COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Getting to know... John W. Hubbard, Ph.D. DR. JOHN HUBBARD TITLE: President and CEO COMPANY: Bioclinica Breaking Down Barriers to Innovation EDUCATION: Ph.D., Physiological Psychology and Physiology, University of Tennessee FAMILY: Wife of 36 years Dr. Hubbard has a history of breaking Positive. Resilient. down the barriers to innovation. HOBBIES: Martial Arts, 3rd Degree Black Belt While at Pfizer as senior VP and world- and senior instructor, international travel, home wide head of development operations, Dr. improvements, and gardening Hubbard directed and oversaw trial operations BUCKET LIST: Achieving his 4th Degree Black Belt and management of more than 450 clinical — Master Level and continuing to travel around projects a year and spearheaded initiatives to the world learning about different cultures improve the efficiency and productivity in pharma R&D. He served on the executive AWARDS/HONORS: Fellow, American College taskforce that redesigned Pfizer’s R&D orga- of Clinical Pharmacology (1994); Accomplished nization, which ultimately led to a significant Alumni Award, University of Tennessee (2009); improvement in quality and increase in pro- Distinguished Alumnus Award, Department of ductivity from 2010 to 2014. The challenges Psychology, Commencement Speaker, University of Pfizer faced were the need to reduce enterprise R&D costs by $2 billion, resolve a clinical Tennessee College of Arts & Sciences (2012); Fred warning letter, improve GCP data quality, J. Epstein M.D., Lifetime Achievement Award, 11th transition from multiple functional service Annual Dream & Promise Awards Benefit, Children’s providers to two global CROs, and deliver the Brain Tumor Foundation (2013); University of development portfolio on time and on budget. Tennessee Alumni Professional Achievement “This was one of the most challenging Award (2014); Award in Appreciation for your positions and assignments I have ever had in Dr. John Hubbard inspires others by leading by my 30-year career,” he says. “I also found it Commitment to Pfizer Quality, (2014) example and by empowering teamsPharmaVOICE to achieve extremely rewarding working with a great beyond what they think is possible. ASSOCIATIONS: American College of Clinical team to achieve these results.” Pharmacology; American Association for the “Despite years of trying, we still have an During Dr. Hubbard’s more than 11 years Advancement of Science; American Society of industry with multipleof siloes — from research, as group president of ICON’s global clinical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Drug through development and commercialization,” research services business, the CRO’s largest he says. “This challenge is now amplified due business division, he achieved a consolidated Information Association; Society of Sigma Xi to extreme commercial pressures across the annual growth rate of 25% to 35%, and rev- biopharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem enue grew from $85 million in 1999 to just and the need to accelerate the development of under $1 billion by the end of 2010. ince taking the helm as Bioclinica’s presi- more effective therapies.” Dr. Hubbard measures success by his influ- dent and CEO in January 2015, John Hub- Under Dr. Hubbard’s stalwart leadership, ence on the industry, both through the people Sbard, Ph.D., has dramatically changed the Bioclinica has grown from its original two di- he has worked with and the results achieved company under his leadership and is bringing visions to three business segments comprising to bring new innovative drugs to the market. transformative solutions to the industry. a total of nine divisions. He expanded the com- A trusted, well-liked, and respected leader, With extensive insight into the complexi- pany’s solution sets, once focused on eClinical Dr. Hubbard leads by empowering team ties inherent in the drug development process, and imaging, into adjacent areas through members to achieve beyond what they think is Dr. Hubbard has created an agile organization strategic acquisitions of leading providers in possible. Motivation, he believes, comes from committed to surfacing — and realizing — the areas of patient recruitment-retention, enjoying what you do, but also from interac- new possibilities within R&D. To this end, postapproval research, clinical site network, tions with others. his strategic vision centers on simplifying the safety and regulatory, and financial lifecycle “We sometimes forget the impact we have drug development process, shortening cycle solutions. on people, both through the work we do to times, and reining in rising costs. He believes In addition to his talent at delivering bring new drugs to market, but also in our more needs to be done to break down the bar- growth in alignment with industry needs, Dr. daily interactions,” Dr. Hubbard says. “Prog- riers across the industryCompliments and improve collabo- Hubbard is equally passionate about innova- ress is achieved, when people have the freedom ration with patients, investigators, regulators, tion and encourages every team member to to make mistakes and learn through the pro- payers, service providers, and the industry. pursue finding new ways to address the indus- cess. In the long-term, career achievements are try’s challenges each and every day. about a mix of impact on industry and on peo- ple. I would like to be remembered as an in- Driven to innovate by novator and calculated risk-taker who brought (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] improvements to the clinical development process. I would also like to be remembered as CURIOSITY a good leader and mentor.”
14 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Integrity. Commitment. Breaking Down Barriers to Innovation
Ken Keller has worked hard to create a new, highly energized culture at Daiichi Sankyo.
Getting to know... Ken Keller TITLE: President COMPANY: Daiichi Sankyo EDUCATION: MBA, Loyola Marymount University KEN KELLER FAMILY: Wife, Barb HOBBIES: Running; going to gym; crying over Stepping up to the Challenge NY Knicks BUCKET LIST: Hike Moab AWARDS/HONORS: Amgen’s First Impact en Keller doesn’t shy away from a tik, Daiichi Sankyo is implementingPharmaVOICE innova- Award; 2nd Most Inspiring Award challenge. Rather he leans into it, tive programs in multi-channel marketing, SOCIAL MEDIA: K keeping the big picture front and along with a number of beyond-the-pill of- center and owning problems with others. ferings, and the company has been effective at Mr. Keller joined Daiichi Sankyo in the generating growth andof maximiz - middle of 2014 as president, taking on re- ing potential for the franchises fac- sponsibility for leading the administrative and ing the loss of patent exclusivity. Driven to innovate by commercial organization. It was just as the Mr. Keller is not afraid to take company was about to sail into a perfect storm a risk, saying companies can’t in- of challenges. novate without being willing to LIFE BLOOD First, the company was facing the loss of tolerate failure. patent exclusivity on its two major franchises, But he recognizes that organi- including Benicar, the hypertension treatment zations can suffer from PTSD from whose patent is slated to expire next year and such challenges, which can cause which brings in about 27% of annual revenue. the culture to erode. Therefore, he OF PHARMA Second, a new blood thinner, a product devel- has worked hard to make sure this does not Mr. Keller cites as his greatest career oped internally launched just after Mr. Keller’s happen on his watch. highlight the launch of Amgen’s Neulasta, arrival, which was expected to help soften the The “new DSI” has an energy and passion indicated to treat neutropenia, an initiative he blow, but the label was challenged relative that is palpable among its employees. Results says spanned from cultivating the concept to to the competitors in its class, resulting in a and growth have been highly positive, the $3 billion in revenue. product launch that ended up being “tough P&L of the business has been re-engineered, Success aside, it’s the people that matter sledding.” and the company has a number of exciting most to Mr. Keller who says helping people As a result of the combination of these projects in the pipeline. improve themselves and become more success- factors he inherited,Compliments Mr. Keller has had to Mr. Keller measures success by achieving ful is how he would like to be remembered. right-size the organization, shedding a large more than one thought was possible, and When it comes to delivering financial results, number of jobs. doing it in a way that he can be proud and that few will care 10 years from now, so he focuses He has moved aggressively to license a others also feel a sense of pride. on being an excellent and dependable leader late-stage product, execute a co-promotion Before joining Daiichi Sankyo, Mr. Keller for today. agreement with AstraZeneca’s Movantik, a was executive VP and chief operating officer “I would like to be remembered as some-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] treatment of opioid-induced constipation, and at Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, and before that one who made a huge impact to many others create a new, highly energized culture of a he was VP and general manager of the bone as they achieved their own breakthrough suc- company that was on the ropes. With Movan- health business unit at Amgen. cess,” he says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 15 THE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS RICHARDS GROUP TRG JOB: CAH-16-0021 CLIENT: Cardinal Health Genuine. Driven. AD NAME: This is the MIKE KAUFMANN breakthrough PUB(S): PharmaVoice Chief Diversity Champion INSERTION DATE: July/August 2016 TRIM: and find my blind spots with respect to gender 9 x 11 Getting to know... LIVE: partnership. More importantly, it has made 1/4” inside trim Michael C. Kaufmann me a better parent, partner, and leader. This is the breakthrough. BLEED: “I want Cardinal Health to make a differ- 9.25 x 11.25 TITLE: Chief Financial Officer ence in healthcare,” Mr. Kaufmann continues. COLOR/DMAX: COMPANY: Cardinal Health “I also want to make a difference in gender CMYK/300 EDUCATION: BA, Ohio Northern University partnership because I think we all win when QUESTIONS: Todd Gutmann FAMILY: Wife, Linda; four children everyone can bring 100% of themselves every 214-891-3519 HOBBIES: Fishing, cooking, movies day to work.” Mike Kaufmann is not only driving Men and women admire him and thank BUCKET LIST: Take a family vacation to a new Cardinal Health’s business forward but is him for his generosity for helping them reach championing the need for gender parity destination every year their potential through mentoring and spon- across the industry. AWARDS/HONORS: Distinguished Alumni, sorship, even when they didn’t see what they Ohio Northern University, 2016; Guys Who could accomplish themselves. He asks the ike Kaufmann’s contributions to Get it Award, Institute for Women’s Leadership hard questions and provides honest feedback the success of Cardinal Health over 2014; Honorable Mentor, Healthcare allowing his teams to learn new skills and the past 25 years or so have been experience new career opportunities. M Businesswomen’s Association, 2012 substantial. Mr. Kaufmann started his career at “The idea of sponsoring is really power- the healthcare services company in finance and ASSOCIATIONS: Ohio Northern Board ful,” he says. “It means they give 110% and We give it wings. quickly realized he wanted to expand his ex- of Trustees; Red Oak Sourcing executive make me and the company look good, and in periences. After success in sales, general man- return I promote them for stretch assignments board; Healthcare Distribution Management You craft cures from the cutting edge. You redefi ne agement, and procurement, Mr. Kaufmann Association (former executive committee and sometimes provide air-cover when things served as group president of the medical PharmaVOICEaren’t perfect. Sponsorship is how we will ulti- what’s possible. Yet it takes more than science member); National Association of Chain business, overseeing the all aspects of the unit. mately build a more diverse workforce.” He quickly moved into the CEO role of Car- Drug Stores Association (former executive Mr. Kaufmann is not only creating a more for specialty drugs to reach their full potential. dinal’s pharmaceutical segment where he was committee member) diverse workforce he has created an environ- responsible for the direction of the $80 billion of ment where there is diverse thought. Expertise at every stage of the product life cycle business and overseeing 16 business units that “This stands out as one of my most chal- “As a leader, I have to create an environ- has made Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions ranged from pharmacy distribution to nuclear lenging roles,” he says. “When I first started, ment where people have permission to fail,” pharmaceuticals. He also led the team that I thought I knew a lot about gender partner- he says. “Without permission to fail people uniquely equipped to help. From market analytics to negotiated the joint venture with CVS Health ship. What I learned relatively quickly was won’t feel empowered to try new things.” regulatory consulting services, from data-driven to form Red Oak Sourcing. The 50/50 stand- that I didn’t know as much as I thought. I Mr. Kaufmann encourages his people to alone joint venture is the largest sourcer of can’t tell you how many a-ha moments I’ve know their own personal brand and make sure channel strategies to patient adherence programs, generic pharmaceuticals in the United States. had with WIN.” their actions reflect that brand. our collaborative problem solvers are ready to “I thrive knowing that we are making a As the executive sponsor of WIN, he And for him his brand is a focus on three difference for healthcare providers taking care demonstrates his passion for gender partner- things: speed, grit and getting lost in team. help you launch, market, and optimize your specialty of patients,” Mr. Kaufmann says. ship internally and externally; he is a much- “I’d like to be the guy that our customers products – and support their lasting success. In November 2014, Mr. Kaufmann was sought after speaker on the topic. Colleagues want to do business with because they trust named chief financial officer of Cardinal say he not only talks the talk but he walks me; and because I treat them and everyone I Health, providing executive oversight for all of the walk. work with the way they want to be treated and Learn how we can create opportunities for you. the financial and procurement activities of the His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In the way I’d want to be treated,” he says. cardinalhealth.com/specialty company as well as helping to set the strategic 2012, the Healthcare Businesswomen’s As- Ms. Sharpnack’s organization got it right; direction of the company. sociation (HBA) named Mr. Kaufmann its Mr. Kaufmann is a guy who gets it. “Success for me is about solving the tough Mentor of the Year. More recently, Mr. problem, building lasting relationships, and Kaufmann was awarded the Guys Who surrounding myselfCompliments with great team members Get it Award from the Institute for Wom- Driven to innovate by who have the opportunity to take their careers en’s Leadership. The institute was founded and the company to the next level,” he says. by Rayona Sharpnack to innovate in the His demonstration of extraordinary lead- areas of gender partnership in addition to CREATING ership in support of women and their career growing and developing women. development sets him apart. He is considered “Professionally, my involvement with
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] the quintessential sponsor and mentor and is WIN has been one of the most amazing the executive sponsor of the Cardinal Health experiences in my recent career history,” Women’s Initiative Network (WIN). he says. “WIN has challenged me to learn DIVERSITY I I 16 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
CAH160021 Brkthr_PV_9x11.indd 1 6/28/16 10:49 AM THE RICHARDS GROUP TRG JOB: CAH-16-0021 CLIENT: Cardinal Health AD NAME: This is the breakthrough PUB(S): PharmaVoice INSERTION DATE: July/August 2016 TRIM: 9 x 11 LIVE: 1/4” inside trim This is the breakthrough. BLEED: 9.25 x 11.25 COLOR/DMAX: CMYK/300 QUESTIONS: Todd Gutmann 214-891-3519
We give it wings.
You craft cures from the cutting edge. You redefi ne PharmaVOICEwhat’s possible. Yet it takes more than science for specialty drugs to reach their full potential.
of Expertise at every stage of the product life cycle has made Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions uniquely equipped to help. From market analytics to regulatory consulting services, from data-driven channel strategies to patient adherence programs, our collaborative problem solvers are ready to help you launch, market, and optimize your specialty products – and support their lasting success.
Learn how we can create opportunities for you. cardinalhealth.com/specialty Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
I I
CAH160021 Brkthr_PV_9x11.indd 1 6/28/16 10:49 AM COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
MARY ANDERSON Pushing the Medical Education Envelope
ombining unsurpassed knowledge in She is laser-focused on goals and measures Getting to know... medical education with vision and pur- success by what she has achieved. Her brand, Mary Manna Anderson C suit of excellence in client service, she says, is built for distance. Mary Anderson has helped to drive innovative About 10 years into her career she and a TITLE: President approaches in medical education. partner started a medical education company, COMPANY: Ogilvy CommonHealth Medical Throughout her nearly 30-year career, which they ran successfully for five years until Education and SCI Scientific Communications Ms. Anderson has been focused on educating 9/11 and several other factors pressed a deci- & Information, both Ogilvy CommonHealth healthcare professionals around the world on sion to move on. the clinical benefits and risks associated with “This helped me build the entrepreneurial Worldwide companies their treatment decisions. In doing so she has skills, financial acumen, and grit that comes in EDUCATION: BA, Journalism/Economics, New built one of the industry’s broadest and deep- handy every day,” Ms. Anderson says. York University est medical director communities that ensures She later joined Ogilvy and set a goal to FAMILY: Husband, Jeff; children, Moriah, 22, and education platforms are built with the scien- manage a unit to success, taking a step back Jeremy, 16 tific rigor that the industry demands. from managing her own company to demon- Ms. Anderson is a forward thinker who is strate what she could do. The gamble paid off HOBBIES: Hiking, cooking, gardening always looking to push the envelope with in- and she reached her goal within three years. BUCKET LIST: A culinary tour of the continents, novative strategies. She has a clear understand- Ms. Anderson has led Ogilvy Common- including cooking classes in major cities around ing of the drivers in the medical marketplace Health Medical Education for eight years and the world to become more familiar with the and an ability to seamlessly translate these during her tenure, she has transformed the cuisine styles of the non-Western World insights into scientific communications and operating model and grown revenue by more AWARDS/HONORS: Healthcare strategies. than 30%. Soon after becoming president, she created SCI, which is focused on the specific Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Rising Star needs of medical affairs andPharmaVOICE R&D teams in ASSOCIATIONS: HBA, various community Passionate.Focused. pharma, biotech, and device manufacturing. organizations, including chorus She consistently challenges her teams SOCIAL MEDIA: to uphold the highest quality standards in Ogilvy’s scientificof communications and constantly strives for more innovative ways to deliver educational content. Examples of enhancing the ability to service clients and innovations that Ms. Anderson has delivered develop talent in the organization. Through include: thought leader content co-creation her leadership, this team has grown to be one platforms, behavior change-based clinical of the most robust in the industry. decision making models, data visualization Ms. Anderson garners respect from her and comprehension techniques, and scien- team and clients alike. She creates a positive tific narratives informed by lexical analysis. work environment while challenging her team She has built up an impressive and di- to always think differently and provide new verse group of medical directors, Ph.D.s, ideas to clients. account and project managers, medical She practices what she preaches, modeling writers, publication planners, and program positive approaches and with a belief that there directors, who bring unique, specialized is always a solution. When challenges arise she expertise in science and adult learning. She has a simple approach: tell a joke, buy lunch, has harnessed the collective power of talent and figure it out. in both the N.Y. and N.J. Ogilvy offices, Those who work with Ms. Anderson feed from her energy, resourcefulness, and pursuit of perfection as she motivates, drives, and in- ComplimentsDriven to innovate by spires her team. She was selected as an HBA Rising Star in 2011, and is presently a mentor for the HBA’s FEAR OF mentoring program. In her life, she works in- formally to mentor young women. She says she would be liked to be
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Mary Anderson is an innovative leader, a passionate marketer, remembered as a person who saw what an inspiring mentor, and someone who continually seeks was coming around the corner and was learning opportunities to hone her strategic prowess. BOREDOM ready before it happened.
18 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Getting to know... NANCY BERG Nancy S. Berg TITLE: CEO and Executive Director Driving Change Through Collaboration COMPANY: International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) orward-thinking, strategic, and transparent, Nancy Berg is en- Strategic. Collaborative. EDUCATION: BA, University of Michigan F abling the International Society FAMILY: Her parents, grandparents, husband for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes HOBBIES: Cycling, currently training for long ride Research (ISPOR) to position itself as charity events, and beach lover a leader in the field of health economics BUCKET LIST: Completing America’s Most and outcomes research (HEOR). Beautiful Bike Ride around Lake Tahoe for the One of her first tasks when assuming the role of CEO and executive director Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; participating of ISPOR in 2014 was a revamp of the in an archeology dig; being a spectator at the Tour organization’s strategic plan, including De France; and a two-week vacation would also be the mission, vision, and pillars upon nice, not practical, but nice which it functions. AWARDS/HONORS: Top 100 Most Influential Any change in leadership comes with new processes, new systems, and Women by Crain’s Detroit Business, 2004; new perspectives — the type of change Michigan’s Top 50 Women by CORP Magazine, that typically makes employees and 2004; Women of Achievement Award, Business & members a bit uncomfortable. But the Industry by the YWCA of Western Wayne County¸ mark of a true leader is revealed in her MI; 40 Under 40 by Crain’s Detroit Business skill in guiding everyone through the ASSOCIATIONS: American Society of Association transition so that they not only feel Nancy Berg is committed to a business culture founded on comfortable with the changes, but also open, honest communication and inclusion of multiple Executives; Council for Engineering and Scientific begin to fully appreciate how necessary perspectives in the decision-making process.PharmaVOICESociety Executives those changes are for growth. SOCIAL MEDIA: Ms. Berg’s ability to deal with these chal- In 2015, ISPOR welcomed more than TWEET: @ispororg lenges head on through open communication 18,000 attendees from more than 90 countries is extraordinary. She leads by example by to its global conferences.of encouraging her team to think creatively and Ms. Berg is committed to a business person ever to head a global engineering/tech- strategically, and empowering them to take culture founded on the inclusion of multiple nical organization. ownership and make independent decisions. perspectives in decision-making processes. As “Today I have an opportunity to apply Her approach has been to combine a a leader, she makes a personal commitment to that experience in managing the growth of respectful honoring of the history and past provide constructive feedback, mentoring, and ISPOR,” she says. “The situation is similar. I success of the association but with a consistent development opportunities to all staff. am working with some of the world’s brightest application to new ways of thinking. Ms. Berg moved into healthcare after her people to produce meetings, publications, and Under Ms. Berg’s leadership, a collabora- husband was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s tools to advance the field of health economics tive team of board members, thought leaders, lymphoma. Through his successful battle and and outcomes research, which is not only and cross-functional staff teams developed recovery in 2009, she grew acutely aware of extremely rewarding, but critical as medical and implemented a new strategic plan that the critical role healthcare research plays in the decision making becomes more complex.” cements ISPOR’s position as a global leader lives of patients and caregivers. The team is vital to success, Ms. Berg in HEOR. Ms. Berg’s collaborative process has Before joining ISPOR, she was responsible notes, saying the most critical decisions a resulted in the strategic plan being an owned for transformational change as CEO of the leader makes are around assessing, shaping, as well as a living document to align the orga- International Society for Pharmaceutical Engi- and developing the team. She measures success nization for the future. neering (ISPE), the world’s largest professional by the accomplishments of her team. Membership, meeting attendance, and society in the field. “Many people who have worked for me revenue are up, and the visibility and inter- At ISPE, Ms. Berg worked to bring to- have gone on to lead other scientific societies, national profile of Complimentsthe organization have been gether diverse groups of pharmaceutical indus- or to be executives in science or technolo- elevated through the creation of strategic part- try stakeholders. gy-based companies, so part of my success lies nerships and collaborations around the world. Early in her career, she served as executive in my ability to spot talent,” she says. director of the Society of Manufacturing En- Stepping back, she would like to be re- gineers (SME) where she became the youngest membered as someone who saw potential and Driven to innovate by possibilities, who listened in order to learn and (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] who stretched those around her. “Above all, I would like to be remembered THE RIGHT THINGS as grateful,” she says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 19 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
ith a clear focus on mapping a path forward, Julie Ross is com- Wmitted to solving each hurdle that JULIE ROSS the life-sciences industry faces. Ms. Ross, pres- ident of Advanced Clinical, has been a thought Bridging the Talent Gap leader and innovator within the pharma, clin- ical, and biotech space for more than 25 years. Ms. Ross has mastered the skills necessary Recognizing the need for continuous inno- difference in the lives of many through per- for helping pharmaceutical and clinical orga- vation and industry improvement, Ms. Ross sonal and professional coaching, and through nizations achieve success, growing vertical or- has been a champion for new initiatives, in- her innovative ideas and programs. ganizations from $20 million to billion-dollar cluding risk-based monitoring, electronic trial She is a mentor and board director for entities. She led the successful transition of a master filing, and streamlining FDA-compli- the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. site management organization into a full-ser- ance automation. Mentoring is critically important for her, as vice contract research organization that grew Her expertise and ability to diagnose she says it is a way for her to give back and from nothing to $50 million in revenue in next-generation solutions within clinical areas grow the future of the industry. about five years before a successful sale. are sought out by professional organizations “I am motivated by the opportunity to Her impact on driving industry-leading across the United States. make this a better world by innovating within change has been profound, and as a leader she One of the most recent examples of her the drug development industry and through has developed and groomed tomorrow’s top leading-edge thinking is the development of coaching and mentoring people to be better pharmaceutical professionals. a program to help bridge the significant talent versions of themselves,” Ms. Ross says. Her vision and leadership have guided Ad- gap facing the clinical and pharmaceutical She leads by example, respecting individ- vanced Clinical to become one of the strongest industry. Under Ms. Ross’s leadership, Ad- ual value systems, challenging people to be and most-effective CRO, staffing, and consult- vanced Clinical developed and launched a new their best, and offering encouragement. ing organizations in the pharmaceutical space. program aimed at accelerating and promoting “Life is a journey with ups and downs new clinical research associates entering the but when I reflect back, the most difficult of field. Working with leading U.S. universities, times can be the most rewarding in terms of Getting to know... the program is a catalyst for maximizing new lessons learned spiritually, emotionally, and Julie Ann Ross graduate experience and complements the intellectually,” she says.
