Executive appointments and promotions in the healthcare industry
By Carolyn Gretton
Pharmaceutical POOL
Dr. Tomas BOCANEGRA
Pozen Appoints Development VP Pozen, a pharmaceutical company committed to developing medicines that transform lives, has named Tomas Bocanegra, M.D., executive VP of development. Dr. Bocanegra is responsible for driving all product development activities at Pozen beginning with the company’s lead pipeline candidate, PA32540, a coordinated-delivery tablet of enteric-coated aspirin and immediate-release omeprazole currently in U.S. Phase III clinical trials. Dr. Bocanegra most recently served as senior VP, development, for Daiichi Sankyo Pharma Development. Dr. James (Jim) CASSIDY Roche Selects Oncology Translational Medicine Head James (Jim) Cassidy, M.D., Ph.D., has joined research-focused healthcare company Roche as head of translational medicine in the oncology discovery and translational area (DTA) in pharma research and early development (pRED). Dr. Cassidy is based in Roche’s Nutley, N.J., location. Dr. Cassidy was previously professor of oncology, head of the department of cancer research and head of the division of cancer sciences and molecular pathology at the University of Glasgow. He received an M.D., an M.Sc. in clinical pharmacology, and doctorate from the University of Glasgow. Biotechnology POOL David ALLAN Stem Cell Therapeutics Names Executive Chairman Stem Cell Therapeutics, a biotechnology company developing drug-based therapies to treat central nervous system diseases, has appointed David Allan executive chairman responsible for the company’s operations. Mr. Allan has been chairman of the board of YM BioSciences since its incorporation in 1994 and served as its CEO from 1998 to November 2010. Dr. Nozar AZARNIA Dr. Steven FRUCHTMAN Spectrum Pharmaceuticals Promotes VPs Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company with a primary focus in oncology, has promoted two executives as part of a reorganization of the company’s scientific and R&D operations in order to streamline functions for the approaching NDAs of belinostat and apaziquone. Nozar Azarnia, Ph.D., has been promoted to VP of biostatistics and data management responsible for all statistical and data management support, from design of clinical trials through marketing applications. He received an M.S. in physics from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in applied mathematics from the University of Cincinnati. Steven Fruchtman, M.D., has been promoted to VP and chief medical officer. Dr. Fruchtman’s responsibilities include clinical research, clinical affairs, preclinical research, biostatistics, data management, and regulatory affairs, in addition to managing the company’s clinical development of belinostat, apaziquone, and other pipeline products and indications. Dr. Fruchtman joined Spectrum in February 2011 as VP of clinical development. He received an M.D. from New York Medical College. Dr. Balbir (Bal) BRAR AtheroNova Appoints Drug Development Lead AtheroNova, a biotech company focused on the research and development of compounds to regress atherosclerotic plaque, has appointed Balbir (Bal) Brar, Ph.D., DVM, senior VP of drug development. Dr. Brar’s immediate responsibilities include taking charge of AtheroNova’s upcoming FDA investigational new drug filing and the commencement of human trials. Dr. Brar received a Ph.D. in toxicology/pathology from Rutgers University and a DVM from India. Biopharmaceutical POOL Dr. Adrian BOT Kite Pharma Appoints Scientific Chief Kite Pharma, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative active immunotherapies for cancer, has named Adrian Bot, M.D., Ph.D., chief scientific officer. Before joining Kite, Dr. Bot served as VP of research at MannKind. He received an M.D. from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romania, and a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. John CROWLEY Amicus Therapeutics Chairman Resumes CEO Role Executive Chairman John Crowley has returned as full-time chairman and CEO of Amicus Therapeutics following his completion of temporary active duty with the United States Navy Reserve. Matt Patterson, who had served as temporary CEO, continues as president of Amicus, a biopharmaceutical company developing small-molecule therapies for rare diseases. Mr. Crowley holds a J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School. James HOYES EMD Serono Names President EMD Serono has promoted James Hoyes to president, with responsibility for driving the strategic direction of the U.S. commercial organization as