executive appointments and promotions in the healthcare industry By Carolyn Gretton Pharmaceutical POOL Aaron BERG Essentialis Names CEO Essentialis, a pharmaceutical company focused on a novel medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, has promoted Aaron Berg to CEO, from president and chief commercial officer. Mr. Berg joined Essentialis in January 2010, bringing business development and product commercialization expertise to the company and its lead compound, DCCR, now in Phase II development for patients with very high triglycerides. Dr. Pamela CARROLL Roche Appoints Oncology Discovery Head Pamela Carroll, Ph.D., has joined Roche as oncology discovery site head for Nutley, N.J., location and global head, pathways biology within pharma research and early development (pRED). Dr. Carroll is responsible for designing and implementing research studies focused on new or improved oncology medicines, including small molecules and biologics. She was previously head of research for the Belfer Institute of Applied Cancer Sciences at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School. She earned her Ph.D. from Stony Brook University. Dr. Birgit ROERIG Sucampo Names Pharmacology VP Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, an international pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of medicines based on prostones, has promoted Birgit Roerig, Ph.D., to VP, pharmacology and toxicology at Sucampo Pharma Americas (SPA). Dr. Roerig joined Sucampo in 2005 as a senior scientist and was most recently director of pharmacology and toxicology. She received a Ph.D. in biology from the Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology in Munich. Dr. Timothy WRIGHT Novartis Pharmaceuticals Appoints Development Head Novartis has appointed Timothy Wright, M.D., as global head, development, Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Wright joined Novartis in 2004 and most recently served as senior VP and global head of translational sciences at Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR). He received a medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Biotechnology POOL John MICLOT Tengion Appoints Chief Executive Tengion, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on regenerative medicine, has named John Miclot president and CEO. Mr. Miclot was most recently an executive-in-residence at Warburg Pincus. William (Bill) SIBOLD Dr. Rogério VIVALDI Genzyme Strengthens R&D Leadership Global biotechnology firm Genzyme, a Sanofi company, has named William (Bill) Sibold as head of multiple sclerosis. Mr. Sibold joins Genzyme from Avanir Pharmaceuticals, where he was most recently chief commercial officer. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School. In other moves, Rogério Vivaldi, M.D., has been appointed head of rare diseases. Dr. Vivaldi joined Genzyme in 1997 and most recently served as president of Genzyme’s renal and endocrinology business. He received a medical degree from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Medical School, and an MBA from Coppead – Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro. Biopharmaceutical POOL Dr. Lori Anne KUNKEL Pharmacyclics Names Medical Chief Pharmacyclics has appointed Lori Anne Kunkel, M.D., chief medical officer, providing strategic input and oversight into the biopharmaceutical company’s clinical development programs and medical affairs. Pharmacyclics is focused on developing and commercializing innovative small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and immune-mediated diseases. Dr. Kunkel is board certified in hematology, oncology, and internal medicine and has held executive positions in a variety of companies that have provided her extensive experience in developing and commercializing oncologic/immunologic therapies. She received a medical degree from University of Southern California. Michael MARTINO Ambit Announces CEO Ambit Biosciences has named Michael Martino president and CEO. Mr. Martino succeeds Alan Lewis, Ph.D. Ambit is a privately held biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of small molecule kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease, and other indications. Mr. Martino brings to Ambit almost three decades of experience leading privately held and publicly traded life-sciences companies. He was most recently with CareFusion, where he held multiple positions including senior VP and general manager of diagnostics and senior VP of innovation, business development, and strategy. Mr. Martino received an MBA from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Dr. Wendy Yee MURAHASHI Icon Bioscience Names Clinical Development VP Icon Bioscience (IBI), a privately held biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the development and commercialization of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, has named Wendy Yee Murahashi, M.D., VP, clinical development. Dr. Murahashi leads IBI’s clinical development programs based on the company’s proprietary Verisome drug delivery technology. Dr. Murahashi most recently was a medical director at Roche’s Genentech division. She received an M.D. from Loyola University Chicago. Agency POOL Caroline COLCOMB Abigail COX Liz LEE Allison RUDA AbelsonTaylor Strengthens Accounts Team Independent advertising agency AbelsonTaylor has promoted four account coordinators to the position of account executive. Caroline Colcomb is working on a product for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Abigail Cox is responsible for a nutritional product, focusing on both the professional and DTC sides. Liz