real-world skills necessary to be suc- Strategic. Julie Ross’ ability to TITLE: President cessful in the field. PharmaVOICE identify next-generation COMPANY: Advanced Clinical LLC She says the “war on talent” solutions within EDUCATION: BS, Nuclear Medicine; University of keeps her up at night as the clin- clinical areas is sought Wisconsin, Lacrosse ical research industryof is evolving out by professional quickly and reaching the tipping organizations and clients. FAMILY: Husband, Steve Ross; children, Steven, point where many senior leaders will Anna, Nick, and Tony; Parents, Mike and Judy; in-
retire, and yet the industry finds it difficult to Creative Innovator. laws, Bill and Janet attract younger, less experienced people. HOBBIES: Kayaking, boating, fishing, and Ms. Ross cites her toughest assignment spending time in Northern Wisconsin and was selling the CRO she was responsible for shopping with her daughter building. While it was the right business de- cision, the transaction came with a great deal BUCKET LIST: Being in Time’s Square on New of change — i.e. culture, roles and respon- Year’s Eve and a trip to Alaska with all of her sibilities, processes, systems, loss of a few children positions, integration hurdles, etc. — for AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100 many. Leading her team through the honoree, 2014 sale and integration, while ensuring client programs were not affected was ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Businesswomen’s a critical initiative, she says. Association, DIA, GRACE Helping to advance others’ ca- SOCIAL MEDIA: reers is a priority for Ms. Ross, who would like to be remembered as a Driven toCompliments innovate by servant leader, a person who made a OPPORTUNITY AND (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] RESPONSIBILITY
20 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE Bridging the Talent Gap
PharmaVOICE of
Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
DR. BRIAN NIGHTENGALE Empowering Success One Passion at a Time
eople are the inspiration for Brian assessment, global market access, scientific with the company’s pharmaceutical partners, Nightengale, Ph.D., and as president communications, and related global services providing them with excellent customer ser- Pof Xcenda he is focused on empowering in Western Europe. The company maintains vice, strategic insights, and solutions. Dr. them, connecting with their passion to drive a network of key opinion leaders around the Nightengale ensures that trust and commu- the business vision and mission, and creating world and regularly exhibits at international nication are integral parts of Xcenda’s culture. opportunities. conferences to ensure it can provide mar- His leadership, business acumen, and pro- “When smart people are empowered to ket-by-market commercialization insights to fessional ethics are valued throughout the reach their full potential and to pursue their customers. Under his leadership, Xcenda has organization and with the executive leadership passion, and when that passion is aligned with become a thought leader in the big data arena, team. The company culture, which he helped a purposeful strategy, great things happen,” helping pharmaceutical manufactures under- to shape, regularly earns one of the highest Dr. Nightengale says. stand and apply data to supporting better employee engagement scores in the field help- Dr. Nightengale leads a variety of teams patient adherence and outcomes. ing retain and attract the finest and brightest and experts in projects that are critical to Success for Dr. Nightengale is measured by talent, an accomplishment Dr. Nightengale the pharmaceutical product commercialization the level of engagement of the company’s asso- regards as a career highlight. journey. Xcenda, part of AmerisourceBer- ciates and customer satisfaction and accolades. He is also proud of the fact that Xcenda gen, is a strategic consultancy that applies “When our customers win big awards, we has been selected as Best Places to Work both real-world expertise in health economics and love to celebrate behind the scenes,” he says. times the company was eligible. outcomes research, reimbursement, stake- He is considered an expert in collaborating He regards his colleagues as family and holder insights, and market access consulting says because of the trust built over the years, and communications. when challenges arise it’s natural for them to As a leader, Dr. Nightengale and his team come together as a dedicated team, with no have driven Xcenda’s global expansion. In personal agendas, to come up with a response 2014, Xcenda acquired Herescon, a leading and solution to address the issue. His primary research and consulting firm based in Han- PharmaVOICEgoal is to empower others to succeed beyond nover, Germany. This acquisition positioned even their current goals. the company to more fully address the grow- “I love to solve problems and fully believe ing needs of its clients for health technology that an engaged and empowered group of ex- of perts, aligned on a common strategy can drive Getting to know... Empowering. and shape the future of healthcare,” he says. Dr. Nightengale says if he isn’t mentoring Brian Nightengale, Ph.D. he’s failing in his job, and he seeks to be more of a coach, mentor, and colleague versus being TITLE: President a manager. He was also an early sponsor of the COMPANY: Xcenda company’s Women in Leadership initiative. EDUCATION: Bachelor of Pharmacy, University “Mentorship is incredibly important be- of Oklahoma; Ph.D., Pharmaceutical Sciences, cause that is what builds and perpetuates a culture of collaboration, growth, and success,” University of South Carolina Passionate. FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer; children Camden, Alex, he says. “I believe that the most important impact of effective mentorship is passing along Jack, and Anna, and parents the lessons that come from past failure, for that HOBBIES: Fishing, playing guitar, cycling is the birth of wisdom.” BUCKET LIST: Landing a 400-lb blue marlin; Dr. Brian Nightengale has helped to shape a To him, leadership comes down to three spending two weeks in the Holy Land company culture, which has led to the highest simple but powerful themes: engage, em- AWARDS/HONORS: Top Places to Work in employee engagement scores in the field. power, and unleash. “I hope to be remembered as a coach and Tampa Bay mentor who made a difference in the lives of ASSOCIATIONS: ComplimentsInternational Society for Driven to innovate by the people who I work with, and because of Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research, that, collectively, that Xcenda is viewed as the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, University best-in-class essential partner versus a vendor of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy National Board SHAPING by our customers,” Dr. Nightengale says. of Directors Editor’s Note: As of press time, Dr. Nightengale has been named president of SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Good Neighbor Pharmacy, a TWEET: @bnight12 network of independent phar- HEALTHCARE macies.
22 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Pragmatic. Passionate.
Getting to know... Francois Torche TITLE: CEO COMPANY: CluePoints EDUCATION: MS, Business Administration, ICHEC Brussels Management Francois Torche has led CluePoints to develop a new way to assess the quality of clinical trial data — a FAMILY: Wife, Genevieve, and twins, Alix and concept called centralized statistical monitoring. Aymeric HOBBIES: Movies, music, DIY projects BUCKET LIST: Drive a Formula 1 car; skydive; become a business angel FRANCOIS TORCHE AWARDS/HONORS: Scrip Award 2014
SOCIAL MEDIA: Revolutionizing Statistical Monitoring TWEET: @FrancoisTorche PharmaVOICE resents a major step forward for the industry makes Mr. Torche’s leadership at CluePoints and will lead to tangible benefits. so inspiring for those who work there. luePoints CEO Francois Torche is set Mr. Torche’s passion and expertise have This ability to deliver innovative solutions to disrupt the traditional thinking helped frame the industry’sof discussion on oper- that match customer requirements is a recipe C regarding risk-based monitoring and ational quality management and he is encour- for great success. Many companies develop data quality oversight. CluePoints is a central aging organizations to rethink their approach what they think is needed and then wonder statistical monitoring solution that employs to centralized monitoring techniques as they why it doesn’t fly off the shelves, but Mr. unique statistical algorithms to determine seek to implement risk-based monitoring. Torche listens to what customers really need the quality, accuracy, and integrity of clinical Colleagues view Mr. Torche as a visionary and how they need it to be done. trial data. By identifying anomalous data and who has been instrumental in this revolution. “We talk and we work together on the site errors, corrective actions can be taken to Possessing a rare combination of technical challenge,” he says. ensure data quality and a reduction in over- ability and an appreciation for the subtleties Using an agile product development meth- all regulatory submission risk. Aligned with of running clinical trials, he is able to identify odology, he ensures solutions are developed guidance from the FDA and EMA, CluePoints how CSM technology can help study teams and implemented in record time. is deployed to support traditional on-site mon- maintain greater and more efficient oversight He has created a company culture that has itoring and can be implemented as the engine of patient safety and improve overall data allowed for its ranks to expand from five to 30 to drive a risk-based monitoring strategy. quality. employees in three years, and being appointed Mr. Torche has been at the heart of the His entrepreneurial mindset enables the CluePoints CEO is by far his most challenging company’s cloud-based software, which works company to be as nimble as possible and assignment to date. He shares his enthusiasm by harnessing a unique, patent-protected en- respond quickly to customer and partner re- and passion for the work and enjoys interact- gine comprising a comprehensive suite of quests as well as evoking a spirit where ev- ing with others, initiating discussions about statistical algorithms to ensure that no stone eryone is able to put forward new ideas and a certain topic, and sharing a diversity of is left unturned in Complimentssurfacing potential issues change the plans if appropriate. The ability of thoughts. in both clinical and operational data. This being able to make a decision in the morning Mr. Torche is as passionate about his fam- advanced data analytics solution significantly and implement it in the afternoon is what ily as he is about his work, and as the father reduces the risk of regulatory submission fail- of twins, he may have a tougher job at home ure, while complying with current regulatory than at work. Colleagues tell us that he spends guidance and achieving higher quality data at Driven to innovate by what little spare time he has at the beach with (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] the end of the study. As the complexity, size, his family and is a keen kite-surfing enthusiast. and costs of clinical trials continues to increase, He can talk for as long about that pastime as there is no doubt that this technology rep- PEOPLE he can about SAS programing.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 23 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
work while taking care of her team and clients that is infectious and unifies those around her, is a balancing act, and knows that great work which is especially important as she makes CAROLYN and a happy team are hugely essential for long- decisions, takes risks, and moves the business term growth and stability. forward. She empowers people to leverage She is also committed to lessen the divide the skills at which they are great. She knows MORGAN between industry and society through impact- when to step in and solve problems, and more ful communications. importantly, how to ask the right questions to Blazing a Trail “So many amazing things are being done help her teams solve problems on their own. every day by extraordinary people and yet the She weaves the perfect blend of intelli- here is a saying that leaders shine in focus remains on things that are perceived as gence, empathy, positivity, and vision into her times of crisis or conversely that crises negative — like the cost of drugs,” she says. everyday interactions with the entire agency. T make a leader. Carolyn Morgan has “It would be great to highlight the unsung Ms. Morgan devotes her time to individual proven her mettle time and again on both heroes and moments within the industry in an development by listening, asking questions, fronts. earnest and authentic way. In addition, there and maximizing every minute. She genuinely At the age of 32, and three years into her are underserved patient populations that need cares about her employees and wants to make employment at LehmanMillet, Ms. Morgan resources and attention, especially in ultra-rare sure that people are happy with what they are became managing director of the West Coast diseases. It would be great to develop a coali- doing. She inspires those around her through office, where she tripled billings, grew the staff tion to support underfunded populations.” her sheer determination, leading by example, from 12 to more than 40, and was named to Ms. Morgan is an inspiration to her peers and ensuring a strong work/life balance. Southern California’s 40 under 40 list of top and partners in the pharmaceutical and biotech She is a mentor to many other agency and leaders. industries. She has built an agency culture fo- client side talent and has kicked off a new In June 2013, she returned to Boston to cused on fairness, integrity, and winning. Women in Life Sciences executive program take over as president of the entire organiza- Internally, she makes everyone at the with local Boston partners to further connec- tion, a promotion she describes as both awe- agency feel appreciated and important. Ex- tions, mentorship, and knowledge share. some and humbling. ternally, she makes it a point to contribute to “Being a mentor is one of the most reward- Ms. Morgan continued to grow the firm at every account that comes through the agency’s ing parts of my day,” she says. “I love to guide, a rate in excess of the industry average, then doors. encourage, and challenge. Our industry never managed it through a change in ownership, She measures success by the amount of stops. Helping people to focus on themselves and positioned the newly rebranded agency laughter she hears on a daily basis and the and tackle and complete a new challenge is as precisioneffect, part of Precision Medicine retention of her agency colleaguesPharmaVOICE and repeat essential to growth and so fun to watch.” Group, to ascend to the top of the advertising business that comes from the trust she builds And she manages all of this with two sets industry along a nontraditional path. with clients. of twins under the age of 6. Ms. Morgan has boldly repositioned the She has a tre- agency to seek out, engage, and catapult mendous warmth of clients that are changing the standard of care to the top. And she has restruc- Carolyn Morgan has a Getting to know... boundless amount of tured the team to assure that the right energy for achieving Carolyn Morgan talent is in place to address the dynamic success above and TITLE: President healthcare marketplace to provide sound beyond expectations COMPANY: precisioneffect and top creative executions around the for clients and, as Passionate. agency’s roster of innovative companies to importantly, her people. EDUCATION: BS, Business Communications, create new positioning in a competitive Bentley University healthcare landscape. FAMILY: Husband, Garrett Morgan and two Her goal is to continue to hone and re- sets of twins — Evelyn and Lexi, 6, and Owen fine the agency’s craft, add talent everyone can learn from, and help launch or rebrand and Josie, 4 game-changing products that make a differ- Positive. HOBBIES: Arts and crafts with the kids; ence in patients’ lives. reading, traveling She makes sure that everyone keeps up BUCKET LIST: Travel twice a year to a new with literature both on therapeutic innova- place — one trip with the kids and one tions as well as new marketing technologies that she and her team should be mastering. without To those who are ready to turn away from the expected and change the standard. “There are newCompliments and exciting things to learn AWARDS/HONORS: 40 under 40, Orange To drive influencers from inertia to advocacy. To create dramatic and effective launches. every single day,” she says. County To those who are ready to empower new audiences and change how people think, treat and cure. Ms. Morgan says managing an influx of ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare For those looking to partner with an agency equally as bold and passionate about having an effect. Businesswomen’s Association, Bentley Executive Club Driven to innovate by SOCIAL MEDIA: (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] LEHMANMILLET is now NOT SETTLING TWEET: @carolynamorgan © 2016 precisioneffect. All rights reserved. 24 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
25622_Prec_PharmaVoice_9x11 JD
6/27/16 8.5” x 10.5” ROUND 100 9” x 11” 1 4c 9.25” x 11.25” PharmaVOICE of
To those who are ready to turn away from the expected and change the standard. ComplimentsTo drive influencers from inertia to advocacy. To create dramatic and effective launches. To those who are ready to empower new audiences and change how people think, treat and cure. For those looking to partner with an agency equally as bold and passionate about having an effect.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] LEHMANMILLET is now
© 2016 precisioneffect. All rights reserved.
25622_Prec_PharmaVoice_9x11 JD
6/27/16 8.5” x 10.5” ROUND 100 9” x 11” 1 4c 9.25” x 11.25” COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Innovative. Passionate.
