Ignacio (“Nacho”) is Chief Executive Officer at Cajal. Nacho brings over 16 years of dedicated experience in neurodegeneration research and development from his time at Amgen, and the CHDI Foundation, where he was Vice President of Translational Biology. At CHDI, Nacho oversaw the development of numerous programs in Huntington's Disease (HD) across small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), protein degraders, and gene therapies. He developed the first small molecule PET imaging ligands for mutant Huntingtin and has extensive experience in biomarker development, including imaging, neurophysiological, and proteomics approaches, which are widely used in current HD clinical trials. At Cajal, Nacho is inspired to build upon his deep commitment and impact in HD and take on the challenges of advancing drug discovery across neurodegeneration. Nacho founded and currently serves as President of the Factor H Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to improving the quality of life of patients suffering from HD in Latin America where in several communities, the prevalence of HD is high and living conditions and access to healthcare and basic necessities is poor. With Factor H, Nacho works intimately with patients, families, and their communities to provide humanitarian aid, increase access to patient benefits, and enhance disease awareness. Nacho received his PhD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University. He has authored over 90 research publications and book chapters and is widely regarded as a leading voice in HD research and advocacy, having been an invited speaker at over 40 national and international conferences and events.