Ogilvy Gains New Global CEO
In need of a replacement for retiring CEO John Seifert, Ogilvy grabbed the well-known digital marketing guru of Deloitte. Andy Main, a modern leader who is expected to advance the agency through creativity and technology, was previously the global head of Deloitte Digital, making it a world-wide leader in the ad industry through a series of acquisitions that included Acne and Heat.
“Ogilvy is a name synonymous with creative and strategic excellence, and I am honored to become the company’s next CEO,” Main said in a statement. “We have a great opportunity to help clients deliver sustainable growth by using Ogilvy’s creative genius to transform not only brands but entire businesses. We must also be a company with a clear culture of belonging where talented people from underrepresented groups are championed and supported throughout their careers, and given the chance to reach the very highest levels of the organization.”
Allergan’s Saunders Joins BridgeBio
Brent Saunders, the last CEO of Allergan before it was acquired by AbbVie three months ago, has become the independent director of young, California-based biotech BridgeBio. The growing genetic-disease focused company will be commercializing its first drugs soon and is looking to rival Pfizer with its BBP-265 therapy for rare heart disorder transthyretin amyloidosis cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), made by its subsidiary Eidos Therapeutics. BioBridge referred to Saunders as a “deal-maker,” hinting that they’ll be using his acquisitions experience (as he has brokered several mergers over the course of his career) as well as his leadership experience (which includes guiding Allergan through 15 product launches).
Saunders will be joining new board members at BioBridge, including Incyte Co-founder and former chairman Randy Scott, and the company’s own Co-founder, economist Andrew Lo. The company recently went public with an IPO of $348.5 million. The M&A expert will be guiding BioBridge during a critical time of growth as it is poised to make a grand entrance in the genetics market.
Affimed
The clinical-stage immuno-oncology company appoints Angus Smith as Chief Financial Officer. As a biopharma industry veteran, Smith has worked in financial strategy, capital markets, business development, and operations, coming to Affimed from Rockwell Medical.
Aran Biomedical
The implantable medical device company hires Todd Blair for the newly created role of VP of Sales and Business Development. Blair will be responsible for leading the company’s U.S. sales and business development, focusing on its orthopedic, general surgery, and vascular products. He is trusted to identify new business opportunities, fostering long-term partnerships as well as supporting internal teams on proposal and product solution development.
Arvinas
Wendy Dixon, PhD, joins the Board of Directors of the clinical-stage biotech developing drugs based on targeted protein degradation. Dr. Dixon is an industry veteran of 40 years who is known for many successful product launches. She currently serves as a director for Incyte Corporation, Alkermes plc, bluebird bio, and Voyager Therapeutics.
BioMarin
The global biotech focused on life-threatening and ultra-rare genetic diseases promotes two executives: Brian R. Mueller to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Andrea L. Acosta to Group Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. Mueller is a 17-year BioMarin veteran who was previously serving as SVP, acting CFO. He will now run the finances of the critical research and development, technical, and commercial operations that allow BioMarin therapies to reach small patient populations in need. Acosta has served as the company’s Vice President, Corporate Controller since 2017 and will use her experience to continue fueling innovation. Previously, she was the VP, Global Controller at Levi Strauss & Co.
Evaxion Biotech
The biotech developing AI-driven immunotherapies to improve the lives of patients with cancer and infectious diseases, appoints Kim Bjoernstrup as Chairman of its Board of Directors and Helen M. Boudreau to its Board of Directors and as Chair of the Audit Committee. Bjoernstrup brings 25 years of experience in biopharma and biotech management, serving as a board member for several companies. He was instrumental in the rapid growth of Swiss pharmaceutical company Octapharma and later co-founded the medical device company Xeltis among other ventures. Boudreau has 30 years of experience across biotech, pharmaceuticals, consulting, and banking industries, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute.
IDEAYA
The oncology-focused company developing Synthetic Lethality therapies appoints Garret Hampton, PhD, to its Board of Directors. Dr. Hampton currently serves as President, Clinical Sequencing and Oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific. His experience in translational research, biomarker discovery, and validation to approved companion diagnostics will be invaluable to IDEAYA as it pushes its Synthetic Lethality programs into the clinic.
Moon Rabbit
The healthcare-focused marketing agency adds Arvid Lithander to its team as Managing Partner and Executive Creative Director. He will now be the agency’s global creative lead, driving the creative culture and continuously elevating campaigns for clients in the U.S. and globally. Lithander served as Digital Creative Director at Saatchi & Saatchi and was also the founder of Bakheda Co., a Singapore-based creative agency.
Mydecine Innovations Group
Globally renowned Denton Hoyer, PhD, joins the Scientific Advisory Board of Mydecine, a life sciences company dedicated to developing and commercializing adaptive pathway medicines, natural health products, and digital health solutions. Dr. Hoyer is a 30-year drug discovery veteran, holding positions at Yale Center for Molecular Discovery, Pfizer, and Novartis.
SensisHealth
Sharon Carothers was promoted to Managing Director of the specialized healthcare marketing agency from her previous role as Managing Partner at SensisDC. A public health veteran, Carothers will leverage the company’s relationships with government organizations, such as the CDC and FDA, and insurers, like UnitedHealthcare, to create new opportunities within the private sector that will ultimately advance the mission of SensisHealth to end health disparities among multicultural populations.
Sera Prognostics
The health diagnostics company focused on improving maternal and neonatal health through innovative precision biomarker approaches adds Thomas J. Garite, MD, as VP of Clinical Sciences. Dr. Garite is a world-renowned expert in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine and most recently served as Director of Research and Education for Obstetrix Medical Group, a division of MEDNAX.