Driven to innovate by
Alex Zapesochny’s innovative ideas for streamlining testing QUEST FOR processes in clinical trials is vastly improving drug development. DAILY MEANING to additional areas, both currently in the clini- cal trial industry, but also methods that could ALEX ZAPESOCHNY be used in the broader healthcare industry. It is no secret that drug development needs better methods so that sponsors can make Optimizing Clinical Trial Efficiency clinical trials more efficient, affordable, and ac- curate, and iCardiac, under Mr. Zapesochny’s lawyer, a boxer, and a writer walk into Using the scientific evidence, Mr. Zape- leadership, has done exactly that. The exciting a company to develop innovative ways sochny’s team was able to convince preemi- thing is that colleagues say he always saw the A for cost-effective safety testing for nent thought leaders that through data from mission of the organization as going beyond drugs with an entrepreneur. A joke? No, the a unique ECG analysis methodology, it was building a viable company to being an entity lawyer, boxer, writer, and entrepreneur are all possible to get definitive information from with a broad societal impact. the same person: Alex Zapesochny. routine Phase I studies. One of Mr. Zapesochny’s professional goals The president and CEO of iCardiac Tech- He has rallied the company around the is to continue to grow iCardiac into the in- nologies has many diverse talents, and one of technology that has resultedPharmaVOICE in it becoming dustry’s largest centralized core lab offering an them is using technology to disrupt the way an accepted strategy by regulators, which is array of best-of-breed service offerings. cardiac safety and respiratory assessment stud- unprecedented in the industry. And, in spite “I hope iCardiac continues to be known as ies are conducted. of industry criticism, Mr. Zapesochny worked an organization that introduces technological The former New York City prosecutor with a discreet groupof of stakeholders to posi- innovations that serve to optimize drug devel- and attorney for technology companies started tion iCardiac as the leading service provider opment efficiency, and as a modern-age com- iCardiac with two others in 2006, with an ex- behind this approach. pany with a culture characterized by respect, clusive license agreement with the University Colleagues describe Mr. Zapesochny as a teamwork and autonomy,” he says. “I love to of Rochester Medical Center. pioneer and a disrupting force within the in- work on and implement new ideas with regard Under Mr. Zapesochny’s leadership, iCar- dustry. His entrepreneurial skills are founded to technology, business models, and company diac Technologies performs advanced research on his grasp of scientific concepts and how to culture.” studies that help pharmaceutical companies make them valuable in a business context. and regulators determine if new medicines He possesses a pragmatic, effective ap- that are being developed may potentially have proach, and always keeps one eye on the bot- Getting to know... lethal cardiac side effects. tom line while pushing new ideas forward for Alex Zapesochny The company has pioneered a number of top line growth and innovation. key innovations in cardiac safety that are being An intuitive leader, Mr. Zapesochny has TITLE: President and CEO widely used by numerous drug developers and the ability to work with a wide range of people COMPANY: iCardiac Technologies Inc. sponsors. from academics to industry professionals; his EDUCATION: BS, Cornell University; Master’s, iCardiac conducts cardiac safety and re- unusual combination of analytical and emo- University of Oxford; JD, American University spiratory assessment studies worldwide and tional intelligence has enabled the technology FAMILY: Wife, Katie; two children, Marina and works with numerous pharmaceutical and bio- and the organization to succeed. His leader- Max technology companies, including eight of the ship style epitomizes the belief that innova- 10 largest globalCompliments pharmaceutical companies. tion, technology, and a committed workforce HOBBIES: Hiking, reading (everything), movies, Co-founding iCardiac and growing it into are keys to future success. travel, creative writing, and spending time on their a 170-plus person company has been Mr. His first development at iCardiac was hobby farm Zapesochny’s biggest career highlight. The High Precision QT testing, which was focused AWARDS/HONORS: Science Coalition 100 and most challenging assignment has been discov- on reducing costs and increasing precision Top Workplaces of Rochester twice; Leadership ering and validating a methodology for more using state-of-the-art software and digital sig- Excellence Award (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] precise measurements in the context of cardiac nal processing algorithms. safety studies, which represents a significant Today, he and his team are focused on SOCIAL MEDIA: improvement in the cardiac safety industry. looking for ways of applying new technologies
26 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
DR. JULES MITCHEL Trailblazing for Electronic Clinical Trial Efficiency
he move away from the dependence on paper in clinical trials can’t happen Driven to innovate by Passionate.Caring. Tsoon enough for Jules Mitchel, Ph.D. Trying to get the life-sciences industry to em- brace the transition to paperless clinical trials PASSION remains his toughest challenge. management, Internet-based clinical trial elec- “I’d like to be remembered as the guy who tronic data-capture (EDC, paperless), software helped to transform clinical trials from the development, drug and device development. Dark Ages where paper dominated and time From early on, he had the insight to recog- was not of the essence, to the Modern Age nize the potential of the Internet to save time where we all use 21st century thinking and and money in clinical trials, as well as to in- cutting-edge technology,” Dr. Mitchel says. crease efficiencies and have validation software Dr. Mitchel has been a trailblazer in devel- far exceeding the accuracy of human review. oping and using electronic source solutions to He blends technologies with expertise in impact the clinical research enterprise, includ- clinical research while maintaining a regula- ing clinical research sites, patients, regulators, tory perspective to facilitate efficient clinical as well as CRAs, project, safety, and data trials that can lead to smooth regulatory Dr. Jules Mitchel pushes the envelope on how to managers within drug and device companies. reviews and ultimately marketing approvals. make clinical development a better, faster, and more He started Target Health with his wife Success for him happens each time a client successful undertaking. and business partner, Joyce Hays, and the hits a key milestone, such as a successful out- two along with a talented team have built the come of an FDA meeting, a successful clinical datasets consistent with CDISC; creating phar- company into an internationally recognized trial, obtaining an orphan drug designation, macovigilance within the EDC environment, full-service CRO with expertise in clinical and of course a marketing clearancePharmaVOICE of a drug, which eliminates reconciliation work; blend- research, regulatory affairs, biostatistics, data biologic, or device. ing the eSource with the EDC using technol- A career highlight for Dr. Mitchel was the ogy, all the while protecting the ownership Getting to know... first-ever marketing approval of an investiga- by the site of the source documents and the tional product that usedof direct entry of patient ownership by the sponsor for the EDC data. Jules Mitchel, Ph.D. data at the time of the office visit for a trial In addition, Dr. Mitchel has been actively using Target Health’s proprietary EDC sys- involved in the FDA Clinical Trial Transfor- TITLE: President tem, Target e*CRF integrated with Target’s mation Initiative (CTTI) as a member of the COMPANY: Target Health Inc. e-clinical trial record e-source system, Target executive and steering committees. EDUCATION: BS, Biology, Queens College; e*CTR. This was followed by a new drug ap- Ideally, Dr. Mitchel would have all clinical MS, Biology, University of Oregon; MBA, Pace plication (NDA) with seven studies that used trials for a given disease in the cloud so that University; Ph.D., Biology, New York University the same software and where all five clinical all a researcher would have to do is add a new FAMILY: Wife and life partner, Joyce research sites had flawless FDA pre-approval treatment to an existing protocol. Further, he inspections. believes the pharmacy industry could become HOBBIES: Walking in Central Park Indeed, Target Health’s technologies have an integral part of postmarketing surveillance BUCKET LIST: Personally — go to the Galapagos not only been accepted by the FDA, but in as all prescriptions are now electronic so it is Islands; professionally — see the adoption of fact, have become the new industry standard easy to track fulfillment and renewals. paperless and standardized clinical trials to held by regulators. Critically important is how a company accelerate safe and effective drugs to the market A collaborative thinker, Dr. Mitchel rec- treats its employees and structures itself for ognizes and leverages the creative and tech- employee growth. Dr. Mitchel elevates tal- AWARDS/HONORS: Small Business Global nological resources of his clients to optimize ent-development to a new level with his more Trade Award from World Trade Week NYC 2016; each interaction whether with the FDA or than 65 employees by having regularly sched- Certificate of Appreciation in Recognition of coordinating activities with other regulatory uled company gatherings, which acknowledge Outstanding Service andCompliments Contributions on Behalf agencies. individual achievement, attainment of group of CTTI (Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative); His expertise has earned him an impressive goals, and excellence in recruitment and re- Sponsor of the Year (Center for Dermal Research; client list; he currently represents more than tention. 45 pharmaceutical and biotech companies at Dr. Mitchel inspires his employees by en- Leaders Society (Dermatology Foundation) the FDA and more than 150 companies since gaging all staff members no matter where they ASSOCIATIONS: CTTI, ASCO, AAD, AUA, ACRP, DIA Target Health was founded. sit in the company’s hierarchy. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA: He has been a leader within the industry “I share my passion for science and the in- TWEET: @JulesMitchel on multiple fronts: using MedDRA within the dustry and how working at Target Health can EDC environment; creating behind-the-scenes make a difference,” he says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 27 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Passionate.Driven. CLAREECE WEST Going the Extra Mile
verything Clareece West does is di- rected toward a very clear goal: bene- Getting to know... E fitting patients. Ms. West is driven by Clareece West delivering technologies properly married to science to improve and advance devices and TITLE: Chief Operating Officer therapies for all patients. COMPANY: MedNet Solutions Ms. West is an energetic, passionate, and EDUCATION: BS, Biology experienced industry leader dedicated to cor- FAMILY: Her parents, both deceased, who porate and individual success, as well as im- provided her with a strong core and moral proving the life-sciences community on a foundation; two siblings personal and professional level. Ms. West has an incredible track record. A HOBBIES: Gardening; she can grow almost career highlight for her was joining the team anything; watching college sports of any of a relatively small company, contributing kind; and supporting the Kansas City Royals, Clareece West is an energetic, passionate, and experienced industry leader dedicated to to its growth year after year, and eventually Sporting KC, and the Kansas City Chiefs corporate and individual success, and improving taking it public. Another accomplishment BUCKET LIST: Travel to Anguilla and the was taking a company that was hugely reve- the life-sciences community. nue concentrated with one client representing Maldives; a vacation on a boat with a captain more than 85% of the business, and helping in the West Indies; owning a business Ms. West motivates team members to it to diversify its client portfolio and revenue AWARDS/HONORS: PRA President’s and achieve the highest level of excellence in every- across more than 50 new clients. Chairman’s Club awards thing they do by modeling this behavior every “In both cases, I was fortunate to have ASSOCIATIONS: DIA, SCDM, Founding day herself. She seeks to inspire teams through fantastic teams,” she says. “That’s where real PharmaVOICEpush and drive and helping her teams achieve Member, Women’s Capital Connection, Mid success happens.” what they want long term. In addition, Ms. West was directly in- America Angel Investors, Hebron Board of Ms. West consistently shares her knowl- volved with all hepatitis/HIV products Directors of edge and expertise with the life-sciences com- brought to market between 1984 and 1998 by SOCIAL MEDIA: munity through her leadership roles in various supporting three of the top diagnostic compa- industry-related organizations and events. For nies worldwide. example, she has served in multiple lead Ms. West joined MedNet Solutions as speaking and moderating roles at DIA events, chief operating officer at a crucial time in Driven to innovate by both within the United States and abroad. the company’s history. Specifically, MedNet She devotes countless hours of her personal had just received the first major outside financ- time to multiple community initiatives that ing in the company’s history, and its leader- THE SICK are near and dear to her heart. For example, ship team was looking for expert assistance ter cures, while improving the products and she is passionate about helping small busi- in taking the organization to the next level devices in development. nesses attain the funding they need to achieve of growth, building on the company’s solid “I hope to continue leading industry com- their dreams and is a founding member of the eClinical products, and furthering its excellent panies toward growth, goals, and better qual- Women’s Capital Connection, a regional angel customer service reputation. ity results,” she says. investment group, and is an active member of Since joining, Ms. West has helped to Ms. West loves what she does, knowing the Mid America Angel Investors network. reorganize MedNet’s departments to increase that every computer click, data entry, mon- She is also committed to healthcare-related efficiency and productivity. She has hired itoring trip, medical review can make a dif- not-for-profit organizations in her community. experienced personnel to strengthen internal ference in overall patient care. She is excited After a coworker was diagnosed with breast capabilities and knowledge and she has spear- by the opportunities technology brings to the cancer, Ms. West became a member of the headed initiatives to expand MedNet’s global industry by creating a more universal mindset Ribbons of Pink Foundation, an organization footprint. In 2015,Compliments MedNet experienced re- that allows the industry to draw patients into dedicated to finding a cure. cord growth, including iMedNet eClinical clinical trials from around the globe. She has also served seven years on the board sales growth of 98% from 2014; iMedNet She believes success should be measured of the Kansas City Eye Bank, and four years as eClinical backlog growth of 91% from 2014; by the performance of those who work for her. president. She served as the chairperson for the record R&D spending, a 46% increase from She constantly challenges herself by asking: Kansas City Memory Walk for Kansas City 2014; significant employee hiring growth, “Are they motivated? Do they care and want Hospice House.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] more than 30%; and inbound prospective to achieve more? Do I provide the right strat- Ms. West also volunteers for Kansas City customer inquiry growth of 40% from 2014. egy and goals for them to succeed? What did Hospice and she is currently president of the Her goal is to help drive and influence bet- I learn?” board for Hebron Cemetery.
28 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Energetic.Imaginative. Getting to know... JULIE ADRIAN Julie Adrian TITLE: US, Managing Director Creative Engagement COMPANY: Chandler Chicco Agency, inVentiv Health EDUCATION: Journalism, University work supporting the primary of Kansas screening indication for the cobas HPV test. This was a ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare huge PR opportunity for the Businesswomen’s Association agency. Because the test was SOCIAL MEDIA: a critical screening option for women, it was essential that CCA deliver a high-impact here’s no such thing as PR program that supported
“we can’t do that” for Julie Adrian’s an advisory committee and Julie Adrian. With an FDA approval. Not only did T commitment and imaginative approach to prob- vision have helped she deliver outstanding re- lem-solving, Ms. Adrian looks shape and revitalize sults, she also parlayed this beyond the predictable to make the creative success into a PR education solutions a reality. approach and project for CCA’s internal Ms. Adrian brings passion, culture of CCA. business partners. creativity, and inspiration to ev- Ms. Adrian brings learn- erything she touches. She is able ings borne from years of help- to adapt to any client situation, ing companies tell their contribute to and win new busi- Driven to innovate by stories and engage with ness, drive strategic discussions, and do it all into the PharmaVOICEstakeholders in meaning- with pep and determination. communications ful ways that have a pos- A charismatic, creative, and inspirational approach for clients. CHANGE itive impact on the busi- leader, she has more than 25 years of expe- At the same ness. rience in the development and execution of time, she has not lostof sight of CCA’s legacy Her energy and positive attitude are infec- healthcare marketing communications pro- and what makes it unique: a no-walls, no-ti- tious in the office. She empowers her team to grams. tles culture that promotes collaboration and think outside-of-the-box to deliver results-ori- She joined Chandler Chicco Agency (CCA) rewards innovation. ented programs to healthcare clients to ulti- in 2003, chosen by industry veterans Bob She strikes the right balance of experience, mately improve patients’ lives. Chandler and Gianfranco Chicco, to establish knowledge, energy, and a single-minded goal “Considering the patient voice very early CCA’s West Coast presence. A dedicated vi- to deliver the highest quality work. in the life cycle of a product or service — even sionary, she built the West Coast operation A relationship builder, Ms. Adrian’s clients when choosing to develop a compound — will from scratch, and it now includes more than are dedicated to her while her competitors do more to change the way we make decisions 30 communications professionals representing admire her. than any other shift in recent years,” she says. a range of biotech, pharma, and device com- She understands the regulated environ- She inspires through words and deeds, panies. She took the office to the next level, ment the industry works in, and how to noting that inspiration is part motivation and helping it to become the hub of inVentiv be innovative and cutting-edge while always part action. Health’s West coast operations, defining new staying compliant. And she does so while al- “It’s important to give people the right di- approaches, and being a model for the inte- ways keeping front and center that everything rection, help them see how to feel good about grated service model. both the agency and its clients do ultimately what they are doing, and why they are doing Since becoming the leader of the Chandler touches the lives of patients, their families, and it,” she says. “But it’s equally important to Chicco Agency U.S. in 2015, she has focused caregivers, and therefore must be authentic, show them you are fully vested in their success, on unifying three offices: New York, Los An- motivating, and relevant. and seeing leaders follow through on what geles, and Washington,Compliments D.C. She has redefined Whether she is providing strategic coun- they say is highly motivating.” how each group works together while foster- sel to facilitate effective change management Her commitment to supporting women ing vision and creativity in each of the offices. between companies experiencing a merger, who are passionate about healthcare commu- Ms. Adrian has embraced being part of in- helping a brand establish its voice, or develop- nications extends beyond working with CCA Ventiv Health and finds ways to cross-collabo- ing a compelling, authentic narrative that will employees. As the current president of the rate with sister agencies: Palio, Medical Com- ultimately have a positive business impact, Southern California chapter of the Healthcare
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] munications, GSW, Managed Markets, among Ms. Adrian’s pursuit of excellence is relentless. Businesswomen’s Association, she is directly others. She leverages expertise across the inVen- A recent example of her ability to bring involved in shaping the next generation of tiv Health network to infuse broader thinking fresh thinking to business challenges is her women in healthcare.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 29 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
MATT MCNALLY
Creating Powerful Connections Curious.
hree-time PharmaVOICE 100 honoree One of the leading innovators in the inter- Matt McNally gives 100% to every- section of media and marketing in healthcare, T thing he does. Mr. McNally’s vision and skill as a media “If I am not 100% committed and in- pioneer and marketing expert has set the volved, I can never expect my teams to be,” pace for the transformation of pharmaceutical Mr. McNally says. “My team sees my passion marketing from static creative metaphors, to
and dedication to them, and they give it right real-time engagement through content and Innovative. back to me.” interactivity. From building the first-ever in- Mr. McNally consistently shows passion tegrated media capability at Digitas Health, to Mentor, innovator, trusted advisor, visionary, for his people, his clients, and the media leading the successful launch and expansion of Matt McNally truly demonstrates what good world. He has pioneered many new initiatives Publicis Health Media (PHM), Mr. McNally leadership looks like. over the years that have benefited patients, the has demonstrated his ability to seize on emerg- media industry, and his healthcare clients. ing trends and lead in uncharted and exciting He eschews terms like “targets,” saying people His advocacy for pharma marketing goes new territories. are individuals with fears, hopes, desires and beyond branding and delivers real value: ed- He has moved PHM into a leadership needs. ucation, awareness, and value beyond the pill. position within the health and wellness media “We need to move from simply selling space within three years of the agency being products to servicing distinct individual needs established. in a more inspiring, personalized, and compel- Getting to know... Last year, Mr. McNally was promoted to ling way,” he says. Matt McNally group president of Publicis Health, and in While he is at the forefront of digital addition to leading PHM, he was tasked with media innovation, he never speaks in terms TITLE: Group President overseeing Razorfish Health. such as digital or mobile or social; for him it’s COMPANY: Publicis Health “This experience taughtPharmaVOICE me how to build all about optimal branding and exposure for EDUCATION: BS, University of Delaware and optimize teams that I did not create, and a brand’s message and creating engagement. FAMILY: Partner, Ralph Bassett reposition the Razorfish Health brand in the Clients, peers, partners, and colleagues HOBBIES: Running, house renovation marketplace,” he says. “This responsibility re- respect Mr. McNally. His energy and drive inforced the powerof of team, and how to make are limitless and only matched by his desire BUCKET LIST: Trip to the Maldives decisions quickly to drive change.” to meet and exceed expectations of his clients AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100 2014, In taking over responsibility of Razorfish, and his teams. 2015, 2016; MM&M Agency Marketer of the Year, Mr. McNally is helping to connect the dots Mr. McNally has a quote above his desk: “a Silver 2014; Ad Age Best Places to Work 2015 between technology, content, creative, and smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” Chal- ASSOCIATIONS: Big Brothers Big Sisters media and driving continued innovation and lenges, he says, help people grow and develop. Independence Region, Board of Directors, Vice evolution within the healthcare media and He has an exceptional ability and interest digital space. He sees exciting opportunities in in mentoring younger generations of market- Board Chair, Chairmen of Marketing Committee, developments such as marketing automation ers to help prepare them as future leaders. Secretary Philadelphia Interactive Marketing platforms, business programmatic ad buying, “I feel I get more out of our time together Association, Founding Member Egalite, Publicis and patient and healthcare practitioner data than they do,” he says. “I love seeing how Group’s network for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and driving marketing decisions and performance. younger colleagues view challenges and more transgender professionals and allies He has a vision for how his clients can importantly their thoughts on solving them.” use data to drive better user experience and As committed as Mr. McNally is to lead- SOCIAL MEDIA: better ROI and has built an industry-leading ing a motivated and happy agency, he is just TWEET: @MattMcNally4 business intelligence function that enables ad- as focused on positively impacting at-risk vertisers to deliver more effective campaigns. children in the Greater Philadelphia area. He Always on point with his industry knowl- joined the governing board of directors of Big edge, clients describe Mr. McNally’s business Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region in Driven toCompliments innovate by acumen and attention to detail in his January 2015 and has been instrumental in relationship with them as extraordinary. starting a Beyond School Walls program, al- He challenges clients and colleagues to lowing adult volunteers from his company to CURIOSITY not think like marketers, sales execu- mentor youth from a local high school during tives, or publishers, but like a patient. the work day. He also chairs the newly created marketing and communications committee,
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] serves on a fundraising committee, and pro- vides facilities for the agency to host meetings AND INSPIRATION with community members and supporters.
30 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE w e our job...do you? w e our #phmlove job...doPharmaVOICE you? #phmloveof
PHILADELPHIA • NEW YORK • CHICAGO • PARIS • LONDON
PHILADELPHIA • NEW YORK • CHICAGO • PARIS • LONDON
Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
[email protected] COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
JUAN MANTELLE The Art and Heart of Transdermal Development
uan Mantelle’s career epitomizes the tific ability to turn an idea into a history of innovation in transdermal unique and effective transdermal Driven to innovate by Jpatches. Described as a transdermal ge- delivery product. To figure out how to nius, his approach to transdermal drug deliver just the right amount and level delivery is unique and innovative. Colleagues of drug through the skin, a natural pro- CURIOSITY call Mr. Mantelle, chief operating officer at tective barrier to the body, to treat the patient As a recognized innovator and leader, Mr. ProSolus, the guru of the transdermal drug in a positive way takes this skill, and he uses Mantelle has more than 20 patents to his delivery arena. his creativity to improve the wearability of credit and is a sought-after speaker at symposia Mr. Mantelle has devoted the past three patches, creating more desirable, smaller sizes and conferences worldwide. Two examples of decades to perfecting transdermal drug de- that stay in place even while the patient is his success include Daytrana (methylphenidate velopment and delivery, and he openly passes exercising, bathing, or swimming. transdermal system, Noven Pharmaceuticals), his knowledge along to the next generation of For example, transdermal patches need and CombiPatch (estradiol/norethindrone ace- scientists. His strong passion for his work and great adhesion without skin irritation. The tate transdermal system, Noven). the positive impact his innovations bring to product must also wear well for the full du- The six-foot, four-inch baritone of Belgian patients inspires countless others to continue ration of therapy and notPharmaVOICE lose skin contact and French descent is a passionate yet prag- to develop this unique combination of art and halfway through treatment. Mr. Mantelle can matic, artistic and theoretical leader who is science delivery. create patches that accomplish these goals loyal to his team. Mr. Mantelle leads a grow- Those who have worked with him say that all while meeting the stringent regulatory ing team of 20 — up from 12 just a year ago transdermal development and formulation is requirements. Fewof individuals or formulation — from 30,000 feet, yet understands all of the truly an art and he is a skilled artist. The prod- teams in the transdermal world can do what minor details. uct designs he comes up with Mr. Mantelle can, according to colleagues. He’s equally at home at his laboratory require both a creative A chemical engineer by training, he doesn’t bench as he is in front of the packaging line. mind and just formulate a patch; he thinks about every- He does all this with honesty, commitment, the scien- thing, especially patients, when developing a and heart. new and better product. He’s not just Juan Mantelle is a scientist, he is also a marketer and considered a guru in applies this to the art of patch design. Getting to know... the transdermal drug As ProSolus has grown over the Juan Mantelle delivery arena as he past five years, Mr. Mantelle wears continually creates many hats; business partners say he TITLE: Chief Operating Officer patches with novelty COMPANY: ProSolus Inc. and creativity. near-singlehandedly and successfully manages all of the business processes EDUCATION: BS, Chemical Engineering,
Perseverant. — human resources, accounting, etc. — while University of Florida simultaneously leading his R&D team to FAMILY: Wife Angela; daughters Michelle and develop generic and over-the-counter (OTC) Nichole transdermal products. Showing sharp business acumen, he adjusted the company’s direction, HOBBIES: Golf, basketball, and traveling Complimentsrealizing that expanding into manufacturing BUCKET LIST: Experience the way other was a very real source of income. For exam- societies deal with life’s challenges Curious. ple, the company’s Miami facility doubled its AWARDS/HONORS: Twenty-three patents expansion into manufacturing. Recently, Mis- and several special recognitions for bringing sion Pharmacal Company acquired ProSolus, and Mr. Mantelle was able to return to his facilities and projects to fruition
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] passion: the development of products with ASSOCIATIONS: AAPS, CRS, AICHE unique market potential and great thera- SOCIAL MEDIA: peutic value.
32 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Curious. Determined.
