UCB proudly recognizes two distinguished women leaders – Alexandria Harrold, Sr. Medical Science Liaison, Rare Disease, and Catherine Rives, Head of Business Planning & Operations, U.S. Immunology – for receiving significant recognition from the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA). This year, HBA has named Alexandria a Rising Star and Catherine a Luminary.
As a Corporate Partner of HBA, and consistent with our commitment to advancing women in healthcare, UCB nominates two individuals annually – one Rising Star and one Luminary. Rising Stars exemplify leadership and contribute significantly across the organization, while Luminaries are seasoned professionals (20+ years in the industry) who have made profound contributions as role models and champions of progress.
We are honored to have leaders like Alexandria and Catherine, who enrich our organization with their expertise, passion, and commitment to improving the lives of patients. We applaud them both, and all 2026 awardees, for this well deserved recognition.
About Alexandria – HBA Rising Star
Alexandria joined UCB in 2022 as a Medical Science Liaison on the Rare Disease team. Since joining, she has been promoted within her role and taken on projects extending beyond its traditional scope. Leveraging her background in medical affairs and research and development, Alexandria has contributed broadly across the organization to support evidence generation and clinical development.
Prior to UCB, Alexandria worked in medical affairs at Biogen and Axogen, and in research and clinical development at USC, UCLA, OHSU, and the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute, collaborating with renowned scientists including Drs. Jack Truman Jr., Frank Maryland Jr., Bennett Novitch, Soo Kyung Lee, and Charles Keller.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from USC—where she also studied classical clarinet performance—and her PhD in Neuroscience from the Vollum Institute at OHSU.
“I’m honored to receive this award and be recognized for my contributions to developing new therapies and advancing patient care. This award is also a reflection of the support and opportunities I’ve been given and the collaborative effort of my colleagues. I’m grateful to work with such wonderful people and look forward to seeing what we continue to accomplish.”
About Catherine Rives – HBA Luminary
Catherine Rives joined the US Immunology team in January 2025 and serves as Head of Business Planning and Operations. Since joining the US team, she and her team ensure operational consistency, streamlined business processes and foster a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, enabling the US Immunology team to deliver on Bimzelx decade of growth.
Prior to moving to Atlanta with her family, Catherine was the Global Franchise Head for Bimzelx in Rheumatology (PsA indication), based in Brussels. She started her career with GSK where she spent about 10 years serving in different strategic roles in R&D, sales, marketing and Business development. She then joined UCB, where she held several executive positions in operations, such as General Manager UCB Switzerland and then UCB France, Mid-Markets Immunology GM and Head of Immunology Strategic Planning and Chief of staff.
Catherine holds a Doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D) and a master degree in HEC School of Management. She has continued upgrading her training with executive education at Wharton & INSEAD.
“I am deeply honored to receive this Luminary Award. My heartfelt gratitude goes to the US colleagues who believed in me enough to nominate me. Early in my career, there was a moment when I wasn’t sure I belonged in the room. I remember a colleague taking the time to listen and to encourage me. That moment stayed with me and shaped the leader I strive to be today.
Because of experiences like that, I carry this responsibility with great intention. I am committed to showing up fully for our UCB teams today, and to opening doors, creating space, and nurturing the talent of tomorrow. I would not be where I am without the collective support and trust of so many amazing leaders in my professional & personal life… truly takes a village. I am profoundly grateful for all I have received, and I am ready to give back”
What’s Next
The 2026 HBA Rising Stars and Luminaries will be honored throughout the year across HBA conferences, programs, and leadership development events, culminating in recognition at the Global Ascension Leadership Experience on April 23–24. As part of this experience, honorees will participate in high impact networking, leadership immersion sessions, and development opportunities designed to further elevate their influence and contributions across the healthcare industry.
We are exceptionally proud to celebrate Alexandria and Catherine for their leadership, accomplishments, and commitment to UCB’s mission in Rare Disease and Immunology, respectively. Their work continues to create value for people living with severe diseases and strengthens our community across UCB.