News from J&J, Sirona, and Ova Science – People on the move
J&J’s vice chairman of the executive committee Sheri McCoy has quit to become CEO of Avon Products.
McCoy leaves Johnson & Johnson after 30 years of service, moving up through the ranks from being a scientist in the consumer research and development organisation, to named worldwide chairman of pharmaceuticals in January 2009.
William Weldon, J&J chairman and CEO, said: “During these last several years, she was instrumental in helping to bring stronger strategic focus to our Pharmaceutical business as it builds a robust pipeline and launches important new medicines.”
In her new role she be responsible for developing a “roadmap” for the firm’s growth plans.
Fred Hassan, lead director of Avon's Board, added: “Given her consistent record of outperforming against new challenges, we have great confidence that under Sheri's leadership Avon can successfully execute against our strong long-term prospects."
OvaScience has drafted General Catalyst MD John Simon onto its board of directors following the completion of a $37m (€26.6) finance deal between the two firms.
Under the new partnership, General Catalyst led the financing for a program which will see the development and commercialisation of OvaScience’s new fertility treatments based on its egg precursor cell discoveries.
Simon said: “OvaScience is rapidly advancing its patented fertility technology aimed at improving fertility outcomes, and we’re pleased to be part of a company that has a unique and differentiated approach in an area with a clear, unmet need.”
Sirona Biochem has named Brett Premack as scientific consultant.
Previously scientific director for ChemoCentryx, Premack will now take responsibility for Sirona’s preclinical development activities, and will focus specially on new partnerships between public and private research organisations.
Howard Verrico, president and CEO of Sirona said: "Our chemistry platform technology gives us several program options and our ability to attract high-calibre talent like Dr. Premack enables us to efficiently advance these programs”.
Sanguine BioSciences has placed Timothy Triche on its scientific advisory board.
Triche is currently director of the center for personalised medicine (CPM) at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, US.
He will help the firm advance its DNA data and bio-specimens for the development of personalised medicines.
Brian Neman, Sanguine's chairman and CEO said: "Dr. Triche has been a leader in genomic and biomarker research for decades, and provides the company with valuable strategic insight as the company is poised to begin digitizing biological and clinical data within its bio-repository."
Santarus has appointed Alessandro Della Chà and Matthew Strobeck to its board of directors.
Della Chà is currently co-managing director of Studio Legale Edoardo Ricci e Associati, a commercial law firm in Milan, Italy.
Strobeck currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Metabolix.
The biopharma’s chairman, David Hale, said: “Alex brings us an international perspective and a strong relationship with a key corporate partner. Matt has an impressive background in life sciences and valuable financial experience, including his prior role with Westfield Capital Management.”
Advanced Cell Technology (ACT) announced that Michael Heffernan has joined the board of directors.
Heffernan is co-founder, president, and CEO of late-stage chronic pain therapy developer Collegium Pharmaceutical.
“Michael's expertise in pharmaceutical product development, as well as experience in capital markets and deal-making will be invaluable to the company as we continue our forward momentum with our clinical programs, and we are excited to welcome him to our board of directors,” said Gary Rabin, chairman and CEO of ACT.