Getting to know... Brian Loew helps to unite survivors, patients, Brian Loew and caregivers, providing a much-needed voice to TITLE: CEO the community. COMPANY: Inspire EDUCATION: BA, Economics, BS, Physics, George Washington University FAMILY: His parents, both teachers, who always encouraged him to try challenging new things and find a way to succeed HOBBIES: Sailing, photography BUCKET LIST: Learn to scuba dive
SOCIAL MEDIA: TWEET: @brianloew
important problems to solve and where curios- BRIAN LOEW ity is celebrated, experiments are encouraged, PharmaVOICEand failure is not fatal, Mr. Loew says. Mr. Loew says if he had the wherewithal Inspiring Patient Connections to mandate it, patients’ perspectives would be pioneer in developing healthcare social munities, and helped many of those patients required when designing healthcare solutions networks, Brian Loew created Inspire, increase their access toof clinical research. across the continuum. While attending the A an online support community com- Through Mr. Loew’s leadership, Inspire is recent Cancer Moonshot Summit in Washing- prised of some 850,000 patients and caregiv- partnering on new research on patient safety ton, D.C., he was heartened by Vice President ers. His goal has long been to accelerate med- topics such as improving pharmacovigilance Biden recommending greater participation by ical research through the use of safe, trusted through patient insights from healthcare social patients in the stages of clinical trial design. online social networks and create a world of networks. “This would help pave the way for more connected patients and caregivers. “Increasingly, patients are taking a lead patient-initiated medical research and faster “We help bring the experiences and per- in their own health management, enabled by medical progress,” he says. spectives of patients, in numbers too large to key technology developments,” Mr. Loew says. He motivates his colleagues by describing ignore, to scientists, policymakers, and the “The plummeting costs of quantified self-glu- the purpose of what Inspire does, showing industry,” he says. cose monitoring devices and genetic testing them what’s possible, and always being opti- Inspire’s clients include all of the top 10 are two different examples that are making mistic. Challenges are met and overcome by pharmaceutical companies, and most of the it possible for patients to rapidly learn about staying focused on the goal and using creativ- top 25. Inspire partners with 100 nonprofit themselves and play a patient-centric role in ity to solve every problem. He makes sure his patient advocacy organizations, providing medical innovation.” team has the tools they need to do their work them with free online support communities Innovation thrives in an environment with and listens to the larger community on ideas for their members. to improve the Inspire framework and more. Just as important is the response from pa- Mr. Loew has long been an Internet entre- tients for whom Inspire has provided a forum Driven to innovate by preneur. In 1994, he founded worldweb.net, a for knowledge and hope.Compliments Inspire connects peo- content management software company that ple or their loved ones who are experiencing the created and launched more than 100 websites same disorders, which enables them to share HUMAN for major publishers. He is always ready to stories, provide guidance, and supply support. provide help to other entrepreneurs in any way Mr. Loew communicates with mem- he can. He is an international author and bers on a personal level as well; his work speaker on topics related to e-health, dig-
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] has helped provide support to thousands ital pharma, patient empowerment, and of patients through no-cost online com- POSSIBILITY healthcare social media.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 33 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Considerate. Impulsive. Getting to know... Joseph Kuchta TITLE: Principal, Chief Client Officer JOE COMPANY: Sandbox EDUCATION: BS, Advertising/Communications, University of Illinois KUCHTA FAMILY: Wife of 33 years, four children, one grandchild, parents Ahead of the Curve HOBBIES: Reading short fiction, claiming he will one day write short fiction, taking vicious swings ombining caring, charac- at golf balls, and running as much as he can ter, and commonsense, Joe AWARDS/HONORS: INC. 500 fastest growing C Kuchta is leading Sandbox private business four years in a row; Crain’s and changing what “good enough” is when it comes to how an agency Chicago as a Chicago Fast Fifty company; Chicago should support and partner with its Area Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in 2015, along clients. As a founding partner and with his business partner Mark Goble chief client officer of Sandbox, Mr. ASSOCIATIONS: Vistage CEO peer group board Kuchta strives to help people un- president, The Cancer Support Center of Chicago derstand why the company doesn’t Joe Kuchta is a valued Co-Chair, Dean’s advisory board; University of fit into any current, preconceived partner, a trusted advisor, Illinois College of Media notion of an agency. a wise mentor, and above He and business partner Mark all a strong leader. SOCIAL MEDIA: Goble made the decision for GA Communication Group to become a founding member of Sandbox in order to cre- what they are capable of and what they can ate greater opportunity for clients and employ- Driven to innovate by accomplish when they don’t think they ees by expanding capabilities and talent pool. PharmaVOICEare, or can. The move brought together five independently Inspiration, he believes, comes more successful agencies, with deep cross-industry CURIOSITY from action than words, or fiery rhetoric, experience and wide-ranging expertise. to the solution; get to the point, which means or wise old sayings. He motivates by remind- Mr. Kuchta operates with an authenticity he and his colleaguesof aren’t afraid to make ing everyone that as tough as things can get and integrity that is inspiring. He leads by decisions or try new things. sometimes, “we don’t shed blood, there are no making clients, the agency’s people, and their Being considerate is integral to who Mr. lost limbs, and this perspective is everything.” work the priority. He demonstrates every day Kuchta is, and it stems from being raised in a If he could step back with some sage advice that leadership is a privilege that is earned, an large family with nine siblings by parents who for a younger Joe Kuchta it would be to not attitude that inspires absolute loyalty in em- set the foundation for caring about others. This take everything so seriously and recognize as ployees and utter trust from long-term clients. family-esque culture is how he and his partners soon as possible that there are six sides to every When a start-up medical devices company have led their agency for the past 20 years. story and very few things in life are definitively with limited resources sought his advice, he While building a successful business is black and white. worked tirelessly to provide the necessary important for Mr. Kuchta, even more import- Taking a big-picture perspective of the resources to support and build the company ant is that people truly enjoy being part of the industry, Mr. Kuchta says the high costs of from the ground up, providing everything agency. the entire system are making care unattainable from corporate and product logos, the website, “Life is too short to hate where you work to too many people in too many ways, which product branding and the strategic and tactical or who you work with,” he says. “My goal for has led to a dismal overall perception of the planning to enable the company to successfully our agency has always been and will continue healthcare industry to the general public. launch a medical device product into the very to be to create an environment where people “It’s disheartening when you see so many complex healthcare market. He also was in- can use their talent and have as much fun as people and so many companies making such strumental in helping to attract and convince possible doing so.” an impact on life,” he says. “How did it get educated investors to help fund the company. Success, he says, is measured by the satis- this bad, and how, as an industry, do we Innovation Complimentshappens where people have faction of clients and employees. change this?” Take a new look at an old friend. freedom of thought and permission to imagine “Our business is ultimately successful and Mr. Kuchta is president of the board of what could be versus what people often get thrives when both are happy,” he says. “It directors for the Cancer Support Center, which GA Communication Group is now Sandbox stuck in every day. That’s particularly true in takes an awful lot of work to achieve that, provides much needed support and services to but our values and commitment remain the same: the highly regulated life-sciences space, where but that is the true measure of success in my those impacted by cancer and their families it is too easy — though not entirely wrong — experience.” free of charge. His leadership has helped to en- Play nice. Work harder.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] to feel restricted in being innovative. He mentors not necessarily by sharing sure that the center not only thrives operation- He describes himself as impulsive, because some infinite wisdom or teaching the ways ally and financially, but continues to increase he always wants to get to the bottom line; get of the world, but in helping others discover the number of participants it serves. Join us. sandboxww.com
© 2016 The Sandbox Agency 34 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
000594_Sandbox_CreateBetterAd_PharmaVoice_0716_RL.indd 1 6/28/16 4:06 PM PharmaVOICE of
Take a newCompliments look at an old friend. GA Communication Group is now Sandbox but our values and commitment remain the same: Play nice. Work harder. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Join us. sandboxww.com
© 2016 The Sandbox Agency
000594_Sandbox_CreateBetterAd_PharmaVoice_0716_RL.indd 1 6/28/16 4:06 PM COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Questing.Insightful.
STEVE HAMBURG Evolving Imagination into Action
he pharmaceutical marketing environ- ment changes and evolves at a mo- Getting to know... T ment’s notice, and Steve Hamburg, Steve Hamburg managing partner and chief creative officer at Calcium, is just the man to keep pace with it. TITLE: Managing Partner, Chief Creative The idea maker’s creative reputation is larger Officer than life, due in part to his constant determi- COMPANY: Calcium nation to create impact in all of his endeavors. EDUCATION: BA, Brown University “I’m always searching for new things and FAMILY: Wife, Laurie; children, Rebecca and the right answers,” he says. “I’m driven to see Steve Hamburg thinks big, and has built a successful Jared and understand the truths that lie deeper.” career focusing on larger-than-life, transformative With more than 25 years of creative and HOBBIES: Playing guitar, flyPharmaVOICE fishing, audio ideas. strategy experience, Mr. Hamburg has been BUCKET LIST: Fly-fishing in Alaska and New strongly focused on those big, transformative Zealand; culinary tour of Italy ideas, the ones that are surprising, inventive, AWARDS/HONORS:of Numerous Driven to innovate by and disruptive; and the ones that, by igniting SOCIAL MEDIA: interest and engagement, can actually improve the uptake of content. His priorities are con- TWEET: @shamburg25 PASSION Moove tent, data, and technology, and he believes creative repertoire and be ready to meet new that in the information-saturated world, where challenges. little dogie. There’s a new content pours into every waking moment, that Agency of the Year winner), and roles within Mr. Hamburg says his professional aim is agency in town that’s got ideas have the unique capacity to penetrate the Publicis companies. At all these agencies, to foster agency growth and happiness through over just the right formula to hearts and minds and change the way people he has made it his priority to mentor talent, the generation of remarkable ideas and he thrive in today’s complex healthcare think, feel, and act. foster creative innovation and risk taking, and would like to be remembered as someone who environment. We have rich, nourishing The second-time PharmaVOICE 100 hon- make collaboration an important organiza- drove healthcare advertising to be something insights, ideas, and initiatives that oree brings a strong mix of strategic, creative, tional imperative. more than data and information-focused, and compel attention, stimulate action, scientific, and digital skills to every marketing “My career highlights have involved who understood that vibrant creativity could challenge. By blending these skills together in helping small agencies become big agencies actually engage and activate healthcare audi- and drive growth. Is your brand or a holistic way, Mr. Hamburg is able to gen- through the delivery of excellence in all di- ences. business hungry for a positive change? erate ideas and solutions that are themselves mensions, but especially through consistently Mr. Hamburg wants every campaign that Get a taste of Calcium. You’ll fi nd our holistic, as opposed to one dimensional, which outstanding creative work,” Mr. Hamburg comes out of his agency to resonate for both ‘hands on,’ nonbureaucratic approach can improve impact and effectiveness. says. “A truly collaborative culture can signifi- clients and the consumers they are trying to to be refreshingly effective. Let’s build In practicing this kind of idea-fueled en- cantly enhance both the work and the work reach. He measures success by the ability to something strong together. Contact gagement, he has been able to help generate experience.” generate powerful ideas that move clients, significant growthCompliments and success for many brands Colleagues describe Mr. Hamburg as a move audiences, and move the needle on busi- [email protected] and businesses across a wide span of healthcare dynamic leader who brings out the best in ness success. or 917-612-3290. categories, including oncology, cardiovascular, his staff, especially during high-pressure sit- He has always strived to create something rare diseases, CNS, allergy/respiratory, pain, uations. He has the rare knack to keep work wonderful and memorable out of words and dermatology, and others. fun but highly focused, and consistently sets images, and in his earlier days his career ambi- Mr. Hamburg has produced award-win- the stage for inspiring creative. They say his tion was to be a poet.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] ning work throughout his career, when he insights help them to take their skills to new Mr. Hamburg also enjoys the creativity of was the chief creative officer at LLNS/Omni- levels and that anyone who is lucky enough music, especially playing guitar, of which he com, Rosetta, Wishbone (creatively focused, to work for Mr. Hamburg will expand their owns many. CalciumUSA.com
36 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
7826_PharmaVoice_JulAug2016_Ad_M1.indd 1 6/30/16 3:45 PM PharmaVOICE of Moove little dogie. There’s a new agency in town that’s got over just the right formula to thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment. We have rich, nourishing insights, ideas, and initiatives that compel attention, stimulate action, and drive growth. Is your brand or business hungry for a positive change? Get a taste of Calcium. You’ll fi nd our ‘hands on,’ nonbureaucratic approach to be refreshingly effective. Let’s build something strong together. Contact Compliments [email protected] or 917-612-3290. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
CalciumUSA.com
7826_PharmaVoice_JulAug2016_Ad_M1.indd 1 6/30/16 3:45 PM COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
DR. MIKE WILKINSON
Lucky. Digging Deep for Clinical Innovation
Since moving into the CIO role, Dr. Wilkinson has been a driving force for Getting to know... PPD business innovations. Mobile health Mike Wilkinson, Ph.D. and Preclarus, PPD’s comprehensive clin- ical data solution that consolidates and TITLE: Executive VP and Chief Information Officer standardizes data from multiple sources COMPANY: PPD Passionate. Passionate. to give PPD teams and clients transpar- EDUCATION: BS, Ohio University; MS, Penn State ent, real-time access to all clinical trial University; Ph.D., Indiana University operations and patient data, are two sig- FAMILY: Wife of 43 years, Carolyn nificant technologies that Dr. Wilkinson HOBBIES: Family, four kids and 10 grandkids; golf; has played a pivotal role in bringing to the forefront of the business. In addition movies; reading to these innovations, Dr. Wilkinson has BUCKET LIST: Be CEO of a small company; hike championed industry recognitions and the Appalachian Trail; play with his great grandkids; PPD has received several awards for the drive a dog-sled in Alaska; participate in a long bike most innovative use of technology for ride for charity; snow mobile in Yellowstone; sail process excellence and for its training, its training developers, and its trainers. from island to island in the Caribbean ASSOCIATIONS: UDT/SEAL Association An authentic leader, Dr. Mike Wilkinson articulates He describes his current role as his greatest his vision and empowers his team to achieve the career challenge. SOCIAL MEDIA: vision. “Since I’m from clinical operations and not a technologist, I had a lot to learn and also had ecognized by those who know him to trust those around me toPharmaVOICE help me make the He inspires by creating a clear vision or well as a true leader, Mike Wilkinson, best decisions,” he says. path to success and then helping people find R Ph.D., is driving technological inno- Committed to being engaged and in- their inner motivation to make it happen. vation to transform clinical trials. As executive volved, if something is not in his area of “I try to keep others focused on the mission VP and chief information officer of PPD, he is expertise he will ofresearch it, get experts to or the outcome, rely on their teammates, and advancing the company’s strategy of bending the table, and help move them toward good ensure they also take time to enjoy the chal- the cost and time curve of drug development decision making. lenges, learn from them and remember that to help biopharmaceutical customers deliver He is recognized for his skill at building and it’s a journey,” he says. therapies to patients more quickly and to leading successful project teams, and he builds Described by colleagues as an authentic improve the productivity of their R&D in- strong communications across his organization, leader, Dr. Wilkinson articulates his vision vestments. working to empower his staff, not just his di- and empowers his team to achieve the vision. He provides strategic direction for PPD’s rect reports. Dr. Wilkinson created an advisory Dr. Wilkinson’s vibrant career includes development and deployment of innovative committee of managers, and he regularly meets serving as a Navy SEAL, an aviation physi- ideas and technology. Dr. Wilkinson knows with these advisors to exchange ideas. ologist, the White House liaison for Marine that technology is only as good as the imple- Without micromanaging, Dr. Wilkinson One Executive Transport, a director of opera- mentation and the people behind it. While empowers his organization to think creatively. tions for the Joint Special Operations Medical technology is an enabler, it’s not the complete He acknowledges that even employees who Training Center, and the chief operational test answer, he says. Equally important are the pro- are doing the right things for the right reasons director for the V-22 Osprey military aircraft. cesses, the training, and the people. will still occasionally make mistakes, and he In 2011, North Carolina’s governor ap- He joined PPD in 2008 as executive VP says the important lessons to be learned from pointed Dr. Wilkinson to serve on the of global clinical development, bringing more missteps outweigh the side effects of failure. committee responsible for the stewardship than 25 years of project management experi- He engenders trust and has a true passion of the highly decorated World War II ence to the role. He is passionate about being for providing opportunities for others, and is al- battleship the U.S.S. North Carolina. An- in the healthcareCompliments industry and the role PPD ways looking for talent. For example, he started chored across the river from downtown plays in helping customers bring life-changing a program that supported those who wanted Wilmington, N.C., the iconic battleship is therapies to patients in need. to enter project management not through the visible from his office in PPD’s worldwide typical path. Many of them are now VPs. headquarters. Driven to innovate by (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY
38 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
DR. UDIT BATRA Solving the Toughest Life-Sciences Problems
hen Udit Batra, Ph.D., became ership, Dr. Batra was recently named to the the business’ Innovation Board, which brings head of EMD Millipore in March executive board of Merck KGaA. together a diverse group of scientists from each W2014, he immediately saw an oppor- Dr. Batra is a champion of collaborative business segment to help solve a wide range of tunity to expand the company’s offerings and creation to develop innovative products and R&D challenges. reach. He quickly developed a transformative solutions to help customers solve the toughest Throughout the business, Dr. Batra is business strategy that included the Sigma-Al- life-sciences problems. He is committed to fostering a culture that places a premium on drich acquisition. The deal was announced just inspiring new ways of working with customers diversity of thinking and bringing together six months later. to meet their unique needs, such as the newly different backgrounds to create new ideas. A This achievement is but one example of relaunched M Lab Collaboration Centers. chemist, for example, doesn’t have to be the Dr. Batra’s breakthrough strategic leadership These state-of-the-art “labs” allow real-time, person to solve a chemistry question. Maybe and ability to implement change decisively. co-creation with customers to develop new it’s a computational data engineer who thinks In April 2015, Dr. Batra was named CEO- solutions. He is also the executive sponsor of about a problem differently. Small, diverse elect of the combined EMD Millipore and teams are charged with creating a hypothesis Sigma-Aldrich businesses. MilliporeSigma is and then working with customers to create a the life-sciences business of Merck KGaA, new product or program. Darmstadt, Germany, in the United States For Dr. Batra, practical curiosity is essen- and Canada. tial to solving tough problems. In his new role, Dr. Batra “I like to ask ‘why,’ and then ask ‘why’ sponsored a joint integration team again and again, to discover insights that can that laid the foundation for a PharmaVOICEbe applied to deliver new solutions,” he says. seamless transition once the deal “I want people to have the ability to explore
closed. This work included cre- Provocative. problems, the resources to develop the insight, ation of a new customer-focused and the freedom to execute.” organizational design and leader- of In addition to the recognized factors of ship structure, and integration of teamwork, collaboration, and diversity of all critical systems. Throughout thinking, Dr. Batra believes that innovation the integration, which is ongo- requires one factor that is rarely spoken about: ing, the business continued to dissent. deliver strong growth, a credit to Curious. “My goal is to foster an obligation to dis- the priority Dr. Batra places on sent, no matter where you sit in the hierarchy,” excellence in customer service and Dr. Udit Batra is a dynamic leader who is changing he says. “It takes courage, but it’s important employee engagement. the life-sciences landscape, and accelerating because it forces people to explore many angles The 2015 combination of innovation to help customers excel in every aspect of a problem. It creates better problem-solving EMD Millipore and Sigma-Al- of discovery, development, and production. and often, game-changing solutions.” drich is the largest deal ever in the By having the courage to dissent, em- history of Merck KGaA, Darm- Getting to know... ployees are better able to identify the right stadt, Germany, and one of the Udit Batra, Ph.D. problems and solve them better and faster than largest in the life-sciences indus- they would with conventional thinking found try. Together, the life-sciences TITLE: Member, Executive Board, Merck KGaA, in a typical hierarchal organization. business of Merck KGaA has a Darmstadt, Germany, and CEO, MilliporeSigma “As part of this process, we must first portfolio of more than 300,000 COMPANY: MilliporeSigma identify a worthwhile problem and understand products, providing end-to-end EDUCATION: BChE, Chemical Engineering, the status quo, have the curiosity to question tools andCompliments solutions from discovery it, and then place constraints to ensure a prag- and development through manu- University of Delaware; Ph.D., Chemical matic and successful implementation,” he says. facturing and diagnostics. Engineering, Princeton University As Dr. Batra notes, “This type of prob- Under Dr. Batra’s leadership, AWARDS/HONORS: Chairman’s Award, lem-solving is incredibly important to our the business is expanding life-sci- Novartis, 2009; scholarships and multiple customers, many of whom are working to ence innovation globally, and academic awards bring new therapies to market, from novel (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] deepening the industry’s ability to gene therapies to treat cancer to vaccines that SOCIAL MEDIA: treat disease and improve human help eradicate the deadliest viruses of the 21st
TOUGH PROBLEMS health. In recognition of his lead- century.” Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 39 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Curious. Purposeful. DR. ROBERT URBAN Removing Barriers to Innovation
“I remind my teams to imagine the possibilities and to remain highly resil- ient and grounded in humility,” he says. Getting to know... Colleagues say Dr. Urban is uncom- Robert G. Urban, Ph.D. monly modest and accessible to his team at all times. He literally removes barriers TITLE: Global Head, Johnson & Johnson to innovation. At the Boston Innova- Innovation Centers tion Center, he has chosen to not have a COMPANY: Johnson & Johnson dedicated office, instead he participates Dr. Robert Urban has played a key role in EDUCATION: Ph.D., Microbiology and in a rotational seating scheme in an establishing J&J’s Boston Innovation Center; his goal Immunology, University of Texas System open-office floor plan. n. This enables him and is to drive biotech innovation across the East Coast. the whole team to be hyper-available and con- FAMILY: Wife; three sons stantly interacting with different members of ith a personal motto of “Together, HOBBIES: Distance running, hiking; dog the inter-disciplinary team. Dr. Urban believes We can,” Robert Urban, Ph.D., training PharmaVOICEthat it most often organic, casual conversation Whas played a key role in helping BUCKET LIST: Summit Mt. Aconcagua and iterative exploration that most effectively entrepreneurs and scientists develop medical AWARDS/HONORS: McLaughlin Fellowship, advances the best ideas. devices and diagnostic technologies, consumer Dr. Urban says what motivates him is the University of Texas Irvington; Fellow, healthcare products, and pharmaceuticals. As of privilege of having the ability to make mean- global head, Johnson & Johnson Innovation Harvard University; Top 100 Visionaries in ingful differences in the lives of individuals all Centers, he oversees the company’s externally Biotechnology, Scientific American over the world. facing innovation agenda — a vast investment SOCIAL MEDIA: “I provide a culture and environment in team and toolkit that provide scientists, en- TWEET: @urbanrg which risk, failure, and imagination are min- trepreneurs, and emerging companies with gled and celebrated,” he says. “It’s important one-stop access to the broad resources of the to understand — and embrace — the diffi- Johnson & Johnson family of companies and ups across the biotech, device, and consumer cultly of the undertaking. It will be hard, if incubators called JLABS. Dr. Urban has made health sectors, entrepreneurs, academia, and not impossible, but the journey is worth it.” exceptional contributions to the life-sciences others in the overall innovation community, Dr. Urban’s colleagues frequently express through his central role in building a Johnson ultimately helping fill J&J’s pipeline. how selfless and caring he is when it comes to & Johnson Innovation Center in the Boston Dr. Urban has played a key role in every the team, sharing countless examples of how region from the ground up. single one of the 88 early-stage collaborations he has helped colleagues advance professionally signed through the Boston Innovation Center and/or pursue their passion, work-related or across a variety of therapeutic areas and life-sci- not. Two years ago, he started a program in Driven to innovate by ences sectors. Most of the partnerships Boston, which has now extended across the have involved pharmaceuticals, but are J&J organization, to do just that. The pro- increasingly focused on medical device gram, One Amazing Thing Leads to Another, CURIOSITY and consumer healthcare products. seeks to stimulate personal growth beyond Before beingCompliments promoted to lead the orga- He has dedicated his life to using his skills objectives set in the workplace. The program nization globally, Dr. Urban was recruited to help other people and ensure that life-chang- focuses on three areas: mind, body, and soul. from MIT in 2013 to build Boston Innovation ing companies thrive, not only through his For the past two years, J&J employees across Center, which began the task of finding the work in science healthcare, but as an innova- the globe have participated in the program, re- right talent, employees, and business models. tion leader and an inspiring colleague. sulting in amazing personal accomplishments, The center’s goal is to drive biotech innovation Dr. Urban says a career highlight has been ranging from completing a MBA program to
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] in both the life-sciences hotspot of Boston and working alongside remarkable teams trans- learning to swim. While the typical comple- East Coast region overall by building relation- lating diverse discoveries into high-impact tion rate for similar programs is 10%, 65% of ships and collaborating with regional start- products. participants completed their goals.