well as managing the affiliate’s day-to-day business. He was previously chief commercial officer at EMD Serono. Paul GRAYSON Former Fate Therapeutics Chief Joins Anaphore as CEO Anaphore, a biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of protein pharmaceuticals to address significant unmet medical needs, has named Paul Grayson president and CEO. Mr. Grayson succeeds Anaphore Co-Founder Katherine Bowdish, Ph.D., who continues to serve the company as a consultant. He was most recently CEO of Fate Therapeutics. Dr. Geoffrey NICHOL Sangamo Appoints R&D VP Sangamo BioSciences has named Geoffrey Nichol, B.Med.Sc., M.B., Ch.B., executive VP, research and development, overseeing all of the biopharmaceutical company’s research and clinical development activities and operations. Sangamo is focused on research and development of novel DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification. Dr. Nichol was previously Medarex’s senior VP of product development. He earned a B.Med.Sc., M.B., Ch.B. — the equivalent of an M.D. in the United States — from Otago University Medical School in New Zealand, and received an MBA from Warwick University in the United Kingdom. Dr. Akshay VAISHNAW Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Promotes Medical Chief Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, an RNAi therapeutics company, has promoted Akshay Vaishnaw, M.D., Ph.D., to chief medical officer, from senior VP, clinical research. Dr. Vaishnaw received an M.D. from the University of Wales College of Medicine in the United Kingdom, a Ph.D. in molecular immunology from the University of London, and an executive MBA from Harvard Business School. Specialty POOL Ben MACHIELSE New Operating Chief at Omthera Omthera Pharmaceuticals, a privately held specialty company focused on development of new therapies for dyslipidemia, has named Ben Machielse executive VP and chief operating officer. Mr. Machielse joins Omthera after 11 years with MedImmune, where he most recently served as executive VP, operations. He received a master of science in biochemistry from the University of Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. Dr. Lola MAKSUMOVA Global Health Ventures Appoints Operating Chief Global Health Ventures, a specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on sublingual drug delivery, has named Lola Maksumova, M.D., Ph.D., senior VP and chief operating officer. Dr. Maksumova was previously VP of drug development with Pacific Therapeutics. Dr. Wendell WIERENGA Santarus Taps R&D VP Santarus, a specialty biopharmaceutical company focused on acquiring, developing, and commercializing proprietary products for patients treated by physician specialists, has named Wendell Wierenga, Ph.D., executive VP, research and development. Dr. Wierenga most recently served as executive VP, research and development, for Ambit Biosciences. He received a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University. Diagnostic POOL Stéphane BANCEL Stephen MILLER BG Medicine Expands Executive Team BG Medicine, a life-sciences company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel, biomarker-based diagnostics, has strengthened its management team with two appointments. Stéphane Bancel, former CEO of bioMérieux, has been named executive chairman of BG Medicine. Mr. Bancel received a master of engineering from École Central Paris, an M.S. in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Stephen Miller has joined BG Medicine as chief commercial officer. Mr. Miller was most recently chief commercial officer and president of MiraDx. Michael WEBB Allegro Diagnostics Announces New CEO Allegro Diagnostics, a molecular diagnostics company focused on the development and commercialization of genomic tests for the diagnosis, staging, and informed treatment of lung cancer and other lung diseases, has appointed Michael Webb president and CEO. Mr. Webb was previously founder, president, and CEO of Anchor Therapeutics. Mr. Webb holds an MBA from Northwestern University and a master’s in international relations from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Agency POOL Carolina AMAYA Susan BYRNE Nami CHOE Katie CONGRESS Dr. Brad DAVIDSON Terrence LAI Andrew MARBER Michelle MCGIBBON Dorsey MONTENECOURT Paul STEINER New Appointments at Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide, part of the Ogilvy & Mather agency network and a WPP company, has announced a number of additions and promotions at its Ogilvy Healthworld and Ogilvy CommonHealth Insights & Analytics businesses. Carolina Amaya has been promoted to