Ex-Pfizer Executive Joins Polaris
Amy Schulman, formerly of Pfizer, recently joined the biotech investor as a Venture Partner. Schulman will help steer future investments, serve on the boards of some of the group’s portfolio companies and take the top spot at one of its early-stage ventures. Schulman is stepping in as CEO to work with Polaris Partner Alan Crane and get Arsia Therapeutics, the biotech company co-founded by biotech luminary Robert Langer, up and running.
Schulman’s decades of experience in building businesses and overseeing transactions dovetail with Polaris’ mission of nurturing innovative biotechs. In her most recent role at Pfizer, Schulman commanded the company’s $4 billion consumer healthcare business, and her years as general counsel at the company familiarized her with intellectual property issues, regulatory proceedings and litigation issues.
Dendreon Appoints Former J&J Exec as CEO
The biotechnology company, Dendreon appointed former J&J executive, W. Thomas Amick as President and CEO—and a member of the company’s Board of Directors. Amick brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and life sciences, having served as Chairman and CEO of Discovery Labs, a specialty biotechnology company.
Prior to that, Amick worked at J&J for 30 years. As VP of the Ortho Biotech Oncology Franchise, he launched Procrit (epoetin alfa) and built J&J’s oncology franchise into a multi-billion dollar operation, making Procrit the most successful product in J&J history at the time. Previous positions Amick held include: President of Ortho Biotech Europe, President of Janssen-Ortho Canada and VP of J&J Development Corporation (the venture capital division of J&J).
Ashfield
A unit of UDG Healthcare PLC, Ashfield expanded its Ivyland, PA-based team, adding Wendy Wolf as Senior Vice President, Commercial and Clinical Operations. Wolf has extensive experience in the healthcare industry with 21 years in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, operations and business development.
Astellas
The pharma company, appointed Moyra Knight as the Head of Corporate and Employee Communications in the Americas region. Knight will be responsible for developing and leading corporate brand initiatives and reputation management to achieve Astellas’ strategic business goals across North and South America. With 20 plus years of experience in the industry, she will lead corporate social responsibility, executive communications, employee and digital communication and corporate media relations.
Dudnyk
Lou Iovino is the new Director of Client services for the full-service healthcare advertising agency. Iovino has 12 years leading account teams at top healthcare agencies. In his various roles as agency vice president, managing director and senior vice president, he has led account teams to ensure executional excellence and optimal financial management.
Galena Pharmaceuticals
The biopharmaceutical company appointed Mark W. Schwartz, PhD, as President and CEO. Previously Schwartz was EVP and COO. Schwartz brings 30 plus years experience in the biotechnology and life science industry.
Intouch Solutions
Brian Corn was promoted to VP, Professional and Consulting Services for the privately-held marketing agency. With experience in advanced technology engagements, medical device manufacturing and security assessments, paired with his past executive technology positions, Corn will provide direction for the group.
Life Sciences Foundation
The nonprofit organization dedicated to biotech history, has appointed Scott Morrison as the new Chief Financial Officer and Director. Morrison replaces Victor Hebert as CFO, following his resignation. Morrison is the leader of Ernst & Young’s U.S. Biotechnology and Medtech practice and a member of the firm’s global industry steering committee.
National Pharmaceutical Council
Michael Ciarametaro recently joined the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), the health policy research organization, as Director of Research. Ciarametaro will oversee NPC’s research portfolio and will focus on individual patient and population health outcomes, understanding differences in patients and treatment effects and healthcare access issues.
Palio+Ignite
The inVentiv Health communications agency appointed Andrea Kretzmann as Managing Director of their West Coast office. She has worked in specialty and primary care markets, U.S. and global initiatives and pre-launch through late lifecycle products in a range of therapeutic areas. She also served as the senior brand strategist on Gilead’s Stribild and Abbott Vascular’s Mitraclip launch.
Pharmacyclics
The biopharmaceutical company appointed Shawn Cline Tomasello as its Chief Commercial Officer. Cline Tomasello is a 30-year industry veteran and former President of the Americas, Hematology and Oncology, for the Celgene Corporation, where she managed over $4 billion in revenue. She will be involved with the continued growth and success of Imbruvica.
Publicis Health Media
Greg Reilly is now SVP of Media, Head of Publicis’ New York office. An experienced digital media and marketing professional, he will expand Publicis’ innovative business model and deliver media strategies and programs to consumer and HCP audiences.
Revance
The biopharma company appointed industry veteran Arthur P. Bertolino, MD, PhD, MBA as EVP and Chief Medical Officer, a Board Certified dermatologist and seasoned dermatology industry executive with nearly 30 years of experience, including more than 13 years in global biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug development.
TRACON Pharmaceuticals
William LaRue was appointed to the Board of Directors at TRACON, a company that develops targeted therapies for oncology and ophthalmology. LaRue will be chair of the audit committee. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Cadence Pharmaceuticals.