40 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
LISA STOCKMAN Transforming Marketing Communications
n her role as president of inVentiv Health more than 400 employees and offices across the Ms. Stockman believes in a dynamic or- Communications, which includes the United States and Europe. ganization, built to respond to the chang- I company’s advertising, public relations, Her inspirational leadership carried the ing needs of the marketplace. She is a and medical communications operations, Lisa organization through the acquisition, and in transformational leader who has the ability Stockman works with an alchemy of commu- 2015 Ms. Stockman assumed leadership of all to speak to individual needs as well as com- nications disciplines matching each client’s inVentiv public relations agencies, including pany priorities within the same heartbeat, need to the best mix of talent to drive the Chandler Chicco, Biosector 2, Chamberlain capturing the key levers of mutual benefit. optimal solution. PR, and Allidura Consumer. Her success in She masters the art of balancing client en- Her mantra, “We Can Do It,” drives her growing these brands and leveraging integra- gagement and industry thought leadership, teams to work together to create solutions that tion across the various inVentiv clinical and through the creation of inspired partner- drive more efficient and effective outcomes for commercial offerings led to her being named ships internally and externally. clients. Not only does she refuse to take a one- president of inVentiv Health Communica- Over the years, Ms. Stockman has grown size-fits-all approach knowing that what is best tions, which includes healthcare advertising in breadth and depth of experience, but she for one client may not work for another, she and branding agencies GSW, Palio, Navicor, has remained unchanged in terms of her has 1,600 communications professionals ready, and Addison Whitney. focus on supporting colleagues in doing willing, and able to form nimble networks to Ms. Stockman’s creativity and pragmatic great work that matters. According to a best serve client needs. Ms. Stockman’s vision approach to problem solving is also leading colleague who knew her then and now, she allows her to know what clients will need next, the evolution of integrated marketing. Her still delivers strategy; she creates brilliant and she makes sure the communications group team delivers sophisticated multi-disciplinary concepts that support business objectives; is ready to provide it. That is no small feat solutions, infused with clinical development and she forces clients to think. Her work with 11 healthcare communications agencies insights, to enhance biopharmaceutical cli- is steeped in research, tied to client needs, with offices across multiple geographies. ents’ ability to bring therapies to those who and flawlessly executed. Ms. Stockman began her career as a founding need them most. For example,PharmaVOICE innovative member of the Chandler Chicco Agency, which patient engagement strategies, grounded in trail-blazed the healthcare PR industry with communications disciplines such as advocacy Getting to know... highly effective, award-winning campaigns. As relations, are now accelerating trial completion Chandler Chicco evolved to launch complemen- times through more targetedof recruitment and Lisa Stockman tary sister agencies, she led Biosector 2, where retention strategies. TITLE: President, Communications Business she drove significant growth anchored in groundbreaking educational campaigns. COMPANY: inVentiv Health Chandler Chicco was grounded Collaborative. EDUCATION: MA, Technology and in the idea that integrated thinking Communication, University of North Carolina, was tantamount for client success. The Authentic. Chapel Hill agency was the first to eliminate titles and Lisa Stockman FAMILY: Husband, Bob; sons Scott, 17; Luke, 14; walls that proved to be a barrier to collabora- firmly believes with Dean, 10 tion and the best work. Ms. Stockman was the a good plan and a first employee to be brought on board by the well-working team, HOBBIES: Exercising; reading; skiing; exploring founding partners of that agency and no one anything can be — traveled to more than 20 countries visiting accomplished. will argue that she helped to make much of numerous cities in each the magic happen. The firm went on to win BUCKET LIST: To parachute out of an airplane; multiple accolades in the industry, and when rent a house in a different country every summer the firm was acquired by inVentiv Health, it had year-over-year double-digit growth with to immerse in another culture once retired AWARDS/HONORS: Luminary Award, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, 2014; Driven to innovateCompliments by inVentiv Health Circle of Excellence Winner, 2009; Rising Star Award, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association, 2005 BRINGING GREAT ASSOCIATIONS: Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA: MINDS TOGETHER TWEET: @LisaStockman
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 41 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
HEATHER TORAK Relentlessly Collaborative and Innovative
ince joining Evoke as the chief operating with differentiated offerings, value-added ser- zation because she’s always learning and is officer, Heather Torak has been instru- vices unique to the group, and proven partner- relentless in her desire to do more. S mental in the growth of the agency and ship processes that clients have adopted. This “I’m driven to try new things, figure out a building a world-class, scalable process. This has helped to create an emboldened agency way to succeed, and learn from my mistakes,” has enabled Evoke’s expansion into several new group that thrives on innovative solutions. she says. “If I can successfully navigate the geographies, while maintaining the integrity Her guidance and acuity have cultivated process, I’m happy.” of the agency’s brand, work, and culture. a healthy, sustainable, and scalable organiza- She is motivated by the work the agency Central to this is the environment of tional framework adept at balancing agency and industry does, and loves solving problems, collaborative partnership that Ms. Torak has financial and operational success, and main- working out a plan, and seeing it through. built. Whether between different disciplines, taining a progressive and encouraging internal “At its most basic level, I love the process entry-level and executive-level staff, agency culture. of teasing out an issue and customizing a solu- and client teams, finance and procurement, Ms. Torak says 2015 was a remarkable year tion,” she says. “I leave the office most days she has set the standard for open, trusting for both the company and her, since Evoke not feeling like I truly made a difference.” relationships, whereby all team members can only experienced revenue growth of almost Every agency Ms. Torak has worked at has mutually benefit from shared knowledge and 30%, but organizationally her team worked to benefited from her ability to build processes operational gains. open a West Coast location — the company’s and strong operational teams. Ms. Torak has helped to drive a company fourth office — and added two new companies She says in the long run, she would like to under the Evoke Group umbrella. be remembered as a solution-focused, honest Resilience in an industry where change partner. Resilient.Authentic. is the one constant is essential, Ms. Torak She says she enjoys creating innovative believes. solutions driven by clients’ toughest chal- “Pharma DTC and digital everything is lenges and by creating an environment where still new and constantly evolving,”PharmaVOICE she says. all employees are empowered to think and “Rules and regulations change, and brands speak up and share their ideas. and clients change. Our job is to adapt and A supportive teacher, Ms. Torak offers prepare for this change, and resilience is key sound advice with just enough room for in- to accepting — orof perhaps welcoming — this terpretation, fostering individual ideas and constant change.” growth. She is a confident and knowledgeable Ms. Torak’s goal is to continue to con- leader who constantly challenges her own ex- tribute to Evoke Group’s growth by adding pertise, striving for new learnings, and is able new disciplines, capabilities, partnerships, and to admit when she has made a mistake and offices. She thrives in a high-growth organi- laugh at herself. IN PURSUIT OF A HEALTHIER HUMANITY A fair and approachable colleague, Ms. Torak is willing to work with and learn from Dedicated to challenging the status quo, Huntsworth Health is powered by ingenuity, Getting to know... anyone. passion, and a fierce determination to build useful health brands. We are a family of boutique Heather Torak She says having the opportunity to mentor agencies that don’t look alike, think alike, or act alike, but that is where our genius lies. colleagues, share her knowledge and perspec- TITLE: Chief Operating Officer tive, and see them benefit from her experiences We believe in the power of collectivity; we are differentiated by our unique efforts and COMPANY: Evoke Health LLC is very rewarding, not only for that individual specialized capabilities, but united by incisive thinking, design-based aesthetics, and empathy EDUCATION: BS, Kutztown University but for herself and the organization she works for our clients and the people they serve. We build useful brands and deliver intimate and for. Ms. Torak empowers others to believe in FAMILY: Husband Kevin, three children memorable experiences. We don’t believe in the system. We challenge it and rebuild it HOBBIES: Cooking with and for her family, their abilities, inspiring them to think differ- ently, encouraging them to be solutions-ori- for the sake of a healthier humanity. supporting her children’s sporting activities, ented, and trusting others to make difficult reading a good book Heather Torak’s ability to build processes and strong decisions. operational teams hasCompliments been the driving force behind the BUCKET LIST: Visit Japan, wineries in “I’d like to think I inspire those around success of every agency where she had a leadership Tuscany, and African safari me to be true to themselves,” she says. “I’m position. SOCIAL MEDIA: driven, direct, and quick to jump in and offer solutions but I also laugh easily. I’m approach- HHEALTH.COM able and I haven’t always taken the easy road. Driven to innovate by That’s who I am, and I like others in the orga- (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] nization — especially young women — to see there isn’t just one mold you have to fill to be TRANSFORMATION successful. Be yourself.”
42 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE PharmaVOICE of
IN PURSUIT OF A HEALTHIER HUMANITY
Dedicated to challenging the status quo, Huntsworth Health is powered by ingenuity, passion, and a fierce determination to build useful health brands. We are a family of boutique agencies that don’t look alike, think alike, or act alike, but that is where our genius lies.
We believe in the power of collectivity; we are differentiated by our unique efforts and specialized capabilities, but united by incisive thinking, design-based aesthetics, and empathy for our clients and the people they serve. We build useful brands and deliver intimate and memorable experiences. We don’t believe in the system. We challenge it and rebuild it for the sake of a healthier humanity. Compliments HHEALTH.COM (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Curious. Persistent. FRED PETITO Father of Praedicis Getting to know... Through his insights, Mr. Petito has Fred Petito, J.D. brought a new dynamic to the agency, and colleagues says he has been tremendous in TITLE: Chief Behavioral and Engagement driving new thinking for both launch and Officer established brands. COMPANY: Guidemark Health Being part of the leadership team at Guide- EDUCATION: BA, SUNY Albany; JD, Brooklyn mark Health, he has encountered many chal- Law School; Doctoral Candidate (Marketing), lenges from creating a brand, establishing pro- Pace University cess, hiring and training people, and winning and servicing clients. Mr. Petito plans to con- FAMILY: Father tinue to grow the Guidemark Health business, HOBBIES: Skiiing, golf, tennis, cross-training expand his expertise in behavioral insights in ASSOCIATIONS: AMA healthcare, as well as integrate his commercial work with behavioral insights with academic SOCIAL MEDIA: Fred Petito developed a proprietary methodology TWEET: @fredpetito to gain deeper insights on human behavior to research. As a doctoral candidate in marketing enable more effective marketing efforts. at Pace University, he is conducting research into the factors affecting how consumers set DELVE DEEPER PharmaVOICEand attain health- and wellness-related goals. Under Mr. Petito’s leader- A firm believer that behavioral insights are Driven to innovate by ship, the agency launched Prae- crucial to a successful marketing program, Mr. dicis, a proprietary methodology Petito calls out three valuable benefits of using that ofdraws on decades of research behavioral insights when planning a cam- DISRUPTING from the social, cognitive, and paign. First, they provide validated models for decision sciences to more deeply better predicting human behavior, as opposed understand the factors influenc- to personal opinions or guesswork. Second, ing health decisions and behav- they reveal how nonrational and noncon- iors. The methodology digs deep scious factors influence decisions and behav- STATUS QUO into understanding the behaviors iors. Third, they provide a conceptual basis for red Petito, chief behavioral and engage- that drive both rational and irrational health developing campaigns that have the potential ment officer for Guidemark Health, is decisions across all audiences, bringing a better to deliver better results and outcomes. F a seasoned digital and multichannel understanding of their behavior, which allows Mr. Petito has played an instrumental Introducing prædicis. Want to more deeply understand and profoundly in uence healthcare marketer with almost 20 years of experience Guidemark to deliver inspiring brand ideas, role in delivering strategic solutions across ™ planning and implementing communications innovative engagement strategies, and extraor- a broad range of therapeutic categories for decisions and behaviors? Think about prædicis , a proprietary methodology o ered by Guidemark programs for clients in a range of industries dinary content that will deliver meaningful many tier-one healthcare companies, including Health that expertly draws on behavioral sciences research to create smarter, more impactful and at agencies such as Ogilvy, Grey, R/GA, healthcare engagements that change lives for AbbVie, AstraZeneca, GSK, and Johnson & and Young & Rubicam. He is an expert in the better. Johnson, Merck, Otsuka, Novartis, and Zoetis. health marketing and communications programs. designing high-impact marketing campaigns “We are leveraging 40 years of academic He would like to be remembered for in- that integrate behavioral insights, analytics, research to gain a deeper understanding of novating on how to use behavioral insights in and emerging media into brand experiences. what influences behavior,” Mr. Petito says. healthcare marketing and communications, He has been at Guidemark in his rela- “Then we’re designing interventions using and to mentoring members of his team. tively new role Complimentsfor roughly 18 months, and adult learning principles and user experience “I like to teach and coach people to be colleagues say he has a natural curiosity that design to modify those behaviors.” better marketers and storytellers,” he says. drives him and his team to continually explore His extensive knowledge of consumer psy- “It gives me pleasure to improve someone’s ™ and learn about target audiences like they have chology and behavioral economics theory skill set, competence, and confidence in their To learn how prædicis can positively never seen before. allows him to often frame the problem and profession.” change the hearts and minds of those “Once I identify something that I think the solution in a way that is distinctive. These Mr. Petito draws inspiration from his fa- who matter most, call CEO Matt Brown (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] is innovative or opportunistic I will pursue deeper insights and the supportive theory ther, who worked hard all his life and rose to opportunities to exploit it with drive and en- often allow for a more effective strategy and a very senior level position at a company he now at 201-740-6160. INFINITELY IN ergy,” Mr. Petito says. tactical execution. worked at for 35 years. www.guidemarkhealth.com
44 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
070516_PharmaVOICE_FullPage_prædicis_DelveDeeper.indd 1 7/7/16 9:31 AM DELVE DEEPERPharmaVOICE of
Introducing prædicis. Want to more deeply understand and profoundly in uence healthcare decisions and behaviors? Think about prædicis™, a proprietary methodology o ered by Guidemark Health that expertly draws on behavioral sciences research to create smarter, more impactful health marketing and communications programs. Compliments To learn how prædicis™ can positively change the hearts and minds of those who matter most, call CEO Matt Brown (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] now at 201-740-6160. INFINITELY IN www.guidemarkhealth.com
070516_PharmaVOICE_FullPage_prædicis_DelveDeeper.indd 1 7/7/16 9:31 AM COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
or almost a decade, Jennifer Matthews has been the transformational leader of JENNIFER MATTHEWS F one of the largest independent health- care agencies in the world. As president and managing partner at The Champion of Innovation Bloc, she has demonstrated an uncanny ability to spot not just what’s around the corner, but WE what’s five years ahead. In today’s environment and helped to innovate and create the con- Getting to know... of dramatic and disruptive change in health- sumer, digital, and relationship marketing care, she sees only opportunity, and her vision- practices. Jennifer Matthews ary leadership has inspired a fundamentally A champion of innovation, Ms. Matthews TITLE: President, Managing Partner different way of thinking about the business, invests in ideas supporting The Bloc’s indus- priming it to meet the rapidly evolving needs try-first initiatives, including HealthWell- COMPANY: The Bloc of clients and their customers. Next, HealthAwareNext, Happy Fuel, and EDUCATION: BA, English Literature, College Ms. Matthews started The CementBond Caregivers Speak Up. of the Holy Cross in 2007, growing it into a successful company Ms. Matthews draws on her deep roots in FAMILY: Her parents, husband, and children from the ground up, attracting a remarkable digital and relationship marketing and strong HOBBIES: Cooking for family and friends talent base, with many people joining her consumer experience from her work on flag- THINK from previous agencies. The CementBond and ship brands across multiple verticals, includ- BUCKET LIST: Learn Italian; go on a The CementWorks converged to form a larger ing AT&T and American Express. pilgrimage; see New Zealand agency — The CementBloc, now The Bloc. Over the years, she has built deep and AWARDS/HONORS: Golden Arrow for best Ms. Matthews was appointed manag- lasting relationships with her clients. She un- Team Lead, 2001, Wunderman; Healthcare ing partner and led the agency successfully derstands their opportunities, feels their pain, Businesswomen’s Association Rising Star, 2009 through the transition. Her future-focus set and always operates with transparency, and SOCIAL MEDIA: the stage for The Bloc to become the full-ser- they know it. As a result, in 2015, the agency’s vice, multi-stakeholder company it is today partnerships grew with AstraZeneca, Merck, TWEET: @jenmatt35 Zoetis, Novartis, and BMS. In all, the agency won 33 new assignments The Bloc Move Crew, a multi-functional, across existing and new client partners. During multi-level team of Bloc influencers who pro- INSIDE Intense. Collaborative. her tenure, the organization’sPharmaVOICE revenue has vided weekly updates to provide information grown 264%, with the digital capability she and create excitement ahead of the move established accounting for 50% of revenue in — from estimated commute times and dry 2015. In addition, The Bloc has brought home cleaner locations to downtown tours and bar numerous accolades.of In 2014, the agency was recommendations — which ensured a smooth recognized as the No. 3 agency worldwide transition to the agency’s new home with zero by Advertising Health at the inaugural Lions IT or office services hitches. Health Festival in Cannes. A powerful role model, Ms. Matthews A restless individual in the best sense of the encourages women to lean in, take risks, and word, Ms. Matthews is always looking ahead thrive as leaders. The leadership team she has THE BOX. to what she, and the agency, can be doing bet- put in place is a remarkable example: 75% ter. In 2015, she determined that greater inte- of the partners at The Bloc are female, and gration and sharper focus areas were required women make up 71% of the senior VP lead- to realize The Bloc’s mission of delivering ership roles. Additionally, 66% of the creative innovation and operational efficiencies. leaders on Ms. Matthew’s team are women, She established five key teams across the compared with the 3% industry average. It’s called a BOXED WARNING for a reason. Pharmaceutical marketing is a serious business agency with clear charters: the business team With a focus on building talent, Ms. because it literally affects people’s lives. Our editorial staff, information specialists, optimizes client partnerships; the strategy Matthews led the development of two key and medical writers make sure your content is communicated persuasively and creatively, A champion collaborator, role model, and visionary team integrates the agency’s bench in cus- initiatives. Building Blocs is a performance leader, Jennifer Matthews is driving strong results and tomer, clinical, and channel to ensure that management program that starts on day one of but always compliantly. Thinking inside the box. It’s your avantage. huge accolades for The Bloc. deep insights drive ideas; the creative team an employee’s tenure, centering on collabora- integrates the creation of content and design; tive, action-oriented goal-setting toward indi- the new growth team proactively drives rev- vidual success metrics. Cementorship matches Driven toCompliments innovate by enue opportunities and develops innovative employees with mentors, and supports their products and services; and the operations team partnership and mutual growth. is tasked with flawless delivery across clients, In addition, Ms. Matthews has champi- STAYING teams, and geographies. oned progressive policies that provide practical When the agency moved in 2015 to ex- support for sustainable work-life balance for all panded, state-of-the-art employees.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] flagship premises, Ms. She is deeply respected by colleagues past Matthews pre-empted and present for her vision, her leadership, and COMPETITIVE concerns by establishing her compassion. FROM MOLECULE TO MEETING ROOM—WE TELL YOUR STORY. Learn more at AvantHC.com.
46 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE Champion of Innovation WE THINK INSIDE PharmaVOICE THE BOX.of
It’s called a BOXED WARNING for a reason. Pharmaceutical marketing is a serious business because it literally affects people’s lives. Our editorial staff, information specialists, and medical writers make sure your content is communicated persuasively and creatively, but always compliantly. Thinking inside the box. It’s your avantage. Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
FROM MOLECULE TO MEETING ROOM—WE TELL YOUR STORY. Learn more at AvantHC.com. COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
He is focused on thinking about strategy, government affairs, and government whether the organization is meeting accounts teams. He then took on the role of JIM ROBINSON unmet patient needs and the steps senior VP for sales and marketing and pres- the organization needs to take to ident of the US business at Astellas before Patient Priority bring science and advancements to being named president of the Americas in patients. April 2016. “Another challenge is business sus- A 2015 PharmaVOICE 100 honoree, Mr. ollaboration is integral to success and tainability and how we can continue seeking Robinson inspires others by seeking to under- to innovation, according to Jim Rob- financial, environmental, and social opportu- stand what matters the most to them, then he C inson. It’s collaboration — extending nities,” he says. connects with them on a real level. past the usual business boundaries — that For Mr. Robinson, personalized medicine He encourages his teams to innovate by allows companies to be flexible and nimble is one of the most important innovations in stepping into a challenge, embracing it, demy- enough to adapt to change, which is essential healthcare today. The concept of personalizing stifying it, and then leading through it. in the healthcare environment. treatment options to fit and cater to patients Outside of Astellas, Mr. Robinson “Great ideas come from many places — will ultimately lead to better care and decrease is on a number of committees, including internally and externally,” he says. “I believe risk and prevalence, he maintains. PhRMA’s state committee; ChicagoNEXT, that collaboration with stakeholders across “What better way to put the patient at the a private-public partnership dedicated to ex- the spectrum — patients, providers, payers, center than to understand the exact treatment panding Chicago’s business climate and driv- regulators, policy makers, biopharmaceutical each individual needs?” he says. ing growth in science, tech and entrepreneur- companies, and academicians — empower Among the initiatives Mr. Robinson has ship; the Commercial Club of Chicago; and higher-quality work.” helped to spearhead is the Guiding Coalition MATTER, a group of leaders passionate about By making sure that the right people are at Astellas, which was specifically designed to creating products and services that advance working on the right project in the right place, empower employees to take action and accel- healthcare. at the right time, and creating an environment erate innovative solutions that have that is flexible, open to change, and nimble, the potential to maximize impact. Jim Robinson is focused innovation can thrive, Mr. Robinson is inspir- He has been instrumental in on making sure the right ing and motivating Astellas’ more than 3,000 the launch of several new products people are working on the project in the right employees in the Americas’ region. in the U.S. market since he joined place, at the right time, For Mr. Robinson, the focus is all about the company in 2005 as the VP of and creating an the patient and ensuring everyone at Astellas health systems and establishedPharmaVOICE the environment in which knows that no matter what their job function, managed markets, reimbursement innovation can thrive. they make a difference in patients’ lives. Changing Tomorrow, “Three things keep me motivated: pa- Getting to know... tients, the reason for what we do; our people, of who the company is; and performance, main- James Robinson Together Collaborative. taining a culture that drives success,” he says. TITLE: President, Americas Operations Astellas continues to enjoy huge success At Astellas, we believe we can make a real impact on the future. under Mr. Robinson’s leadership. In the past COMPANY: Astellas Pharma US Inc. year, the company enjoyed growth of almost EDUCATION: BS, Marketing, DePaul University That’s why we are fully committed to developing medicines 16%, an achievement he attributes to an FAMILY: Two daughters incredible team. In his new role as president HOBBIES: Golf, running, and reading that make a difference where they’re needed most, in of the Americas at Astellas, Mr. Robinson is BUCKET LIST: Run the 2016 Chicago areas like oncology, urology, cardiology and transplant. expanding his focus beyond the United States Marathon, become a strong swimmer, and start to Canada and Latin America. It’s also why we focus on bringing together a diverse “Accordingly, my professional goals in- a foundation group of people with a common goal: to help transform clude continuing to pursue operational excel- AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, lence and successfully building the Astellas 2015; Astellas named as one of America’s top lives. Whether it’s in the office, the laboratory or the presence throughout the region,” he says. workplaces by Forbes magazine in 2015 and Patient-focused. community, we’re working together to change There are many ways to measure success, 2016, and one of the top 20 in Chicago by but for Mr. Robinson there’s only one: “The tomorrow. Astellas Way.” Chicago Tribune “Our success is based on how we live our ASSOCIATIONS: Chairman of core values — Complimentsthe impact we have on pa- the Pharmaceutical Research and tients, the variety of challenges we own, our Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) State results, our openness to communicating, and Committee; BioScience council member at the way in which we take responsibility for ChicagoNEXT; Board of directors, member our actions,” he says. “Our continued success will be fueled by our ability to keep these at MATTER; Member of The Commercial Driven to innovate by (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] core values in mind and respond intelligently, Club of Chicago Astellas proudly congratulates our own, responsively and swiftly to an ever-changing SOCIAL MEDIA: James Robinson, a member of the healthcare landscape.” PATIENTS @AstellasUS www.astellas.us 2016 PharmaVOICE 100.