account supervisor from senior account executive at Ogilvy Healthworld, Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide’s New York-based full-service professional and consumer healthcare marketing and promotion agency. Also at Ogilvy Healthworld, Susan Byrne has been named director of client services. Ms. Byrne is working to grow and maintain current client relationships. Nami Choe has been elevated to partner, senior director, consulting, from partner, director. Ms. Choe leads the consulting and analytic practices for Ogilvy Healthworld. Katie Congress has been promoted to senior account executive from account executive at Ogilvy Healthworld. At Ogilvy CommonHealth Insights & Analytics, the research-based consultancy unit of Ogilvy CommonHealth Worldwide, Brad Davidson, Ph.D., has been promoted to general manager, from senior VP, management supervisor. At Ogilvy Healthworld, Terrence Lai has been promoted to associate director, marketing consulting and analytics, from senior manager, marketing consulting and analytics. Andrew Marber has been promoted to associate creative director at Ogilvy Healthworld, from partner, senior copywriter. Ogilvy Healthworld has promoted Michelle McGibbon to account supervisor from senior account executive. Dorsey Montenecourt has joined Ogilvy Healthworld as an associate creative director, leading all copywriting efforts on both print and interactive initiatives for her assigned accounts. Ogilvy Healthworld has named Paul Steiner executive group director, with responsibility for fostering current client relationships and new business development for the agency. Mr. Steiner was most recently senior VP, director of CRM, for Draft FCB. Annemarie ARMSTRONG SSHI Names Managing Director Publicis Healthcare Communications Group has promoted Annemarie Armstrong to managing director of its Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Innovations (SSHI) agency. Ms. Armstrong previously served as SSHI’s executive VP, director of account leadership. Valerie BANGE Emily FEE HRM Expands Account Services Group Healthcare Regional Marketing (HRM), a company that specializes in pharmaceutical regional marketing solutions, has added two account executives to its growing account services team. Valerie Bange joins HRM from Procter & Gamble, where she served as a senior marketing specialist. Emily Fee comes to HRM from Merck, where she was account manager for Tri-Health/Christ Hospital. Ali BRICELAND Kyler QUEEN Jamie WELLINGER AbelsonTaylor Promotes Account Executives Independent healthcare advertising agency AbelsonTaylor has promoted three account coordinators to the position of account executive. Ali Briceland is working on a treatment for chronic pain. Since joining AbelsonTaylor in 2010, Ms. Briceland worked extensively on a number of major diabetes products. Kyler Queen is working in the DTC area on products for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Mr. Queen has been with AbelsonTaylor since 2009 and has worked in the areas of infant nutrition and skin psoriasis. Jamie Wellinger is working on accounts in the areas of wound and vein therapy. Ms. Wellinger joined AbelsonTaylor in 2010 and has worked on a wide range of accounts and DTC initiatives, both traditional and interactive. Nicholas CAPANEAR Susan PERLBACHS GSW Worldwide Expands Creative Leadership Team Global healthcare advertising agency GSW Worldwide, an inVentiv Health company, has appointed two executives to lead the creative department for the agency’s New York office. Nicholas Capanear and Susan Perlbachs have each been named executive VP/executive creative director (EVP/ECD) for the agency’s New York office. Mr. Capanear was most recently SVP/CD at Sentrix Health Communications, a Sudler & Hennessey company. Ms. Perlbachs was previously senior VP (SVP/CD) with Draftfcb Healthcare. Marilyn CASTALDI FKH Names Healthcare Practice Head Feinstein Kean Healthcare (FKH), an Ogilvy specialty firm known for its strategy and communications work in health and life-sciences markets, has appointed Marilyn Castaldi to head its growing healthcare practice as executive VP. Most recently, she headed communications at Columbia University Medical Center and NYU Langone Medical Center. David GARSON Nicole RENDE imc2 health & wellness Bolsters New York Leadership imc2 health & wellness, a full-service strategic and creative agency, has added two executives to help lead its New York office. As group creative director, David Garson leads imc2’s New York creative team in delivering creative strategy, campaign ideas, and innovative execution, while