Lee is responsible for a product for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis. Allison Ruda is handling products for the treatment of infectious disease and pain management/reduction of fever. Beth CONNER Eliza MERVES Makovsky Expands Health Team Makovsky + Company, a global public relations, investor relations, and branding consultancy, has added two team members to its health practice. Beth Conner joins Makovsky as assistant VP. She was previously with Edelman Public Relations Health, where she managed consumer and patient-focused initiatives for pharmaceutical clients. In other moves, Makovsky has named Eliza Merves account executive, responsible for an account supporting cholesterol awareness. She was with Ogilvy Public Relations, where she helped implement large-scale consumer campaigns and coordinated logistics for celebrity spokespeople. Michael GOOLSBY New Business Development VP at Publicis Touchpoint Publicis Touchpoint Solutions, a division of Publicis Healthcare Communications Group that provides multichannel message delivery solutions for the life-sciences industry, has appointed Michael Goolsby VP, business development. Mr. Goolsby was most recently VP, sales at Victory Pharma. Eric MILLER MedThink Appoints Public Relations Practice VP MedThink Communications, a full-service healthcare marketing and communications agency, has named Eric Miller VP, public relations practice director. Mr. Miller is focused on integrating strategic public relations solutions with existing client programming and social media initiatives. He previously held leadership positions at Ciba Vision, UCB, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and the American Cancer Society. Barbara MITCHELL Team Grows at FingerPaint Marketing FingerPaint Marketing, a fully integrated marketing and advertising agency, has added Barbara Mitchell to its growing team. Ms. Mitchell is responsible for marketing communications for the company, including marketing and media planning, PR, and development of corporate marketing materials. She previously worked at Palio in various roles, including director of marketing and account director for both business integration and account services. Kerri Lyn SNYDER New Account Director at Medisys Health Medisys Health Communications has appointed Kerri Lyn Snyder account director, serving as the primary interface with clients. Ms. Snyder’s responsibilities also include leading the Medisys Isis and Assure teams and recognizing opportunity for expansion within their existing client base. She has two decades of experience in professional and direct-to-consumer marketing and advertising. Consulting POOL Tim EDBROOKE Healogix Announces President Healogix, a full-service, custom marketing research consultancy for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, has appointed Tim Edbrooke president and chief operating officer. Mr. Edbrooke joined Healogix in 2009 as chief business officer. Company Founder Harris Kaplan remains CEO, working actively with Healogix clients in a strategic consulting and research capacity. CRO POOL Dr. David BROWN Dr. Deborah LUBECK Neal MANTICK Peggy SCHRAMMEL Parexel Expands PACE Group Global biopharmaceutical services provider Parexel International has appointed several executives to its global team of late-phase and observational research experts in its PACE (periapproval clinical excellence) group. David Brown, Ph.D., has joined Parexel’s PACE group as VP, epidemiology. Dr. Brown was senior director of epidemiology at King Pharmaceuticals. He received a doctorate in epidemiology from the University of Alabama, a master of public health from Loma Linda University, and a master’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from the University of California, Riverside. Deborah Lubeck, Ph.D., has been named VP, health economics and outcomes research. Dr. Lubeck previously served as VP of late-phase services at another CRO. Neal Mantick has joined Parexel’s PACE group as senior director, global observational research. Mr. Mantick was previously an executive director at Abt Bio-Pharma Solutions. He holds an M.S. in health policy and management from the Harvard University School of Public Health. Peggy Schrammel has been appointed VP and global head portfolio management. Her experience includes senior-level positions at CROs, where she managed late-phase programs including patient registries, clinical-experience trials, pharmacoeconomic trials, and managed care-based effectiveness trials. She received a master of public administration from the University of Pittsburgh. Service POOL Peter BITTINGER Susan CLEMENT Brian DEPPEN Jack ELSE Karl KRAFT Debbie LEE Ashley MAHONEY Gary MCWALTERS Don PARAS Steve VITALE TGAS Makes Staff additions TGaS Advisors, a benchmarking and advisory services firm and a division of KnowledgePoint360, has announced promotions and the addition of management advisors. Peter Bittinger has been promoted to senior VP, from VP, operations and analytics. Mr. Bittinger is responsible for the development of TGaS Advisors’ proprietary data and analytic systems. Susan Clement has joined TGaS Advisors’ marketing operations practice as a director/management advisor. Ms. Clement was most recently a strategic marketing consultant and director of analytics for Eurand Pharmaceuticals. She has an M.S. in immunology from Hahnemann University and an MBA in marketing from Temple University’s Fox School of Business & Management. Brian Deppen has been elevated to executive director. Mr. Deppen works with managed markets and helped develop TGaS Advisors’ fast-growing training