48 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE PharmaVOICE Changing Tomorrow, Together of At Astellas, we believe we can make a real impact on the future. That’s why we are fully committed to developing medicines that make a difference where they’re needed most, in areas like oncology, urology, cardiology and transplant. It’s also why we focus on bringing together a diverse group of people with a common goal: to help transform lives. Whether it’s in the office, the laboratory or the community, we’re working together to change tomorrow. Compliments
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Astellas proudly congratulates our own, James Robinson, a member of the @AstellasUS www.astellas.us 2016 PharmaVOICE 100. COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
GREG SKALICKY Pushing the Development Process Foward
reg Skalicky is fully vested in every- thing he does in life — from clinical G research to professional growth, both personal and other’s growth. Colleagues say the chief commercial officer for inVentiv Health’s clinical division has the unique ability to forge life-long relationships in a 10-minute time span. He has boundless energy and operates at warp speed. Driven to innovate by He has a positivity and sense of humor Transparent. that make people want to sit next to him. Mr. Skalicky’s perspective, informed by practical PROBLEM experience, is driven by a passion to motivate and empower those around him. He creates an environment that puts the client first and holds people to a level of ex- cellence. And colleagues say Mr. Skalicky has PharmaVOICESOLVING
the sincere ability to dig out the positive of Passionate. organizations. The core focus of this vision is any situation and use it as the springboard for Greg Skalicky believes there are tangible bringing better opportunity and support to success. This is why he inspires such loyalty advantages toof encouraging transparency patients through the masses of data available from those who elect to work for him and with internally among teams as well as in from the commercial landscape. him. His no-nonsense hyper-focus on business client relationships. He is dedicated to driving better and more results is balanced with integrity, acumen, and efficient practices in support of the conduct of a sincere interest in delivering for his clients solutions where even crazy ideas are brought clinical trial execution. and his team. This makes him endearing and to the table and are considered, tossed around, “Creative thinking and promoting a fun to be around but also creates an environ- and looked at from every angle. thought process geared toward developing ment ripe for developing innovative strategic “I inspire others by challenging them to better practices to achieve a primary objective put themselves in the shoes of their clients can foster innovation,” he says. and proactively create solutions to potential Throughout his 16-year tenure at inVen- Getting to know... obstacles our clients may be facing,” he says. tiv, Mr. Skalicky has been an influential leader Gregory Skalicky Mr. Skalicky says his most challenging who continues to drive the company forward assignment to date was the integration, re- with his effective approach of leading by ex- TITLE: Chief Commercial Officer, Clinical structuring, and continuation of four disparate ample while empowering those around him. Division sales organizations as the company acquired “I deliver as promised and keep people COMPANY: inVentiv Health PharmaNet, i3 Research, and K-Force within informed along the way,” he says. “I believe EDUCATION: BS, Biology, Temple University a two-year time period. there are tangible advantages to encouraging FAMILY: Wife, Fara; daughters, Kendall, Reese, The vast majority of his sales organization transparency internally among teams as well Reagan supported his effort and vision for over a de- as in our client relationships.” cade and remains stalwart in support of his Mr. Skalicky says one of the biggest in- HOBBIES: Tennis,Compliments golf, ice hockey values and allegiance toward their careers as dustry challenges is patient/site enrollment in BUCKET LIST: Cage diving with great white well as individual growth. clinical trials. sharks He is working to move the industry for- “The industry faces two major problems: AWARDS/HONORS: MVP, Partnerships in ward via a combined clinical and commercial not enough patients to participate in clinical Clinical Trials Meeting offering that will save cost and time during trials as a result of there not being enough in- the clinical development process. His passion vestigative sites,” he says. “I firmly believe that ASSOCIATIONS: Linking Leaders (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] toward making this vision a reality is in full if we take 10% of existing physicians and train SOCIAL MEDIA: flight as he is orchestrating several strategic them to participate in clinical trials we can engagements with an array of pharmaceutical increase the number of patients overnight.”
50 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
TIM DAVIS A Patient-Centered Approach to Technology Pragmatic. Straight-talking. DrivenDNA to innovate by Getting to know... Tim Davis TITLE: CEO and Founder COMPANY: Exco InTouch Ltd. EDUCATION: BSc, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield HOBBIES: Cycling BUCKET LIST: Complete the Ride 25, a
Tim Davis has developed a truly entrepreneurial team and together they are changing the landscape of clinical 25-stage ride right from the UK all the way to trial technologies. Australia; travel, particularly to Asia Pacific — Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia im Davis is forever pushing the com- ing life for patients; he is adamant his com- AWARDS/HONORS: PharmaVOICE 100, pany forward. As the CEO and founder pany remains a patient engagement company T of Exco InTouch, he leads a company at its heart. 2013; Digital Health 100, 2014 and 2015; that has since its inception in 2004 aimed to As an example of this commitment,PharmaVOICE earlier Sunday Times HiscoxTechTrack100, an annual change the way clinical trials are conducted by this year the company launched TARGET My list of the fastest growing privately owned using technology to improve the way patients Hives (target-community.com), a new digital technology companies in the UK; and 6th are supported. health community network that aims to bring in the 2016 Northern Tech listing, which A commitment to continual innovation, together everyone impactedof by chronic urti- combined with the desire to improve the caria. Ultimately, TARGET My Hives seeks recognizes the Top 50 Fastest Growing clinical and healthcare experience for patients, to improve patient outcomes by also integrat- Technology Companies in the North of the UK means Mr. Davis and Exco InTouch have an ing physicians and patient associations in the ASSOCIATIONS: ePRO consortium Fast impressive record of firsts in the industry. network. Growth Icons Having been first to introduce the use of “Patients now have a community where SOCIAL MEDIA: mobile phone technology into clinical trials, they can come together to connect with others TWEET: @exco_ceo Mr. Davis helped to create the patient engage- to share their experiences and connect with ment industry, which is improving patient clinical specialists who may have information compliance to trial protocols and reducing the that may help them better manage their con- percentage of patients lost-to-follow-up. From dition and improve their health outcome and helping them understand the possibilities they this strong start it was a natural progression their quality of life,” he says. have in front of them. Mentoring is important to use this conduit into patient’s lives to col- Those who work with Mr. Davis says he to him. He supports Founders4Schools, a lect simple data, and he created the first-ever is not someone who just talks about patient U.K.-based organization whose mission is to mobile phone eDiary in 2005 for a Phase IV centricity, but he is someone who considers improve the life chances of students by giving hemophilia study. the value and impact of a new technology on them access to inspiring business leaders in Exco InTouch continues to innovate in the patients. their community and help them discover the clinical trial space. In January, the company Mr. Davis says he is most excited about skills and pathways that will be relevant when launched Gather, a new way to manage stake- a new generation of health programs that are they leave school. holder engagement Complimentsin clinical trials. It is spe- more like social networks for health where He is motivated to go to work every day cifically designed to simplify and connect the patients can share experiences and learn from because there is always something exciting on traditionally independent technology systems each other. the horizon, whether it’s a new technology or used in clinical trials. The product suite offers Colleagues say he is a strong leader, who is new project. engagement for all participants in clinical down to earth and approachable and someone “I’d like to think I’d be remembered as studies, from design through to completion. who inspires creativity. someone who saw an opportunity to improve
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Although Exco InTouch has gone on to Mr. Davis says he aims to inspire people the clinical trial and the healthcare experience create a whole suite of seminal technologies, by engaging them, encouraging them to think for patients, and who wouldn’t give up until Mr. Davis is keen to keep the focus on improv- about how their visions impacts others, and we got it right,” he says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 51 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
SKIPTA IS THE LEADING SOCIAL NETWORK OF Restless.Conscientious. SPECIALIZED ONLINE MEDICAL COMMUNITIES FOR VERIFIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
Andy Woolf’s vision is centered on improving patient care and, ultimately, improving patient outcomes. Getting to know... Andy Woolf TITLE: CEO U.S. COMPANY: Bionical OVER 30 VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, AND GROWING. EDUCATION: BSc, Honors, Economics, University of Birmingham FAMILY: Wife, Michelle; parents; three sons HOBBIES: Playing golf, cooking, tennis ANDY WOOLF BUCKET LIST: Master a good brisket; travel to South America
ASSOCIATIONS: Special Olympics NJ, a SkiptaCommunity A Transformational Leader aSkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity certified soccer, tennis, basketball coach aSkiptaCommunity SOCIAL MEDIA: reativity and thinking beyond the skilled clinical specialist teams enabling pa- norm are two things that Andy Woolf tients to play a more activePharmaVOICE role in improving C believes help foster innovation. And their health. The end result: tools and systems he has applied these attributes to the company to help pharmaceutical companies build better with doing what’s right, regardless of his per- he founded, McCallan Health, which sold in relationships with doctors. sonal benefit. 2015 to the company he now runs, Bionical. “We strive toof be a company that offers “I would hope that any inspiration can aSkiptaCommunity AI aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity Mr. Woolf founded McCallan and has transformational not transactional solutions,” come from decisive leadership built on con- aSkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity spent the last 12 years growing the organi- he says. “While that sounds like management sensus,” he says. “The overall objectives have zation into a highly effective company with speak, we want to create change for our clients. to be clear whether that’s coaching soccer or a team that strived to break barriers in its Consequently, we have a number of innovative at Bionical. This may also sound wishy-washy approach in providing creativity in marketing ideas that would, for example, help bridge the but I think there’s an innate ability to simply and consulting services. The company created gap between commercial and clinical activity. tell if someone is inspired or not by the look in
MED Select, an engagement platform that I would like to see those solutions particularly their eyes, and if you have reached them they aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity allows sales representatives and healthcare pro- help in the area of rare disease.” are engaged. One also has to accept there is no a SkiptaCommunity viders to build customized content specific to Under Mr. Woolf’s leadership, Bionical is magic bullet to inspire everyone.” physicians’ needs. creating innovative, customized quality pa- Colleagues say he is not only an effective A few years into his new venture, he re- tient education products that allow dynamic leader, he is also a dynamic part of the overall alized that the traditional business model of engagement between sales and marketing or- team. His dedication to the business and, most Skipta offers a comprehensive suite of engagement + medical education through reminder advertis- ganizations and physicians, as well as between importantly, staff, shows in their commitment ing had to change. He completely transformed physicians and their patients. to their work and the organization. research products and services for the healthcare industry. and reinvented the business. He says the acquisition by Bionical, a While not officially a mentor, he says he His vision is now centered on improving U.K.-based company, was a career highlight. hopes that everyday he can show examples of Connect with us to learn how to strategically engage, patient care and, ultimately, improving pa- “No acquisition is ever plain sailing, but strong customer service, which will set the educate, and inspire medical professionals with pinpoint tient outcomes. Using engagement as a core we have been able to bring all teams together standard for teams to follow. driver of innovation,Compliments he has now overseen the and not lose a single person in the process,” Beyond work, Mr. Woolf has built strong accuracy across our network. building of a new team delivering creative ed- he says. relationships with the surrounding commu- ucational solutions. Additionally, he has added Colleagues say he is a thoughtful and car- nity and has taken a role as a soccer, basketball, ing individual. With an unwavering moral and tennis coach for the Special Olympics. He compass, Mr. Woolf is always concerned volunteers countless hours to help the young Driven to innovate by athletes compete. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] “Working closely with the Special Olym- [email protected] + 800.390.8072 + SKIPTA.COM pics provides a rich vein of inspiration from CUSTOMER NEED athletes who achieve so much,” he says. © 2015 SKIPTA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
52 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE SKIPTA IS THE LEADING SOCIAL NETWORK OF SPECIALIZED ONLINE MEDICAL COMMUNITIES FOR VERIFIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
OVER 30 VIBRANT COMMUNITIES, AND GROWING.
a SkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity PharmaVOICE
of aSkiptaCommunity AI aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity
aSkiptaCommunity aSkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity a SkiptaCommunity
Skipta offers a comprehensive suite of engagement + research products and services for the healthcare industry.
Connect with us to learn how to strategically engage, educate, and inspire medical professionals with pinpoint Complimentsaccuracy across our network.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] [email protected] + 800.390.8072 + SKIPTA.COM
© 2015 SKIPTA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COMMANDERS & CHIEFS DR. CLIVE MEANWELL
Medicine Man Imaginative. Purposeful.
015 was a milestone year for Clive disciplinary scientific and commercial teams,” Meanwell, M.D., and The Medicines Dr. Meanwell says. “And for me, success is 2 Company, which he founded in 1996. measured by how our products impact health He won the prestigious NJBio Sol J. Barer outcomes — both clinical and economic.” Award for Vision, Innovation, and Leadership, Colleagues and peers have noted that Dr. which was established by the BioNJ board of Meanwell is a visionary leader who is not trustees in 2008 as an annual award to rec- afraid to challenge the status quo; likewise he ognize the outstanding research and business is not afraid to challenge “myths” within in leaders who have made and continue to make his company. significant contributions to the growth of the “Others have said innovation begins with biosciences in New Jersey and around the the criticism of myths,” Dr. Meanwell says. world. And under his leadership and guidance, “It follows that innovation in our highly suc- The Medicines Company received approval Dr. Clive Meanwell is challenging his cessful industry may be stifled by an over-em- for four drugs in the United States and four teams to imagine what’s possible to phasis on established edicts, methods, and in Europe: Kengreal, the first and only intra- deliver improved health options. measures of success.” venous, reversible P2Y12 platelet inhibitor Always ready and willing to look at the fu- with an immediate onset of action for patients ture, likewise he challenges his teams to imag- undergoing PCI; Raplixa and the RaplixaS- Getting to know... ine what’s possible in health and drive to make pray device to provide adjunctive hemostasis Clive A. Meanwell, M.D. things happen in the delivery of improved for mild to moderate bleeding in adults un- health with ever greater economic efficiency. dergoing surgery; Ionsys, the first needle-free, TITLE: CEO Since starting the company in 1996, Dr. patient-controlled, pre-programmed fentanyl COMPANY: The Medicines PharmaVOICECompany Meanwell has shaped The Medicines Company delivery system, for the short-term manage- EDUCATION: MD, MBChB, Birmingham into an innovative and collaborative entity, ment of acute post-operative pain; and a new AWARDS/HONORS: E&Y Entrepreneur of known for developing products that have been formulation of Minocin for injection for the the Year; Sol Barrer Award for Innovation; AI dubbed potentially game-changing in terms of treatment of infections. In Europe, the com- of serious infectious disease care, acute cardiovas- Dealmaker of the Year; CFO Magazine CEO of pany received approval for Kengreal (named cular care, and surgery and perioperative care. Kengrexal in that region), Raplixa, Ionsys, the Year Self-identified as an unternehmengeist, or and Orbactiv, a drug for superbug bacterial ASSOCIATIONS: PhRMA, BIO, EFPIA loosely translated as entrepreneurial spirit, Dr. infections which had been approved in U.S. in SOCIAL MEDIA: Meanwell has built a company culture that 2014. The company also announced promising TWEET: @clive_meanwell encourages and rewards leaders to think big in new clinical data from its four major research a collegial atmosphere. and development programs. “As an industry, we sometimes isolate “We had a big year in 2015 during which in Carbavance, which recently showed very specialist knowledge and skills and focus on five products in all were approved in the positive Phase III data in treatment of com- short-term financial measures that may not United States and/or Europe, four potential plicated urinary tract infections, and our other create long-term value for customers and blockbuster products emerged from our R&D three potential blockbuster R&D programs shareholders,” he says. “Achieving the right pipeline, our lead product became an autho- that are our PCSK9 synthesis inhibitor for balance is challenging.” rized generic, and we launched a new corporate LDL lowering in atherosclerotic cardiovascular The Medicines Company’s mission is to strategy to focus on our most promising devel- disease; MDCO-216, which is targeted for take on challenging health problems. And opment programs,” Dr. Meanwell says. “We arterial plaque regression; and our investi- there is no higher priority than improving have a strong execution focus and guided by gational intravenous anesthetic and sedation outcomes for patients in ever more cost-effec- that strategy we have made significant R&D agent ABP-700.” tive ways. progress, we have divested six in-market prod- He is professionally and personally in- He is a leader who knows how to get the ucts to raise up toCompliments $1.2 billion in non-dilutive vested in saving lives, alleviating suffering, job done and how to inspire a team to travel capital, and we strengthened our balance sheet. and improving the economic outcomes of that road with him. These moves enable us to invest aggressively healthcare delivery. “I go all-out asking talented people to align “I have a relentless commitment to creat- motives, skills, activities, and understanding,” ing healthcare value through and with multi- he says. “When this works, we see force mul- Driven to innovate by tiplied and dramatic progress (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] — and that’s what it takes to improve healthcare significantly UNTERNEHMENGEIST over the coming years.”