also assisting new business development initiatives. Mr. Garson was previously a partner and creative director at The CementBloc. Nicole Rende has been named VP, client services, leading the client services teams in New York and working closely with other senior leaders to expand the office’s client base and enhance existing client relationships. Ms. Rende was most recently VP and management director for Draftfcb. Yahav ISAK Digitas Health Hires Project Management Lead Yahav Isak has joined Digitas Health as senior VP, project management, leading project management in the agency’s New York office. Mr. Isak most recently served as senior VP, operations and delivery at MRM Worldwide. Consulting POOL Jade CUSICK Werner GUMINSKI Kantar Health Makes Leadership Appointments Kantar Health, a healthcare-focused global consultancy and marketing insights company, has promoted Jade Cusick to president, U.S. marketing insights, from chief operating officer, U.S. marketing insights. In other leadership moves, Kantar Health has named Werner Guminski to the position of CEO, Kantar Health Commercial Strategy. Mr. Guminski was previously CEO, global practices, for Kantar Health. Ken RAWLINGS Healogix Names Managing Director Healogix, a full-service, custom marketing research consultancy for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, has appointed Ken Rawlings managing director. Most recently, Mr. Rawlings was VP, client services for Phoenix Healthcare. He received an MBA from the University of San Francisco. Jeff TOMLINSON Former GSK Director Joins KJT Group KJT Group, a custom market research firm specializing in the healthcare industry, has appointed Jeff Tomlinson as senior VP, research. Mr. Tomlinson was most recently an executive director at GlaxoSmithKline. CRO POOL Dr. Pierre GEOFFROY New VP at INC Research INC Research, a therapeutically focused CRO, has made an addition to its leadership team. Pierre Geoffroy, M.D., has joined INC Research as VP, early stage, overseeing the development of early-stage programs for customers worldwide and providing medical expertise and clinical insights for the development of safe and effective early-stage clinical trials. Dr. Geoffroy most recently served as chief medical officer, VP, and principal investigator for Lambda Therapeutic Research. He earned an M.D. and a master of science in epidemiology from McGill University, and a master of science in nutrition from the University of Toronto. Dr Cynthia VERST Quintiles Expands Late-Phase Leadership Global biopharmaceutical services company Quintiles has named Cynthia Verst, Pharm.D., global head of late phase operations, leading Quintiles’ dedicated business that bridges the gap between periapproval and commercialization of marketed therapies. Dr. Verst was most recently senior VP, global late phase research, for Ingenix. She received an M.S. in structural and cellular biology from the University of Illinois and a Pharm.D. from the University of Cincinnati. Service POOL Brian COTE Jessica LABITA MD Mindset adds to its leadership roster MD?Mindet, a provider of salesforce performance and optimization solutions, has added two directors. Brian Cote has been named director of information technology. Mr. Cote is focused on designing and delivering customized technology solutions for sales training and sales management in the life-sciences industry. Jessica Labita has joined MD Mindset as director of client services, focusing on account management and operations responsibilities for all MD Mindset accounts, marketing, and production and delivery of MD Mindset Real-Play assessment and coaching solutions. Barry LITTLEJOHNS Catalent Names Medication Delivery Solutions President Catalent Pharma Solutions, a provider of advanced technologies and development, manufacturing, and packaging solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and consumer healthcare companies, has appointed Barry Littlejohns president, medication delivery solutions. Todd MEYERS ACM Global Central Lab Expands Marketing Management ACM Global Central Lab, a provider of clinical research services, has named Todd Meyers VP of sales and marketing responsible for global business development efforts. Mr. Meyers joins ACM from i3 Global. Steve SWANSON Imperial Announces Leadership Shift Clinical research support organization Imperial has promoted Steve Swanson to president and chief operating officer, as well as CEO of DAC Patient Recruitment Services, which was recently purchased by Imperial. Mr. Swanson previously served as Imperial’s VP and chief operating officer, a position