and development solution. Jack Else has joined the firm’s managed markets practice as director/management advisor. Mr. Else was previously a managed care solutions sales executive with IMS Health. Karl Kraft has been named a director/management advisor of the marketing operations practice. Before joining TGaS Advisors, Mr. Kraft spent more than 10 years at AstraZeneca, where he worked in regulatory compliance, legal and scientific affairs, and global cross-commercial strategy. Debbie Lee has been appointed a director/management advisor with the sales operations practice to help clients manage their sales-related functions, structures, and processes. Ms. Lee has 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Ashley Mahoney has joined TGaS Advisors as a director/management advisor with digital and relationship marketing. Ms. Mahoney was most recently business insight director, digital marketing solutions at AstraZeneca. Gary McWalters has been promoted to senior VP with responsibility for the marketing advisory practice, a new group designed to serve marketing operations, marketing sciences, and digital and relationship marketing clients. Mr. McWalters, previously VP, management advisor, built the firm’s client outreach program. Don Paras, who leads the marketing operations practice, has been named executive director. Steve Vitale works with marketing sciences and global marketing as a director/management advisor. Mr. Vitale joins TGaS Advisors from GlaxoSmithKline, where he most recently served as innovation director for U.S. vaccines. He received an MBA in marketing from The Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. Amy CHAI Instar Appoints Asia-Pacific Lead Instar, a cost-effective pharma industry market research service, has appointed Amy Chai to lead business development in Asia. Ms. Chai has more than 13 years of research experience managing large-scale quantitative and qualitative market research studies. Ken DEPINTO MTI Continues to Grow Strategic Services Offerings MTI has appointed Ken DePinto VP, strategic services as part of its effort to grow its services offerings. He was VP of business development for BI Worldwide. He received an MBA in pharmaceutical marketing from St. Joseph’s University’s Erivan K. Haub School of Business. use your QR?CODE?READER or go to bit.ly/PV0212-Pool Pharmaceutical POOL Dr. Rita BALICE-GORDON Pfizer Appoints Neuroscience Department Head Rita Balice-Gordon, Ph.D., has joined Pfizer’s neuroscience research unit as the department head of integrative neuroscience and circuitry. Dr. Balice-Gordon brings deep scientific expertise and a perspective that will complement the efforts of the unit’s chief scientific officer and existing leadership team, as well as enhance the unit’s drug discovery and development efforts. Dr. Balice-Gordon was most recently a professor of neuroscience and director of the neuroscience graduate program for the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She completed graduate work at the University of Chicago and obtained a Ph.D. in zoology and neurobiology from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Roger POMERANTZ Merck Names Worldwide Licensing Head Merck has promoted Roger Pomerantz, M.D., to senior VP and head, worldwide licensing and knowledge management. Dr. Pomerantz was previously Merck’s senior VP and global research franchise head, infectious diseases. Dr. Pomerantz eads the task of identifying and securing external opportunities to build the best R&D pipeline derived from external and internal sources. He is a board-certified physician in both internal medicine and infectious diseases and received an M.D. from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Biotechnology POOL Dr. George GILL Dr. Gerard KENNEALEY Leadership Shift at Oncolytics Biotech Oncolytics Biotech, a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of products to treat a wide range of cancers, has announced the return of George Gill, M.D., to his previous position as senior VP of regulatory affairs, as well as the additional role of chief safety officer. Dr. Gill holds an M.D. from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Gerard Kennealey, M.D., has been named senior VP of clinical development and chief medical officer (CMO), succeeding Dr. Gill in the CMO role. Dr. Kennealey received an M.D. from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Wayne GOMBOTZ Immune Design Selects Development Chief Immune Design has appointed Wayne Gombotz, Ph.D., chief development officer, overseeing product development and manufacturing for the biotechnology company’s therapeutic vaccine product candidates. Dr. Gombotz most recently served as VP of pharmaceutical operations at Omeros. He received a Ph.D. and an M.S. in bioengineering from the University of Washington. Dr. David HUANG New Medical Chief at ContraFect ContraFect, a biotechnology company pioneering the use of recombinant proteins for the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria, has appointed David Huang, M.D., Ph.D. chief medical officer. Dr. Huang is responsible for the company’s development of its lead compound, CF-301, for infections caused by staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. Dr. Huang most recently served as global medical director of medical affairs for Pfizer. He received an M.D. and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Houston Medical School. Dr. Patricia MOLLOY Former Premier Research Executive Joins Biothera Biothera, a biotechnology company developing pharmaceuticals that engage the innate immune system to fight cancer, has