54 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Getting to know... Shideh Sedgh Bina SHIDEH SEDGH BINA TITLE: Founding Partner COMPANY: Insigniam Inspiring Greatness EDUCATION: BSE, Multinational Marketing & Managament, University of Pennsylvania — The Wharton School FAMILY: Mom, husband, sons, Kavian, Carey, and Shideh Sedgh Bina has Kian the passion, power, and HOBBIES: International travel, reading, poker, personality to motivate and cooking inspire healthcare leaders in chaotic, challenging times
BUCKET LIST: Live long enough to see her Generous. to bring transformational grandchildren grow; travel to Iceland, the outcomes to the next level. Galapagos Island, Xian (the Terra-cotta Army); get to the final table at a WSOP event; write a book AWARDS/HONORS: Healthcare Businesswoman’s Association’s 2014 Woman of Driven to innovate by the Year; 40 prominent business leaders under 40
in the Philadelphia tri-state area - 1995, Wharton; Passionate. Outstanding Young Women of America, 1985; DESIGN acknowledged as a significant business leader by the Philadelphia Business Journal in its book Business Leaders of Philadelphia; Philadelphia Business Journal listed High Performance THINKING Consulting as one of the fastest-growing privately defininting their organization PharmaVOICEmodels and cre- is corporate myopia, an enterprise immune held companies in the Philadelphia area for three ating a culture that will deliver breakthrough system, and corporate gravity. years running; acknowledged in David Logan’s business results. She has worked with tens of As a coach and mentor, Ms. Sedgh Bina book The Three Laws of Performance thousands of people ofthroughout the world, enables her team members to see their own ASSOCIATIONS: NACD (National Association and she is as adept at working with C-level leadership potential. Her ability to discuss teams as she is at being a great team member both her successes as well as her mistakes and of Corporate Directors), Trustee Committee herself. At a time of great and rapid change even failures establishes a connection with for Economic Development (CED), Healthcare in healthcare, Ms. Sedgh Bina is a passionate people that leads to their own willingness to Businesswomen’s Association, Forum of Executive believer that people and companies create their pursue their dreams and to be their very best. Women, Union League of Philadelphia own futures and that we have the opportunity She is a steadfast champion of women as to make a long-lasting social impact as we leaders in all levels and advocates for women SOCIAL MEDIA: TWEET: @ShidehInsigniam transform our healthcare models. in the C-suite and on boards. The majority of She is known to be a breakthrough thinker, the partners and employees at Insigniam are leads by example, listens and responds to what women, and half of the company’s executive hideh Sedgh Bina’s success at driving she hears from others, and looks for the poten- committee members are women. transformation comes from the fact tial in everyone she encounters. She was honored as the Healthcare Busi- S that she lives it every day. For more To share her vision and commitment to nesswomen’s Association’s Woman of the Year than 28 years, Ms. Sedgh Bina, co-founder of transformation, in 2013 she launched the com- in 2014, is a trustee of the Committee for Insigniam, has been leading the company’s pany’s thought leadership magazine, Insig- Economic Development, and is a member of efforts to deliver breakthrough methodologies niam Quarterly, which is distributed to more the Forum of Executive Women. to the pharmaceutical and other healthcare than 50,000 executives around the world. She also makes pro bono work a priority, industries. Ms. Sedgh Bina personifies the American from ending sex trafficking, to reducing re- “We are committed to transforming the success story. She and her family immigrated cidivism (The End Violence Project), build- practice of managementCompliments and leadership to to the United States from Iran when she was ing leadership among American youth (Boy unleash the power of inspired human per- very young. She has inspired and moved both Scouts), and accelerating progress for women formance and a new level of unprecedented small and large groups with her story and the through workplace inclusion (Catalyst). results,” she says. possibility of accomplishing something that Smart and multi-talented, Ms. Sedgh Bi- Across health systems, medical device and seems beyond one’s reach. na’s brand — “Shideh Happens” — sums who biotech companies, as well as big pharma com- For Ms. Sedgh Bina, innovation thrives she is and what she stands for.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] panies, Ms. Sedgh Bina has had extraordinary when there is a supportive culture, a leadership “I do everything from work, to love, to success in supporting senior executives in mo- mandate, increased creativity, and an invest- play with all of my heart, mind, and spirit,” bilizing leaders, setting disruptive strategies, ment in resources. It struggles where there she says.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 55 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Visionary. Passionate. DR. DONALD DEIESO Inspired by hope. Operational Genius shorten their timelines by months, not days. Having run a multitude of companies, and And thanks to Dr. Deieso’s vision, WCG now as a former lecturer at Rutgers University, Dr. has partnerships with more than 1,500 insti- Deieso calls himself a “teacher of life,” and Powered by change. tutions in the United States alone, ranging puts energy into mentoring younger managers from small community hospitals and research to become the best leaders they can be. sites to large academic medical centers and A talented and passionate man, Dr. Deieso universities. never does anything in half measures, no pun “I have a talent for seeing the big picture intended, as he also has a musical side and is The WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG) salutes a visionary leader and being able to envision how clinical trial a talented trumpeter who once considered a processes can be improved on both a macro and music career. who inspires us- every day- to challenge convention and create solutions micro level,” Dr. Deieso says. “I am fortunate Colleagues agree they are glad he chose to be a part of a great team of leaders who are instead to orchestrate a better clinical research that make a difference in the way that clinical research is conducted. passionate about solving the important prob- industry. lems of our time.” Not content to solve just the problems within his company, he has a personal mis- Getting to know... Congratulations to our own Chairman & CEO, sion to do what he can to help find a cure for Donald A. Deieso, Ph.D. cancer. The theme for WCG’s “party with a Donald A. Deieso, PhD, on being named one of the Dr. Donald Deieso’s vision of building a clinical purpose” at last year’s DIA Annual Meeting TITLE: Chairman and CEO services organization focused on accelerating the was “Mission Possible: Curing Cancer in Our COMPANY: WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG) 100 Most Inspiring People by PharmaVOICE. drug development process has resulted in WCG Lifetime,” and he says he intends to help make EDUCATION: BSME, Mechanical Engineering, becoming a clinical research powerhouse. that dream a reality. Manhattan College; MS, Ph.D., Environmental He is quite comfortablePharmaVOICE handling big IRB-Copernicus Group (WCG) challenges, as is illustrated throughout his Science, Rutgers University Chairman and CEO Donald Deieso, career. One of the largest hurdles he faced was HOBBIES: Music, having studied trumpet for 15 WPh.D., is a smart, charismatic leader serving as the assistantof commissioner in the years with the leading faculty member at Julliard; who not only has a big picture view of the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection high-performance cars industry but someone who also pays attention working to clean up the local environment. BUCKET LIST: Attending performances of Verdi to the details that impact his teams and the “This was at a time when environmental patients his company serves. issues were front page stories in every news- opera at the leading opera houses of Europe During the past four years, he has led paper nationally,” he says. “I was proud of our AWARDS/HONORS: Top 20 Innovators WCG to acquire 11 companies, and succeeded accomplishments in clean air, water, and solid Changing the Face of the Clinical Trials Industry, in building an entirely new type of organiza- waste matters in our state.” CenterWatch Monthly, 2013; Ernst & Young tion in the biopharmaceutical industry — a His biggest career highlight to date has Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, New Jersey, 2010; clinical services organization (CSO). been his work at WCG, where he envisioned Deloitte Fastest Growing Companies in the US He also never forgets to send personal how the company could accelerate the clinical thank you notes and is always the first to hold trial process while maintaining the highest ASSOCIATIONS: Chairman, Certara, the door open and welcome visitors to his com- quality protections for human volunteers, and BioreclamationIVT, and TractManager; operating pany’s headquarters. then built the WCG family of companies to partner and co-lead, Arsenal Capital Partners’ We salute Dr. Deieso and his 99 fellow change agents for their Colleagues say if you are an operational make that vision a reality. healthcare team genius, a powerful strategic thinker, and have Dr. Deieso attributes his ability to man- SOCIAL MEDIA: a character that is based on core, inalienable age so many high-powered roles to following extraordinary contribution to the future of our industry. principles, then your name is Don Deieso. a simple ethos: he focuses on hiring tal- WCG’s rapid growth, which is due in ented people who are passion- large part to Dr. Deieso’s commitment to a ate about finding a better, well-defined vision,Compliments has not gone unnoticed smarter way to do things. Driven to innovate by throughout the clinical space. “I have learned to appre- The company now has more than 600 ciate the power of a collab- full-time employees, 14 IRB panels that meet orative management style,” HEALTHCARE daily, and 11 offices throughout the country. he says. “I endeavor to hire Furthermore, its IRBs reviewed 40 of the 45 the best people and empower
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] drugs approved by the FDA in 2015, and by them to think bigger. We eliminating unnecessary administrative re- learn from each other all the dundancies, WCG has helped its clients to time.” CHALLENGES www.wcgclinical.com
56 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE
WCG_PharmaVoice_Ad_Don_Final.indd 1 7/6/16 10:41 AM Inspired by hope.
Powered by change.
The WIRB-Copernicus Group (WCG) salutes a visionary leader who inspires us- every day- to challenge convention and create solutions that make a difference in the way that clinical research is conducted.
Congratulations to our own Chairman & CEO, Donald A. Deieso, PhD, on being named one of the 100 Most Inspiring People by PharmaVOICE. PharmaVOICE of
We salute Dr. Deieso and his 99 fellow change agents for their extraordinary contribution to the future of our industry. Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
www.wcgclinical.com
WCG_PharmaVoice_Ad_Don_Final.indd 1 7/6/16 10:41 AM COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
DR. LORENCE KIM A Proven Leader and Mentor
dustries, with several billion dollars in equity manufacturing to supply vaccines tailored to Getting to know... and equity-linked financings, and more than individual patients within weeks. Moderna’s Lorence Kim, M.D. $55 billion in M&A transactions. collaboration with Vertex, announced in July Dr. Kim would like to be remembered of this year, is focused on discovering and TITLE: Chief Financial Officer for helping Moderna to establish messenger developing mRNA Therapeutics for the treat- COMPANY: Moderna Therapeutics RNA, or mRNA, as a viable drug modality ment of cystic fibrosis. EDUCATION: MBA, Wharton School of the and demonstrating how powerful the plat- Moderna became a clinical-stage company University of Pennsylvania; M.D., University of form can be. The company is pioneering the in less than five years, beginning its first Phase Pennsylvania School of Medicine development of a new class of drugs made of I study in Europe for mRNA 1440 in 2015. In mRNA. This novel approach builds on the 2016, the company began a U.S. Phase I study FAMILY: Wife; three children discovery that modified mRNA can direct the for a second program, mRNA 1851, and antic- HOBBIES: Skiing the deep stuff in the trees; body’s cellular machinery to produce almost ipates initiating several other clinical studies ice hockey with the over-the-hill crowd at any protein of interest, from native proteins by the end of 2016 across both internal de- Chelsea Piers; watching 8, 10, and 12 year olds to antibodies and other entirely novel protein velopment programs and partnered programs. swim, play hockey, chess, etc. constructs that can have therapeutic activity “There is a tangible ability in a small com- BUCKET LIST: Race a Formula One car; hold inside and outside of cells. pany to have a major impact every day, and in Moderna’s pipeline is composed of a series so many facets of what we do,” he says. his great grandchildren of novel drug modalities, each representing He believes an organization’s ability to in- SOCIAL MEDIA: a distinct application of the company’s pro- novate requires a clarity of objectives, a passion TWEET: @lorencekim prietary mRNA platform to encode proteins that runs deep, and knowing how to get the that achieve a therapeutic benefit. Moderna’s blocking and tackling done, which enables the current modalities include infectious disease “sexy” science — qualities that could also be orence Kim, M.D., and his team at vaccines, personalized cancerPharmaVOICE vaccines, rare applied to Dr. Kim. Moderna Therapeutics want to create disease-associated intracellular/trans- L a new generation of transformative membrane liver proteins, intratumoral Dr. Lorence Kim is a medicines based on the promise of mRNA sci- cancer therapy, and secreted antibodies leader who inspires, ence for patients and potentially treat diseases and proteins. of mentors, and advocates previously viewed as untreatable. Playing a key role in how Moderna for his colleagues. In 2015, under Dr. Kim’s leadership as sources capital to fund its technology chief financial officer, Moderna raised more and portfolio, and how the company makes than $500 million in one of the largest private decisions to allocate that capital, under Dr. rounds of financing in biotech history. This Kim’s leadership, Moderna is leveraging these funding has provided the company with the modalities to advance drugs across a broad flexibility to follow the science and pursue spectrum of therapeutic areas via its wholly Unflappable. programs with the highest promise for patient owned ventures as well as with partners such treatments. This financing would not have as AstraZeneca, Merck, Alexion, and Vertex been possible without Dr. Kim’s specific ap- Pharmaceuticals. For example, one of the com- proach to understanding and communicating pany’s collaborations with Merck, announced the underlying science of Moderna’s mRNA in June of this year, is to advance novel mR- technology to investors and showcasing the NA-based personalized cancer vaccines with potential impact. Keytruda for the treatment of multiple types He also was instrumental in teaming up of cancer. The collaboration will leverage
with key partners, thoughtfully choosing them Moderna’s rapid cycle time, small-batch Analytical. not only based on the financial deal terms, but also what they could bring to Moderna’s platform and, ultimately,Compliments patients themselves. Driven to innovate by Dr. Kim joined Moderna in 2014 from Goldman Sachs where he was a managing director and co-head of the U.S. biotechnology THE UNFAIR investment banking effort. As a member of the healthcare investment-banking group for
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] almost 14 years, his responsibilities included corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology in- GENETIC LOTTERY
58 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Dad. Dedicated. LOUIS BRETON Gene Therapy Pioneer
goal to treat and potentially eradicate HIV/ individuals who are encouraged to expand AIDS. His goal, which is well under way with their personal and professional growth as well the company’s lead therapeutic candidate in as further Calimmune’s mission. Mr. Breton is Phase I/II clinical trials, is to develop a one- a stalwart supporter of everyone he leads, and time or infrequent gene therapy treatment for recognizes that the team must be strong and HIV. cohesive to achieve the goals that are set. He Mr. Breton leverages his inspirational lead- takes a sincere interest in the well-being and ership skills to advocate for the HIV/AIDS potential of each member of the group. community, including joining in company- A man of impeccable character, Mr. Breton wide volunteer efforts alongside his team that leads by unwavering example and has earned directly support local HIV/AIDS service orga- and continues to maintain tremendous, endur- nizations. ing respect from his employees, who describe In addition to the area of HIV/AIDS, him in turn as someone who operates in top Louis Breton is expanding the promise of gene therapy his team is moving forward with additional gear all the time, and who has time, patience, into new areas of medicine with unmet patient need, therapeutic candidates that similarly target and kindness for everyone. including HIV/AIDS. a wide array of other disease indications. Mr. Breton’s fierce commitment to help patients ntil recently, gene therapy hasn’t had prevail against currently incurable diseases has much of a marquee presence outside brought together some of thePharmaVOICE world’s most Driven to innovate by U of the world of rare-disease targets, respected gene therapy developers, clinicians, but Louis Breton, CEO of Calimmune, is scientific advisors, and commercialization ex- changing all that. As an effective and inspi- perts to collaborate on efforts to make gene KINETIC rational business leader who is innovating therapy available to theof masses as opposed to unique gene therapy treatments for broad pa- simply industrializing it. tient populations, he is expanding the promise One significant element of his approach of gene therapy into new areas of medicine deals with efforts to bring down the cost with vast and unmet patient need. of gene therapy, as this will help make it LEARNING Mr. Breton has become a prominent voice commercially feasible for larger patient popu- over the past decade for improving access to lations. To do this, he has focused on expand- gene therapies as a means to create a better ing and improving Calimmune’s proprietary Getting to know... quality of life for patients. He has advanced Cytegrity lentiviral vector bioproduction tech- Louis Randall Breton promising science while also introducing in- nology, which provides scalability for gene novations that will bring down the cost of therapy and could result in as much as a 90% TITLE: Co-founder and CEO gene therapy, making it a realistic treatment decrease in the cost of current methods for COMPANY: Calimmune Inc. option for more diseases than ever thought vector production. EDUCATION: BS, Molecular & Cellular Biology, possible. In the process, he continues to posi- Under Mr. Breton’s leadership, Calim- University of Arizona tively impact his peers, his company, and the mune also is steadily achieving new clinical industry at large. and business milestones. He has garnered FAMILY: Wife, Amber; three daughters, Kyla, With more than 1 million Americans liv- interest from highly respected investors, suc- Abbigail, Ellyse ing with HIV, Mr. Breton believes there is an cessfully completing a $15 million Series B HOBBIES: Swimming, horsemanship, and urgent need for a therapy that does more than financing round led by AbbVie in mid-2015. fishing just hold the virus atCompliments bay. Current medications Mr. Breton is steadfast in his role to be a re- BUCKET LIST: Write a book are effective, but come with a big cost both in sponsible financial steward of the funding en- AWARDS/HONORS: AZBio, Fast Lane Award, terms of dollars and side effects; Mr. Breton’s trusted to Calimmune, ensuring stability and goal is to find an approach that effectively an enduring ability to perpetuate the research 2015; Lazard Capital Markets, Most Interesting strengthens the immune systems of people that will enable his company to restore health and Most Disruptive, 2013; AZBio, Bioscience with HIV/AIDS. and improve the lives of many people on a Company of the Year, Finalist, 2011; Arizona
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Since co-founding Calimmune in 2006, global scale. Daily Star 40 Under 40, 2010 Mr. Breton has boldly led the advancement of Mr. Breton has skillfully built and actively SOCIAL MEDIA: a comprehensive therapeutic pipeline with the inspires an employee base of highly motivated
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 59 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Complex LORI GRANT projects The Relentless Pursuit of Awesome
s president of Klick Health, Lori Grant She has played a leading role in driving To help Klick associates and teams con- brings many operational assets to the exponential rates of organic growth within tinue to be successful, she has developed sev- A nonconventional agency, but perhaps portfolios and propelling Klick’s hyper growth eral programs and opportunities for mentoring the talent that epitomizes who she is, is her trajectory. and education, including monthly “Breakfast ability to build an extraordinary culture of She has empowered teams to produce da- Meetings,” where staff members share their mentorship. While steering the agency toward ta-driven, award-winning work that continues accomplishments and successes with others continued growth, she has created a learning to change the landscape for clients. However, across the organization. During the month be- environment across the entire organization. she diverts the attention to her teams when the fore each breakfast meeting, Ms. Grant meets One of the biggest challenges for a success- accolades start to fly. with team members to help develop their Expert ful agency is to retain the greatest talent pos- “I would like to be remembered for having presentations. sible for clients, and Ms. Grant manages to do made a difference in someone’s life, whether that The Breakfast Meetings have become very this by cultivating and nurturing the talents of is a patient, a client, or a team member,” she says. popular, and have grown substantially over the management the ever-growing team of “Klicksters.” past three years, Ms. Grant has over- “Mentoring is an absolute key to seen and emceed these meetings, with success and one that is immensely Humble. Fearless. the ultimate goal being to educate ev- rewarding,” she says. “Generally, I eryone on the latest developments, case start by trying to help people discover studies, and breakthroughs at Klick. what they are most passionate about Ms. Grant also worked with the and then help them to realize their team on Listening Sessions to hear di- passion. This process helps people rectly from staff members about their discover what makes them most happy PharmaVOICEideas, concerns, and questions. and productive.” She also launched several internal According to colleagues, Ms. learning platforms to keep the teams Grant always talks about how for- engaged. tunate she is to be surrounded by of Colleagues say what they really like awesome people, but she neglects to about working with Ms. Grant is that Confident talk about how awesome she is and the she can assess where she’s needed the many contributions she makes to the most, whether that’s hands-on conflict Klick environment. resolution or inspiring her team. She’s decisions “I love the attention to be on my always ready to roll up her sleeves, teams and on the patients who we jump in, and lead by example and with ultimately serve,” Ms. Grant says. “I humor. measure success through the success Individual team members say when of those around me who I help to speaking with her, Ms. Grant makes succeed.” them feel like they are her sole priority and that they are the most important person on her list of people to see. Getting to know... There are no interruptions, she’s poised and organized, and when she says her For more than two decades SynteractHCR has executed complex POSSIBILITIES Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate Lori Grant door is always open — she means it. clinical trials with our customers using a collaborative and TITLE: President Ms. Grant has more than 27 years of experience on both the client and hands-on approach. We continuously advance our technology COMPANY: Klick Health agency sides of the healthcare indus- and service offerings to address the growing intricacies of drug EDUCATION: BBA, University of New Compliments try, including tenures at Merrell Dow, development. Whether it is a rare disease, adaptive design, Brunswick; French degree, L’Universite Laval; Lori Grant drives Nordic (now Sanofi), and Wyeth, immunotherapy or international full-service program, you can MBA, University of Saskatchewan Klick Health to LM&P, Euro RSCG, and Sudler & A full-service, international CRO success by fostering FAMILY: Mom and Dad Hennessey. rely on our operational and regulatory experts to drive successful a culture of Always on the “relentless pursuit HOBBIES: Painting execution of even your most complex clinical trial. mentorship and of awesome,” Ms. Grant recently at- collaboration across (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] BUCKET LIST: A trip to China tended Harvard University for a certifi- the organization. SOCIAL MEDIA: cate in negotiation skills and strategies To learn more, visit SynteractHCR.com for increased effectiveness.
60 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE Complex projects
Expert management
PharmaVOICE Confidentof decisions
For more than two decades SynteractHCR has executed complex clinical trials with our customers using a collaborative and hands-on approach. We continuously advance our technology and service offerings to address the growing intricacies of drug development. WhetherCompliments it is a rare disease, adaptive design, immunotherapy or international full-service program, you can A full-service, international CRO rely on our operational and regulatory experts to drive successful execution of even your most complex clinical trial. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] To learn more, visit SynteractHCR.com COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
medicines to treat Huntington’s disease; if broad spectrum of genetically defined diseases. DR. PAUL successful, together those two drugs have the WAVE’s technology and chemistry platform potential to treat more than two-thirds of the opens the door to developing selective al- 35,000 Huntington’s patients in the United lele-specific therapeutics, placing the company BOLNO States. Its lead Huntington’s disease candidate at the threshold of addressing the root genetic received orphan drug designation from the cause of dozens of orphan disorders. Making Waves FDA, recognizing the significant need this Dr. Bolno has prioritized the company’s medicine could address. pipeline to best capitalize on that value propo- WAVE recently announced preclinical sition, opening up significant commercial op- ith a goal to address challeng- data on its lead Duchenne muscular dystrophy portunities while maximizing the potential to ing diseases by bringing forward candidate, which targets exon 51, demonstrat- offer new or improved therapeutic options to Wmeaningful, innovative medicines ing an approximate 25-fold improvement in patients impacted by a wide range of diseases. with integrity and empathy, Paul Bolno, exon-skipping efficiency compared with other His business skills are apparent. In late M.D., is leading the growth of WAVE Life clinical candidates targeting the same exon. 2015, during truly unfavorable market con- Sciences. These data suggest the immense promise that ditions, Dr. Bolno masterfully led one of the Within two years he has built the company WAVE’s proprietary platform and next-gen- most successful IPOs of 2015, raising $112 from a startup of five people to a thriving, eration approach may have for patients who million in investment. diverse, multinational organization of more currently have few treatment options. During the IPO roadshow, Dr. Bolno tai- than 70 talented employees with significant WAVE is able to generate drug candi- lored multiple presentations to fit the needs continued growth still ahead. dates in multiple modalities, including RNAi, of each meeting, never repeating the same Dr. Bolno combines an extraordinary array antisense and exon-skipping, giving it the presentation. His view throughout this ex- of skills: he is able to succinctly distill complex potential to provide treatment options for a perience was that even if people to whom he scientific concepts into digest- was presenting did not plan to invest in the ible and meaningful bytes of company, he wanted them to understand the information that can be under- Passionate.Empathetic. technology and development plan. He was stood by diverse audiences; he able to clearly demonstrate the team’s passion has strong leadership and mento- and commitment to the patient communities ring skills; and he has unending the company is working to serve. compassion for patients and their Having gone through three doublings of unmet medical needs. Dr. Paul Bolno is PharmaVOICEemployee headcount in the past two years, he Under his leadership, the working to change is focused on ensuring that the culture and preclinical genetic medicine the rare disease commitment to patients is not only preserved, paradigm and ensure company is advancing a pipe- but continues to evolve. that advances in of line of more than 20 discovery technology will Innovation, he maintains, thrives in an programs and is on a trajectory embrace all patients. open-minded environment and ac- to have six clinical programs cepting diversity of opinions. He by 2018. The company has ini- works to create an environment tiated innovative development that enables people to “fail for- programs to treat Huntington’s ward” rather than focus on fear disease, Duchenne muscular dys- of failure, and lets people try and trophy, and is collaborating with challenge new ideas. Pfizer to develop genetically Dr. Bolno’s training as a physi- targeted therapies for metabolic cian gives him uncommon insight diseases. into the challenges that patients The company plans to file impacted by serious rare diseases two IND applications this year must face each day. The desire to to begin human trials of new serve patients is what called him to become a medical doctor and it’s also what drives him in business Getting to know... roles while at GlaxoSmithKline Paul Bolno, M.D. — where he was VP, worldwide business development — head of TITLE: PresidentCompliments and CEO Asia and neuroscience BD and COMPANY: WAVE Life Sciences investments, as well as head of EDUCATION: MBA, Drexel University; M.D., global oncology BD — and now MCP-Hahnemann School of Medicine at WAVE, where he is seeking to FAMILY: Anne, wife; two children, Jacob and impact an even greater number of lives by delivering new and more Madeleine (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] effective tools for physicians to SOCIAL MEDIA: wield against severe genetic dis- eases. Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate UNMET NEEDS
62 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
Driven. Integrity.