he held since joining the executive team in 2006. Shannon YUNG Acurian Expands Clinical Trial Liaison Team Acurian, a full-service provider of global patient recruitment and retention solutions, has appointed Shannon Yung as its newest clinical trial liaison (CTL) team member. Ms. Yung joins a group dedicated to providing specialized, localized, and personalized service for oncology trial patient enrollment. A registered nurse with more than 12 years of experience, Ms. Yung was most recently a clinical nurse liaison for the oncology business unit at Amgen. Technology POOL Hector GARCIA Anthony GIANCOLA Jim GIRARD Qforma Expands Technology, Quality Assurance Capabilities Qforma, a provider of advanced analytics and predictive modeling technologies for the health-sciences industry, has hired Hector Garcia as director, quality assurance, charged with leading a wide range of quality assurance, automation, and analysis initiatives. Anthony Giancola has joined Qforma’s technology team as a senior programming engineer specializing in user interfaces. Mr. Giancola was previously a co-founder and chief technology officer of Strategic Analytics. Also joining Qforma’s technology team is Jim Girard, who has been named a senior analyst and programmer responsible for special projects. Michael KELLY New Business Development VP at MTI MTI, a developer of professional relationship management programs, has named Michael Kelly senior VP, business development. Mr. Kelly joins MTI from the Cadient Group, where he was VP, solutions business development and marketing. He received an M.A. in organizational leadership, organizational effectiveness from Immaculata University. Susan MCKENNA iMany Hires Chief Marketing Officer Susan McKenna has joined contract performance solutions provider iMany as chief marketing officer. Most recently, Ms. McKenna was the world wide director of marketing at IBM Software Group, Information Management. Biotechnology POOL Dr. Narinder BANAIT Dr. Joseph STAUFFER New VPs at PharmacoFore PharmacoFore, a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing next-generation, abuse-resistant prescription drugs, has appointed two new VPs to its executive team. Narinder Banait, Ph.D., has joined PharmacoFore as VP, intellectual property. Dr. Banait was most recently a partner at Fenwick & West. He obtained an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, completed postdoctoral fellowships at Brandeis University and the University of California, Santa Barbara; and received a J.D. from Santa Clara University School of Law. Joseph Stauffer, D.O., has been named chief medical officer and VP, corporate strategy. Dr. Stauffer was previously chief medical officer and executive VP, corporate strategy at Durect Corporation. Dr. Stauffer graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and received an MBA as part of the Trium Global Executive MBA Program. Dr. Alton BOYNTON Les GOLDMAN Dr. Anthony MAIDA Linda POWERS Northwest Biotherapeutics Expands Management Team Northwest Biotherapeutics (NWBT), a biotechnology company focused on developing immunotherapy products to treat cancers more effectively than current therapies, has announced several changes to its management team. Alton Boynton, Ph.D., the scientific founder of NWBT, has returned to his position as chief scientific officer. Les Goldman, a former longtime partner in the law firm of Skadden, Arps, has been appointed senior VP, business development. Anthony Maida, Ph.D., has joined NWBT as chief operating officer. Dr. Maida is a well-known senior executive in the field of cancer immune therapies and most recently served as global head of oncology for a leading CRO that manages clinical trials in the United States and internationally. Linda Powers, chairman of NWBT since May 2007, has assumed the role of CEO from Dr. Boynton. Chris FRENCH Advaxis Appoints Medical Affairs Director Advaxis, a biotech company developing the next generation of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases, has named Chris French executive director, medical affairs. Ms. French’s previous experience includes positions as U.S. director of oncology scientific communications for Bristol-Myers Squibb and senior director of program management for MGI Pharma. Dr. R. Wayne FROST New Regulatory VP at FibroGen FibroGen, a biotech company engaged in the clinical development of anti-CTGF therapy and prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors for serious unmet medical needs, has named R. Wayne Frost, Pharm.D., VP, regulatory affairs. Dr. Frost is responsible for developing