appointed Patricia Molloy, M.D., chief medical officer. Dr. Molloy is responsible for the clinical development of Imprime PGG, the company’s immunotherapeutic oncology drug that is currently in multiple clinical trials for colorectal and lung cancers and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Dr. Molloy was most recently VP, global medical affairs and strategic consulting. She received a doctorate from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Wolfgang NOE Agensys Appoints Manufacturing VP Agensys, an affiliate of Astellas Pharma developing a pipeline of therapeutic fully human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to treat solid tumor cancers, has named Wolfgang Noe, Ph.D., VP of process sciences and manufacturing. Dr. Noe joins Agensys from Biogen Idec, where he was most recently VP of strategic development and technical alliances. He earned a doctorate in biochemistry from Eberhard-Karl University in Tubingen, Germany. Clifford STOCKS Theraclone Appoints CEO Theraclone Sciences, a biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of infectious disease and cancer, has appointed Clifford Stocks CEO. Mr. Stocks was previously chief business officer of Calistoga Pharmaceuticals. He received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Dr. Amir TAVAKKOL Topica Hires Clinical Development VP Privately held biotechnology company Topica Pharmaceuticals has named Amir Tavakkol, Ph.D., senior VP of clinical development and operations. Dr. Tavakkol is responsible for advancing the clinical development of luliconazole, Topica’s broad-spectrum topical antifungal agent for the treatment of onychomycosis. Dr. Tavakkol most recently served as senior director and project leader in the infectious diseases franchise at Merck. He earned a Ph.D. in bacteriology and virology from the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. Biopharmaceutical POOL Dr. Jayant APHALE AVI BioPharma Adds to Senior Management AVI BioPharma, a developer of RNA-based therapeutics, has appointed Jayant Aphale, Ph.D., senior VP of technical operations, with responsibility for all of AVI’s internal and outsourced manufacturing activities. Dr. Aphale most recently served as VP at GlaxoSmithKline in Belgium leading new product introductions, cGMP scale-up of clinical material manufacturing, U.S. government interactions, and global technology transfer of marketed vaccines. Joseph LOBACKI Micromet Appoints Commercial Chief Micromet, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer, has appointed Joseph Lobacki senior VP and chief commercial officer. Mr. Lobacki was most recently senior VP and general manager, transplant and oncology at Genzyme. Mark ROTHERA Aegerion Selects Former Shire VP as President Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics to treat severe lipid disorders, has named Mark Rothera global president. He was most recently VP and general manager of commercial operations for Europe, Middle East & Africa at Shire Human Genetic Therapies. Specialty POOL Adrian ADAMS Former Neurologix Chief Joins Auxilium as CEO Specialty biopharmaceutical company Auxilium Pharmaceuticals has named Adrian Adams to succeed Armando Anido as CEO and president. Mr. Adams brings to Auxilium more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, most recently as chairman and CEO of Neurologix. Lynne BROOKES Galleon Pharmaceuticals Strengthens Business Leadership Galleon Pharmaceuticals, a developer of novel medicines to treat breathing-control disorders, has appointed Lynne Brookes as senior VP and chief business officer. Ms. Brookes joins Galleon from Cephalon, where she was most recently VP of business development. She received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Robert TIDWELL Ritter Pharmaceuticals Hires Business Chief Ritter Pharmaceuticals has appointed Robert Tidwell as chief business officer as the specialty company prepares to partner its Phase II compound, RP-G28, for the treatment of lactose intolerance. He is responsible for maintaining strategic relationships to promote and build the research, development, and commercial efforts in the gastrointestinal field. Mr. Tidwell previously spent nine years as senior VP of corporate development at Cell Genesys. He holds an MBA from Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University. Diagnostic POOL David HEFFELFINGER PrimeraDx Adds Development VP David Heffelfinger has joined molecular diagnostics company PrimeraDx as VP of engineering and systems development. Mr. Heffelfinger has held a number of executive-level engineering positions within life sciences and medical device companies, including Beckman Coulter, BD Biosciences, and Bio-Rad Laboratories, as well as several startups and venture capital-backed companies. He received an M.S. in physics from Wayne State University and an executive MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California. Emerging POOL Dr. Jean-Cosme (J.C.) DODART Dr. Albert ROBICHAUD Sage Therapeutics Expands R&D Leadership Sage Therapeutics, a company focused on developing new therapies to meet the growing unmet need in a range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, has named Jean-Cosme (J.C.) Dodart, Ph.D., director of pharmacology. Before joining Sage, Dr. Dodart was director of the neurobehavior laboratory at the Brigham & Women’s Hospital and assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. He received an M.S. in cell biology and physiology from University Pierre & Marie Curie in Paris and a Ph.D. in neuroscience from Louis Pasteur University in Strasbourg, France. Sage has also