Getting to know... Mark Bouck TITLE: President and CEO COMPANY: TrialCard Inc. EDUCATION: BS, Business, University of Mary Washington FAMILY: Wife of 21 years, Jennifer; three children, Mackenzie, 17; Kaitlyn, 15; Joey, 13 Mark Bouck has pioneered TrialCard’s transformation from a company known as a copay program HOBBIES: Coaching his children’s baseball provider into one of the leading full-servicePharmaVOICE patient access providers in the industry. and basketball games; attending soccer and lacrosse games, going to the lake BUCKET LIST: Travel to Italy with his wife; MARKof BOUCK attend a baseball game in every major league baseball stadium with his son Joey Pioneering a Patient-Focused Evolution
ince assuming the role of CEO and to working on behalf of patients who are in Increased payer challenges brought about by president of TrialCard, Mark Bouck has need of life-transforming therapies. the shift to more high deductible health plans, S masterfully led the company’s evolution His impact is most prominently displayed the underuse of the pharmacist as a brand from a niche service provider in the copay in his commitment to delivering best-in- advocate, and the lack of outcome-based ap- savings space to a full-scale pharmaceutical class, patient-centric healthcare solutions to proaches to care that provide patients with services organization. pharma companies, providers, pharmacies, and support beyond financial savings are all areas Mr. Bouck’s goal from the outset was to patients. that Mr. Bouck has placed organizational pri- offer manufacturers a diversified and inte- Mr. Bouck has been a visionary in recog- ority on addressing through a diversified suite grated menu of patient access solutions that nizing the drivers that cause patients to miss of patient-centric solutions. increase adherence and engagement and drive out on the care they need, and understanding Under his charge TrialCard has unveiled positive health outcomes. This vision not only the support services that can reduce or elimi- a host of offerings that enable pharmaceutical reinforced TrialCard’s cornerstone position as a nate such access barriers. manufacturers to directly combat the chal- provider of copay offset solutions but more im- TrialCard was already helping manufactur- lenges that are inhibiting the delivery of care portantly set the stage for providing patients a ers combat the roadblock of high patient out- to patients at every stage of their journey. better avenue to accessCompliments the medications they of-pocket costs upon his arrival in 2012, but Mr. Bouck has pioneered TrialCard’s ex- need to live a better life. since then Mr. Bouck has driven the company pansion into multiple new sectors, all in direct Mr. Bouck’s leadership has been essen- to dive deeper in exploring cursory factors. response to the needs of today’s pharmaceutical tial to this evolution. By establishing what marketer. From day one as CEO, one of Mr. TrialCard could be — and subsequently has Bouck’s top priorities at TrialCard has been his become — and placing priority on building Driven to innovate by focus on building and maintaining a company (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] the technical and personnel infrastructure to culture of excellence and creating an environ- support this transformation, he has ensured ment that makes TrialCard a choice employer that everyone in the organization is committed PATIENTS for top talent.
PharmaVOICE July/August 2016 63 COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Creative. Pragmatic. ADELE GULFO The Business Side of Science
easuring success for Adele Gulfo is not about individual glory but Driven to innovate by M about the number of lives that she has positively influenced, and the magnitude of those positive effects, whether or not the UNMET individuals know who she is or that she was the person behind the scenes. Apparent or not, her influence is immense on a global healthcare basis through her work Adele Gulfo is an innovator, scientist, and business leader who is dedicated to bringing innovative with the best-selling drug of all time, Lipitor, NEEDS medical breakthroughs to the world. as well as on an individual basis through the number of organizations to which she lends During that same time, not only were Ms. her time, expertise, and mentorship. very hard choices about prioritizing certain Gulfo and her team breaking sales records, “I want to be remembered as someone brands and take bold and unpopular actions, but she was personally breaking the proverbial whose work mattered, that it helped a great which worked,” she says. glass ceiling. There were very few women at many patients while advancing the reputation To make it work, Ms. Gulfo relied on prag- the time who had the business influence that of the industry,” she says. matism and creativity, two traits she learned she did, and she took her husband’s advice to Launching and commercializing Pfizer’s from her parents. break every ceiling and to follow her gut. Her cholesterol-reducing agent Lipitor was both a “My father taught me to take nothing at efforts earned her numerous leadership acco- career highlight and one of the biggest chal- face value and my mother taught me to live lades and business awards. Additionally, she is lenges of Ms. Gulfo’s career. in the moment,” she says. “Creativity comes considered a role model by dozens of women “Growing revenue and earnings when Lip- from my strong scientific background where leaders throughout the industry who say Ms. itor went generic, while running Pfizer’s U.S. I learned how nature adapts and devises unex- Gulfo provides sage career advice, strategic primary care business meant I had to make pected solutions to challengesPharmaVOICE to thrive.” business direction, and leadership guidance.
A girl in Chennai, India of plays with one of the stuffed animals made by Mylan interns and How can passionate distributed at an orphanage for children living with HIV/AIDS and to children leadership impact in an adjacent village. 7 billion lives?
Mylan congratulates Chief Strategy Officer Adele Gulfo, on being among the 100 Most Inspiring People in our industry.
This recognition by PharmaVOICE is another indication of Adele’s dedication to Mylan’s mission of providing the world’s 7 billion people access to high quality medicine. Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected]
Mylan.com COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
“As a mentor I have the unique opportu- nity to affect the personal and professional life Getting to know... of someone,” she says. “Being a mentor is not Committee of 200, 2012; Oracle Award, 2013; only gratifying, but mutually beneficial.” Adele M. Gulfo Highest Leaf Award Women’s Venture Fund, 2007; Ms. Gulfo is a change agent, and while TITLE: Chief Strategy Officer under her leadership as president and general PR Association of America — Silver Anvil Award, manager of Pfizer’s U.S. primary care business COMPANY: Mylan 2000; Warner Lambert Global President’s Award unit, the business generated more than $12 EDUCATION: BS, Biology, Seton Hall University for Innovation, 2000; Advertising Age Top 100 billion in revenue. While also at Pfizer, she FAMILY: Father, mother, husband, siblings Marketers, 1999; Financial Times Pharmaceutical served as president of Latin America in the HOBBIES: Fitness and health, skiing, fashion Awards Best Product Launch, 1999; Healthcare company’s emerging markets business unit. BUCKET LIST: Appear as an extra on The Businesswomen’s Association Rising Star, 1998 Once again, she and her team — more than 4,000 colleagues in about 24 countries — gen- Good Wife or Madam Secretary ASSOCIATIONS: Bemis Company Inc. ; Volunteers erated company-leading results. AWARDS/HONORS: Pinnacle of Leadership of America; Partners Healthcare Innovation; There are very few people who can claim Award: The Girl Scouts’ Top 100 Diverse Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association; Cleveland to have launched one, nonetheless two, block- Corporate Leaders in STEM, 2015; Executive Clinic Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center; buster products. Women of NJ Professional Distinction Award, Healthcare Leadership Council; The Committee of While at AstraZeneca, she led the launch 2014; The Pinnacle Award — Fairleigh 200 (C200) of the cholesterol-lowering medication Crestor Dickinson University, 2014; Luminary Award and grew the brand into the $2 billion-plus SOCIAL MEDIA: cornerstone of the company’s primary care Winner for Corporate Innovation, 2014; The TWEET: @Gulfoa franchise. Colleagues say Ms. Gulfo is a superstar and a team player and they want to be part of her pansion of its key franchises around the globe, to all stakeholders — patients, shareholders, winning ways. They are drawn in by her bril- and the development of innovative commercial employees, etc.,” she says. “I also am driven liance and dynamic personality. strategies to maximize Mylan’s diverse port- to deliver on our vision at Mylan; to conquer Today, Ms. Gulfo serves as Mylan’s chief folio of products and services across customer challenges; and to inspire others to realize their strategy officer. Reporting directly to the and distribution channels. full potential. I am blessed to work for a pur- CEO, she focuses on areas of future growth “My goal is to advance the health of 7 pose-oriented company, which provides a great for the company, including the company’s ex- billion people worldwide whilePharmaVOICE adding value deal of motivation for me.” of
Compliments (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
opment, and translational and biomarker sci- ences in psychiatry and neurology. She success- DR. MAGALI HAAS fully filed new drug applications in the United States and Europe for risperidone indications Brain Power in autism, adolescent schizophrenia, juvenile bipolar disorder, and conduct disorders. She also led development teams evaluating com- or someone with the ability to make a Philanthropist Steve Cohen is a major pounds for depression, neuropathic pain, epi- profound difference in the lives of oth- sponsor of Cohen Veterans Bioscience, and he lepsy, and migraine disorder. She established F ers, Magali Haas, M.D., Ph.D., CEO believes that with Dr. Haas’ leadership, the the first neuroscience translational medicine and president of Cohen Veterans Bioscience, company will advance the science and avail- and integrative solutions department and co- has just one straight-forward goal: find cures ability of new medical treatments. He says founded the first healthcare innovation team. for brain diseases. She has an even more direct Dr. Haas is truly changing lives through her The highlight of her career occurred earlier mantra: Let’s do this. passion and dedication. on, when she conducted the first therapeutic And that is her leadership plan at Cohen In July 2012, Dr. Haas founded her own studies of childhood psychiatric disorders. Be- Veterans Bioscience, where the mission is to nonprofit organization, Orion Bionetworks, fore these studies, physicians were prescribing speed the discovery of first-generation diag- focused on developing computational bionet- psychotropics off-label for early onset schizo- nostics, treatments, and cures for post-trau- work models of brain disease before big data phrenia, juvenile bipolar, conduct disorders, matic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic was even a buzzword. The initial focus was and autism without the benefit of well-con- brain injury (TBI) by improving the scientific on multiple sclerosis, and resulted in the first trolled studies to evaluate efficacy and safety. understanding of the basic biological mecha- predictive disease models for MS prognosis “Conducting this type of research was nisms that set the stage for these conditions, and identification of biomarker pathways that highly controversial at the time because of especially for veterans who are returning home could be used for diagnostic testing and/or the special population and prevailing concerns with these conditions. therapeutic targets. about placebo studies,” she says. “Our research “I engage people, seize opportunities in As Dr. Haas became more familiar with ensured that future generations would benefit technology, and take action to cure brain dis- the increasing burden being placed on return- from an evidence-based treatment regimen.” ease,” Dr. Haas says. “I am constantly trying to ing veterans and their families, she became a Dr. Haas is motivated to work so hard by make tomorrow a better future.” warrior on their behalf. She migrated Orion her concern of those close to her who are suffer- Bionetworks into Cohen Veterans Bioscience ing from MS, PTSD, or TBI, and the scientific in 2015. Dr. Haas’ focus isPharmaVOICE now dedicated to challenge to provide them with a cure. Carpe. Futurum. using all of her knowledge to accelerate the “The brain is one of the most difficult development of next-generation diagnostics organs of study,” she says. “Every day is an op- and treatments. portunity to understand something new that And her dedicationof is already paying off: might help so many.” Cohen Veterans Bioscience has entered into Dr. Haas is described as a change-maker multiple collaborative partnership efforts, and a role model for others who are looking to including ones with the Stanley move beyond their current careers to lead in a Center for Psychiatric Research at more meaningful way. the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, McLean Hospital’s Har- Getting to know... vard Brain Bank, NYU Langone ANSWERS THAT WILL Medical Center, and Stanford Uni- Magali Haas, M.D., Ph.D. versity. TITLE: CEO and President REVOLUTIONIZE HEALTHCARE Leaving big pharma and launching her nonprofit organiza- COMPANY: Cohen Veterans Bioscience tion was one of her most challeng- EDUCATION: BSE, University of Pennsylvania; AREN’T AT OUR DESKS. ing assignments to date. MSE, Rutgers University; M.D., Ph.D., Albert Einstein “Every day is a learning oppor- College of Medicine tunity — whether it is defining FAMILY: Parents, Dharma and Guirualdo Reyes; Our #ALLin team is traveling the country and talking our mission, inspiring and direct- husband, Franz Haas ing a team, fundraising, learning to people to hear real stories about their health concerns, to use social media tools, managing HOBBIES: Biathlon — cross-country skiing and Complimentsfinance, or making sure we don’t target shooting; beekeeping wants and needs. Why? Because truly deep insights lead lose sight of the impact we want to BUCKET LIST: Hike the Appalachian Trail; cross- make for patients,” she says. country ski across Norway; kayak the Galapagos to smarter healthcare solutions—for us all. Before Orion, Dr. Haas worked ASSOCIATIONS: Institute of Medicine, predominantly at Johnson & John- son, where she assumed broad end- Neuroscience Forum
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] SOCIAL MEDIA: A change-maker dedicated to revolutionizing care for to-end development leadership Go to intouchsol.com/ALLin for more about where we’re headed. brain disease, Dr. Magali Haas hopes to transform the roles in medical marketing, full TWEET: @cohenbioscience Driven to innovate byDriven to innovate lives of our veterans. COMPASSION clinical development, early devel-
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ANSWERS THAT WILL REVOLUTIONIZE HEALTHCARE AREN’T AT OUR DESKS.
Our #ALLin team is traveling the country and talking to people to hear real stories about their health concerns, Complimentswants and needs. Why? Because truly deep insights lead to smarter healthcare solutions—for us all.
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] Go to intouchsol.com/ALLin for more about where we’re headed. COMMANDERS & CHIEFS Proactive. Energetic. Getting to know... Debbie Hart DEBBIE HART TITLE: President and CEO COMPANY: BioNJ Inc. The Heart of NJ Bio EDUCATION: M.S., Public Relations, Newhouse School, Syracuse University; B.A., Communications, Trenton State College ebbie Hart is BioNJ. She is the found- FAMILY: Husband, mom, three younger sisters and ing president and CEO of the life-sci- ences trade association. She worked seven beloved nieces and nephews D HOBBIES: Running, bird watching, interior alongside New Jersey’s biotechnology industry leaders to establish BioNJ in 1994 and has decorating, laughing, and having fun been dedicated to the organization ever since. BUCKET LIST: A safari in Africa She has also garnered the respect and admi- AWARDS/HONORS: One of the world’s 100 ration of the more than 400 member compa- Most Influential People in Biotechnology in 2015 nies that represent research-based life-sciences companies and stakeholders dedicated to sup- by Scientific American Worldview; HudsonMod porting science and creating and developing Magazine’s 2015 list of Women in Power; one of new drugs for patients in need. New Jersey’s top CEOs by Commerce Magazine; “As the industry’s voice in New Jersey, one of New Jersey’s 2015 Top 25 Leading Women we fulfill our mission to help companies help Entrepreneurs by Leading Women Entrepreneurs; patients by driving capital formation and fos- Debbie Hart is hopelessly optimistic about and and for the fourth time named in 2016 to the tering entrepreneurship, advocating for pub- impatient for the future, which drives her to fix lic policies that advance medical innovation, what’s broken and capitalize on what’s not. NJBIZ Power 100, a listing of the 100 most providing access to talent and education and influential people in New Jersey business; Women’s offering a cost-saving array of critical commer- STEM is an important part of BioNJ’s mis- Fund of New Jersey as a Woman Advancing cial resources,” Ms. Hart says. sion,” Ms. Hart says. “Women in scientific Science; recognized by NJIT with a New Jersey Ms. Hart and her dedicated team are and technology roles need more than techni- Inventors Hall of Fame Award; in commemoration embarking on a new venture — the BioNJ cal skills for career growth;PharmaVOICE we need strong venture fund — which she says is her most leadership skills, the ability to communicate of Women’s History Month, honored by the New challenging assignment to date. effectively and develop collaborative teams and Jersey General Assembly as a Woman Advancing “We are in the midst of this initiative, and be innovative in ourof solution resolution. The Science; one of 50 people to PolitickerNJ’s Health it has been immeasurably exciting and chal- program was designed to do just that.” Care Power List in 2014 lenging getting to this point, and it will be Ms. Hart’s teams are inspired and moti- ASSOCIATIONS: The American Society of landscape altering when we arrive,” she says. vated by her drive, determination, and stalwart Ms. Hart adamantly believes that by fo- commitment to patients and are in awe of her Association Executives, the Public Relations cusing on the significant funding needs of seemingly never-ending reserve of energy. And Society of America, the Mid-Atlantic Society of early-stage companies and making sure they they say Ms. Hart has an infectious sense of Association Executives, New Jersey Chapter of the are well funded, important new therapies and humor and she is always willing to inject fun Public Relations Society of America; Healthcare cures will make their way through the system into every project. Businesswomen’s Association to the patients who need them. Ms. Hart is quick to credit her teams and SOCIAL MEDIA: Along with her team, Ms. Hart has also measures success one milestone at a time, been instrumental in the development of sev- whether it is hers, her team’s, or BioNJ’s eral BioNJ firsts, including the association’s members, success she says is an evolving and Inspiring Women in STEM Conference. The cumulative process. ship, enthusiasm, and support of innovation, conference brought together 200 professionals “I am so lucky to have so many special BioNJ is fulfilling its mission by ensuring of all levels from the STEM community for a moments in my career, including witnessing that science is supported, companies are cre- day of empowering professional development. milestones reached by our team, our members, ated, drugs are developed, and patients are “Supporting the growth of women in and meeting precious patients like 8-year- paramount. old Max Schill, a RASopathy’s patient who “My team and our members have the abil- lobbied Congress for the 21st Century Cures ity to make a difference in our ecosystem and Driven toCompliments innovate by Act; it doesn’t get any cooler than for patients each and every day and this is what that,” she says. keeps me motivated,” she says. Ms. Hart is passionate about Having been named to numerous state and MAKING A fulfilling BioNJ’s mission, which national top lists of the most influential and is centered around patients; in inspirational leaders, Ms. Hart is considered fact the association’s tag line the go-to person in New Jersey when it comes
(c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] sums it up best: Because Patients to the life sciences and healthcare and she is Can’t Wait. willing to go toe-to-toe for patients, and she DIFFERENCE Under Ms. Hart’s deft leader- inevitably always comes out on top.
68 July/August 2016 PharmaVOICE COMMANDERS & CHIEFS
through a reorganization, and employed an me, and that the existing management actively internal Lean Six Sigma program, which re- contributed to and embraced our plans for CHRIS PERKIN duced costs significantly, improved quality, re-engineering the business. Six years later, we and reversed a fall in revenue and profitability. have above plan-growth, including success- A Real Team Leader His greatest challenge to implementing fully integrated acquisitions, and solid plans this turnaround was to gain the confidence of for the future.” management and staff. This was accomplished Colleagues say Mr. Perkin is very approach- through communication and transparency, able, generous, and transparent in his dealings Getting to know... by sharing and discussing all aspects of the with both internal and external clients. He Chris Perkin business, both positive and negative, with sets very high standards and expectations for senior management, presenting summarized those around him, and more often than not his TITLE: CEO information, including financial performance, expectations are met by a team eager to surpass COMPANY: Altasciences Clinical Research, to all staff every quarter, and issuing a regular set standards. comprised of Algorithme Pharma, Vince & online blog providing business and social up- Mr. Perkin wants to be remembered as Associates Clinical Research, and Algorithme dates to all staff. someone who never compromised on honesty Pharma USA Mr. Perkin has always strived to create and integrity and was able to encourage and a single, cohesive management team that motivate others to achieve more than they EDUCATION: BSc, University of Bradford contributed to the plans and actively imple- expected. He says inspiration is a product of FAMILY: Long-term girlfriend mented them, irrespective of their individual culture plus management style. HOBBIES: Motorcycling, brewing, DIY, management responsibility. This has resulted “An environment where information is camping in new ideas and approaches and has created shared, teamwork and collaboration are en- BUCKET LIST: Motorcycle across the Western an environment that encourages individual couraged and valued, individual responsibility contribution. and accountability are freely given, support is United States; build a street hot-rod; scuba The integration of Vince & Associates always available, and regular feedback is pro- dive in the Maldives Clinical Research in 2013 and Algorithme vided, is one that inspires performance and the AWARDS/HONORS: Algorithme Pharma Pharma USA in 2014 to the Altasciences fam- achievement of high goals,” he says. (Montreal) named Best Full Service Early ily was accomplished quickly and effectively He believes good managers Stage Clinical Research Provider in Canada by employing the same principles of informa- provide guidance, time, un- by Global Health & Pharma’s Biotechnology tion sharing and openness and encouraging derstanding, and advice to the exchange of ideas, technology,PharmaVOICE and pro- their staff. Awards, 2016; Algorithme Pharma one of cesses rather than mandating them. “These managers are 19 organizations recognized at the 31st The result has been a rapid change in the sought out by others and Annual Canada Awards for Excellence, 2015; culture to one that promotesof teamwork and can be considered a men- Algorithme Pharma, honorable mention at the allows staff at all levels to admit to mistakes tor, a title that I think Grands Prix québécois de la qualité, 2014 openly and participate in the solutions. Mr. that can only be bestowed SOCIAL MEDIA: Perkin has been able to establish a culture of by others,” he says. trust and growth without changing the core values of quality service, flexibility, and o his colleagues, Chris Perkin, CEO of responsiveness. Altasciences Clincial Research, is the “The challenge was to learn T ideal leader. He has been in the in- a new business, recruit addi- dustry for more than 40 years and during this tional management expertise, time, he has evolved from entry-level scientist and align and motivate the to inspirational leader, guiding his teams whole management team in to success through his exemplary leadership the preparation of a five- style. He never talks about problems, only year growth plan and its solutions. He is able to transform a mass of subsequent execution,” information into concrete projects. He is open he says. “After 35 years
to all ideas and is always looking to innovate. in a different sector of Trusting.
Mr. Perkin listens, makes time, and always the drug development Like a true captain, follows through on his commitments. It is for industry, this was an Chris Perkin has been these reasons that he has been named a Phar- exciting but challeng- navigating Altasciences maVOICE 100 for aCompliments second time. ing undertaking. I was company through Mr. Perkin was appointed CEO at Alta- particularly impressed unpredictable waters sciences in mid-2010. He led the company that a number of man- and making sure that his agers from my previous ship always makes it to company wanted to join bay unscathed.
Driven to innovate by Optimistic. (c) PharmaLinx LLC. Rights do not include promotional use. For distribution or printing rights, contact [email protected] CURIOSITY AND ENERGY
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