and leading global regulatory strategies to meet regulatory requirements at each phase of product development. Dr. Frost brings to FibroGen more than 20 years of drug development experience from leadership roles in regulatory affairs at pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Astra USA, Bayer, and Amgen. He holds a Pharm.D. from Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions and a J.D. from University of Connecticut School of Law. Dr. George GILL Oncolytics Promotes Medical Chief Oncolytics Biotech, a Calgary-based biotech company focused on the development of oncolytic viruses as potential cancer therapeutics, has promoted George Gill, M.D., to chief medical officer, from senior VP of clinical safety and regulatory affairs. Dr. Gill continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Oncolytics’ Reolysin, in development to treat head and neck cancers, through the clinical and regulatory processes. Dr. Gill holds an M.D. from the School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania and is board-certified in pediatrics. Kurt MAY Former University of San Diego Professor Joins ISCO Leadership Kurt May, a highly experienced senior business executive and biotechnology entrepreneur, has joined International Stem Cell Corp. (ISCO) as a senior VP upon concluding his service as a faculty member at the University of San Diego’s School of Business Administration. ISCO is a biotechnology company focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. Mr. May’s duties for ISCO include mergers and acquisitions and development of new international collaborations, as well as working to implement the company’s business model of combining cutting-edge scientific research and building multiple revenue streams to support that research. Dr. Ronald PEPIN Celldex Selects Business Chief Celldex Therapeutics has named Ronald Pepin, Ph.D., senior VP and chief business officer as the biotech company continues to advance its pipeline of antibody-focused drug candidates in development for the treatment of cancer and other difficult-to-treat diseases. Dr. Pepin brings to Celldex more than 20 years of business development and senior leadership experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, most recently serving as VP with Shire Pharmaceuticals. He received a Ph.D. in biology from Georgetown University. Dr. Paul RUBIN Dr. Patrick SCANNON Xoma Selects Medical Chief Xoma, a biotech company focused on the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics, has named Paul Rubin, M.D., VP and chief medical officer. Dr. Rubin was previously chief medical officer at Funxional Therapeutics. He received an M.D. from Rush Medical College. As chief medical officer, Dr. Rubin succeeds Patrick Scannon, M.D., Ph.D, who now serves as Xoma’s executive VP and chief scientific officer. Dr. William TEW BioTime Appoints Commercial Lead BioTime, a biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine and blood plasma volume expanders based on stem cell technologies, has named VP of Business Development William Tew, Ph.D., to the additional position of chief commercial officer, with responsibility for the commercial operations of the BioTime family of companies and for near-term product development activities. Dr. Tew received his Ph.D. in bioinorganic chemistry from the University of Idaho. Dr. Ravi VENKATARAMANI New Business Development VP at Genocea Genocea Biosciences, a vaccine discovery and development company pioneering a new class of T cell-based vaccines, has appointed Ravi Venkataramani, Ph.D., VP, business development. Dr. Venkataramani was previously director of business development at MedImmune. He received a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania. Biopharmaceutical POOL Dr. Ulrich GRAU Micromet Appoints Operating Chief Micromet, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer, has named Ulrich Grau, Ph.D., executive VP, chief operating officer. Dr. Grau most recently served as co-founder, president, and CEO of Lux Biosciences. He received a Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry from the University of Stuttgart in Germany and spent three years as a postdoctoral fellow at Purdue University in the field of protein crystallography. Dr. Timothy HAHN Novavax Strengthens Manufacturing Leadership Timothy Hahn, Ph.D., has joined Novavax as senior VP of manufacturing. Dr. Hahn oversees production of the biopharmaceutical company’s vaccines and vaccine candidates and is responsible for all manufacturing operations at its pilot and commercial launch facility in