appointed Albert Robichaud, Ph.D., chief scientific officer. Dr. Robichaud is responsible for advancing the company’s therapeutic pipeline for CNS disorders and moving its lead programs into clinical development. Dr. Robichaud was most recently VP of chemistry and pharmacokinetic sciences at Lundbeck Research USA. He received a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Maurizio VOI Curis Names Medical Chief Curis, a drug development company seeking to develop next-generation targeted small molecule drug candidates for cancer treatment, has appointed Maurizio Voi, M.D., chief medical and chief development officer. Dr. Voi is responsible for the company’s development, clinical trial, and regulatory affairs operations, as well as biomarker and translational medicine activities. Dr. Voi was previously VP of clinical development and medical affairs for the oncology business unit at Pfizer’s global research and development site in New York. He received his medical degree from the University of Padua, School of Medicine in Italy. Agency POOL Erin ANDERSON Gretchen RAMSEY MRM Princeton Bolsters Pharma Expertise Global digital and direct agency MRM has announced two new hires to its Princeton, N.J.-based team. Erin Anderson has joined MRM Princeton as project manager from Digitas Health, where she honed her pharma project management skills. Gretchen Ramsey has been named VP, strategy and business development. Ms. Ramsey joins MRM Princeton from G2, where she held the positions of director, social media and account director, healthcare. CRO POOL Maria DeVito BROUCH Acurian Adds Clinical Trial Liaison Maria DeVito Brouch has joined Acurian’s clinical trial liaison (CTL) team, dedicated to providing specialized, localized, and personalized service for oncology trial patient enrollment. Ms. Brouch previously served in a clinical leadership/program management role with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network. She received an M.S. in nursing with a specialization in pediatric oncology from Rush University. Dr. Daniel CHAPPLE Quanticate Appoints Development VP Quanticate, a global biometrics clinical research organization (CRO), has named Daniel Chapple, Ph.D., VP of business development and marketing, working within the company’s offices in Boston and the United Kingdom. Dr. Chapple was previously general manager at Cognizant’s life-sciences business process outsourcing (BPO) practice. Christian TUCAT Theorem Clinical Research Names EMEA VP Global full-service CRO Theorem Clinical Research has appointed Christian Tucat VP and general manager, Europe Middle East and Africa, with direct accountability for sales and P&L business in these regions. Mr. Tucat previously served as Theorem’s VP, business development — international. He received an MBA from the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University in the Netherlands. Medical-Education POOL Megan DOYLE Emily RAY Discovery Chicago Expands Team Discovery Chicago, a Publicis Healthcare Communications Group company, has hired Megan Doyle as an associate scientific director, responsible for developing scientifically and strategically accurate content deliverables for the medical education agency. In other moves, Emily Ray has joined Discovery Chicago as a senior account manager, responsible for managing all aspects of multiple medical communications projects from inception to completion. Service POOL Carolyn BELCHER Dr. Phil BIRCH Aptiv Solutions Makes Key Global Appointments Aptiv Solutions, a global biopharmaceutical and medical device development services company, has appointed Carolyn Belcher senior director and global head of the Aptiv Solutions regulatory business unit. Ms. Belcher is responsible for overseeing the worldwide regulatory team, which provides first-class regulatory support for clinical development programs and market approval. She recently joined Aptiv Solutions through the acquisition of SRA Global Clinical Development (GCD) where she was senior director and global head of regulatory affairs and strategic drug development services. Ms. Belcher has succeeded Phil Birch, D. Phil., who has been promoted to senior VP and corporate brand manager for adaptive clinical trials. Dr. Birch is working closely with the Aptiv Solutions innovation center, business development, and operational teams to ensure strategic growth within the adaptive clinical trials sector. He was previously senior VP of global regulatory. Dr. Jakob BJORNER New Science Chief at OptumInsight’s QualityMetric Business Jakob Bjorner, M.D., Ph.D., has joined OptumInsight as chief science officer at QualityMetric, the company’s patient insights group. Dr. Bjorner drives the further development of OptumInsight’s patented Dynamic Health Assessment (DYNHA) computer-adaptive system for health assessments, which he co-developed, and is focused on the development of new product offerings for life-sciences businesses. Dr. Bjorner has more than 20 years of experience in health outcomes-related research and consulting at research institutions and hospitals. He has also been a part-time contributor to QualityMetric’s scientific team for more than 15 years. An M.D. by training, Dr. Bjorner also has a Ph.D. in medical sociology from the University of Copenhagen. Adam BUDISH New Sales VP at Epocrates Epocrates has named Adam Budish senior VP of sales. Mr. Budish has more than 20 years of experience in healthcare sales, strategy, and leadership, most recently leading the sales team at MediMedia. He received a J.D. from George Washington University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
