
With over 20 years of experience at organizations such as myTomorrows, Infotheek, and Korton Group, Sheila has built a strong track record in leading transformation and organizational change. Her core talent lies in change management: creating workplaces where people thrive, collaboration is strengthened, and culture becomes the foundation for business success. She strongly believes that in biotech, embracing and driving change is where HR leaders can truly make the difference. Based in the Netherlands, she is also an active member of the LEAP HR Leadership Community.
Seminars
- How can HR leaders evolve beyond traditional boundaries to drive deeper cultural impact and operational synergy?
- Explore how ProQR Therapeutics restructured its leadership model by merging HR with seven operational departments, including IT, Facilities, QA, and CMC, to break down silos, improve communication, and foster a unified company culture
- Learn how this integrated approach led to measurable improvements, including an incredible ‘Great Place to Work’ score, a 2% reduction in sickness rates over three years and stronger cross-functional collaboration, contributing to a more agile and engaged workforce
This interactive Q&A explores how HR leaders are driving transformation by aligning talent strategy with operational integration and cultural evolution. Learn how bold leadership models and future-ready people strategies are helping organisations navigate rapid change, break down silos, and build environments that support growth and resilience.
- Aligning HR strategy with business transformation and new operating models
- Integrating HR with operations to foster cross-functional collaboration
- Building a future-ready workforce while maintaining cultural integrity
- Balancing ambition, credibility, and change absorption across global teams