Rockville, Md. Dr. Hahn was most recently VP of vaccine manufacturing at MedImmune. He received a doctorate and master of science degrees in chemical engineering from Stanford University. Dr. Jill PORTER Agennix Strengthens Development Leadership Agennix, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapies for critically ill patients in areas of major unmet medical need, has named Jill Porter, Ph.D. senior VP, pharmaceutical development. Dr. Porter is responsible for leading all activities related to supply chain, global production, and CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and controls) for talactoferrin, an oral immunotherapy being studied for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and for severe sepsis. Dr. Porter has almost two decades of biopharma industry experience, including senior executive positions with Taligen Therapeutics, Altus Pharmaceuticals, and, most recently, Alexion Pharmaceuticals. She received a Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Columbia University. Dr. Hagop YOUSSOUFIAN Ziopharm Oncology Selects Medical Chief Ziopharm Oncology, a drug development company employing small molecule and synthetic biology approaches to cancer therapy, has appointed Hagop Youssoufian, M.D., executive VP and chief medical officer responsible for the company’s clinical product strategies. Dr. Youssoufian was previously chief medical officer and senior VP of global clinical sciences for ImClone Systems. Dr. Youssoufian received an M.Sc. and an M.D. from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Specialty POOL Dr. Jack BARKIN Easton Pharmaceuticals Appoints Medical Chief Easton Pharmaceuticals, a Toronto-based specialty company that designs, develops, and markets topically delivered therapeutic healthcare products focused on skin and circulatory conditions, has named Jack Barkin, M.D., senior VP and chief medical officer. Dr. Barkin is the chief of staff at a university-affiliated Toronto hospital and an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. Stuart HINCHEN JHP Pharmaceuticals Announces Leadership Succession JHP Pharmaceuticals has promoted Stuart Hinchen to succeed Peter Jenkins as CEO. Mr. Hinchen has acted as JHP’s president and chief operating officer since the formation of the company in 2007. JHP is a specialty pharmaceutical company which develops, manufactures, and sells pharma products, primarily aseptic injectable products into the hospital segment, and provides contract manufacturing of sterile products for pharma companies. Robert JONES Acura Pharmaceuticals Appoints Chief Executive Robert Jones, who has served as interim president and CEO of Acura Pharmaceuticals since May 2011 upon the passing of Andy Reddick, has been selected to assume the position on a permanent basis. Mr. Jones joined the Company in April 2008 as senior VP and chief operating officer. Acura is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, and manufacture of product candidates intended to introduce limits or impediments to abuse and misuse. Emerging POOL Dr. Allan BAXTER Ascletis Taps Former GSK Executive as Strategy Chief Ascletis, a U.S.-China pharmaceutical company developing medicines for cancer and infectious diseases, has appointed longtime company advisor Allan Baxter, Ph.D., chief strategy officer. Dr. Baxter joins Ascletis following a 30-year career at GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), where he most recently served as senior VP and global head of medicines development. Dr. Gregory BERK Former Celgene Executive Joins Intellikine Intellikine has named Gregory Berk, M.D., chief medical officer. Dr. Berk joins Intellikine from Celgene, where he served as senior VP of global clinical development. Intellikine is a private, clinical-stage company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule drugs targeting the PI3K/mTOR pathway for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Agency POOL Michel NAKACHE McCann Health Worldwide Bolsters European Leadership Michel Nakache has joined global healthcare agency McCann Healthcare Worldwide as executive VP Europe. Mr. Nakache was most recently worldwide managing partner, chairman EMEA/APAC, and chairman global brands of Havas Worldwide Health and Euro RSCG Life. Consulting POOL Bob Jansen Michelle WOKER Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions Names Co-Presidents Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions, a subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer and provider of scientific information and analytics to professionals in the pharmaceutical and biotech fields, has promoted two executives as co-presidents of its healthcare analytics business. Bob Jansen has been appointed president and chief commercial officer, healthcare analytics, responsible for all client and market-facing functions. Mr. Jansen was previously senior VP, commercial operations, for the healthcare analytics business. Michelle Woker has been named president & chief operating officer, healthcare analytics, with responsibility for handling all technology, delivery, and operations functions. Ms. Woker was most recently senior VP, operations, for the healthcare analytics business. CRO POOL Eman ALBAZZAZ Tony CRONE Dr. Christina FLEMING Advanced Clinical Bolsters Leadership Team Advanced Clinical, a provider of clinical research talent and solutions to the pharmaceutical industry, has added three leaders to its executive roster. Eman Albazzaz has joined Advanced Clinical as executive director of regulatory affairs, leading the CRO’s regulatory and pharmacovigilance efforts. She was most recently Lundbeck’s VP of risk management. Tony Crone has been appointed senior director of business development, responsible for leading business development and client services functions. Advanced Clinical has named Christina Fleming, Ph.D., to head its newly established scientific and medical affairs division as executive VP, scientific and medical affairs. Dr. Fleming is responsible for building, managing, and leading the division’s full range of offerings, which include pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, clinical pharmacology/ translational medicine, medical monitoring, quality assurance, medical writing, and biometric services. She earned a Ph.D. in pharmacy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Dr. Joel POSENER PharmaNet Strengthens Neuroscience Expertise PharmaNet Development Group, a provider of clinical development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug, and medical device companies, has appointed Joel Posener, M.D., executive medical director, neuroscience. Dr. Posener supports PharmaNet project teams conducting clinical trials in psychiatry and neurology. Before joining PharmaNet, Dr. Posener held roles at Wyeth as senior director, neuroscience medical research and senior director, early development and clinical pharmacology. He obtained a medical degree from McGill University and is board-certified in psychiatry. Medical-Education POOL Rima DHAR Tara GILL Brad GRAHAM April MEIJER Alexandra STERLING Additions at Discovery Chicago Discovery Chicago, a full-service healthcare communications agency that creates solid, lasting, and effective medical education programs, has announced a number of additions and promotions to its staff. Rima Dhar has joined Discovery Chicago as an associate scientific director. Tara Gill has been appointed an account manager. Brad Graham has been promoted to digital project manager, with responsibility for stewarding Discovery Chicago’s online, mobile, and interactive projects. April Meijer has been promoted to VP, advocacy, leading Discovery Chicago’s advocacy department in developing the organization’s advocacy direction, strategy, and action plans. Alexandra Sterling has joined the agency as an associate scientific director. Service POOL Dr. Kjell NYGREN ImpactRx Adds Analytical Services VP ImpactRx, a company specializing in measuring the impact of promotion on physician prescribing behavior, has appointed Kjell Nygren, Ph.D., VP, analytical services, providing leadership for the advanced analytics group by driving innovation in the development and delivery of services to better meet client needs. Dr. Nygren was most recently director of advanced analytics with IMS Health. Dr. Prasad RAJE New President at Smithers Pharma Services Smithers Pharma Services, a Smithers Group company, has promoted Prasad Raje, Ph.D., to president. Dr. Raje joined the Smithers organization in October 2009 and has served as executive VP of Smithers Viscient since February 2011. Smithers Pharma Services provides formulation services, analytical chemistry, preclinical and clinical bioanalytical testing, and extractables and leachables testing, while offering further drug development support through in-house storage stability studies. John SCHULTZ HMS Appoints Sales VP Health Market Science (HMS), a supplier of provider data and data management solutions, has named John Schultz executive VP of sales for all HMS business units, including life sciences, pharmacy, and other health markets. Mr. Schultz was previously senior VP of sales and marketing at MedAssurant.
