Venture Partners, Executives-in-Residence and Advisors - Page 3

Ernie Mario, PhD

Knowledge and experience are key drivers of success for life sciences companies. Ernie’s wealth of knowledge from his long career in the pharma industry is an essential sounding board for our investment team.

Ernie’s career began in 1966 as a pharmaceutical researcher at Strasenburgh Laboratories in Rochester, NY. He later held various management positions within SmithKline and Squibb Corp., overseeing operations, quality control, and manufacturing. He was elected to the Squibb Board in 1984. He joined Glaxo plc in 1986, and subsequently served as Chief Executive and Deputy Chairman, during which time he oversaw the launch of five major brands that grew the company's sales and profits by nearly 15 percent annually, as Glaxo became the second largest global pharmaceutical company. In 1993, Ernie joined Alza Corporation as CEO, where he ultimately consummated with Johnson & Johnson what was then one of the largest mergers in pharmaceutical history. In 2001, Ernie founded Apothogen, a company involved in early-stage pharmaceutical development, which subsequently merged with IntraBiotics. He went on to serve as Chairman and CEO of Reliant Pharmaceuticals, which was acquired by GlaxoSmithKline. In 2007, Ernie joined Soleno Therapeutics (formerly Capnia) as Chairman and CEO, and continues to serve as Chairman. He previously served as a director for Pappas portfolio company Balance Therapeutics and as Chairman for Pappas portfolio company Chimerix (NASDAQ: CMRX). Ernie holds honorary doctorates from the University of Rhode Island and Rutgers University, where the School of Pharmacy bears his name. He served as a Duke University trustee for 18 years and in 2009 received the University Medal for Distinguished Meritorious Service. In 2007, he was awarded the Remington Medal, the highest honor in the field of Pharmacy in the United States.

Ernie Joined Pappas Capital in 2002 as a member of our Scientific Advisory Board, becoming a Venture Partner in 2011.

Education:

Rutgers University (BS in Pharmacy)
University of Rhode Island (MS in Physical Sciences)
University of Rhode Island (PhD in Physical Sciences)

Ben Schell - June 2, 2013 - No Comments

Franz Humer, PhD

Franz joined Pappas Capital in 2013 as a Venture Partner and Senior Advisor, reuniting with Art Pappas and Ernie Mario, who all served together in the early 1990s as senior executives and board members for Glaxo Holdings.

In March 2014, Franz retired as Chairman of Roche Holding Ltd., capping a transformative 15-year tenure as Chairman and/or Chief Executive Officer. He became the CEO for Roche Group in 1998, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Pharmaceuticals (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd). Franz began his career in the pharmaceutical industry in 1973, joining Schering Plough Corporation as assistant to the vice president of Europe, Africa, Middle East operations and general manager of Ecuador, UK and Portugal. After leaving Schering Plough, he held various managerial positions (including director) at Glaxo Holdings plc, where he was responsible for research, business development, manufacturing, commercial strategy, and all operations outside the United States. Franz joined the Board of Diageo plc, the world’s leading spirits company, in 2005, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2008 through 2016. He is an Independent Director of Allogene Therapeutics (San Francisco), LetterOne Holdings, and Walter Frey Holding, and Chairman of HMNC Munich.

Franz also serves as member of the board of directors for the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2000, he received the Oliver R. Grace Award for distinguished service in advancing cancer research.

Education:

University of Innsbruck (PhD in Law)
INSEAD (MBA)
Faculty of Science from the University of Basel (Honorary Doctorate)
School of Pharmacy, University of London (Honorary Doctorate)

Lisa Dreyer - June 1, 2013 - No Comments

Mike Grey

Managing an early-stage life science company requires vision, expertise, patience and commitment. Mike’s strong background in pharma and biotech company management enables him to bring a unique perspective to new deal opportunities and existing portfolio companies.

Mike has been a Venture Partner with Pappas Capital since January 2010 and served as a member of the firm's Board of Advisors from 2004 to 2010. Mike currently serves as Chairman of Mirum Pharmaceuticals (a Pappas Ventures V portfolio company), as Executive Chair of Plexium, Sorriso Pharmaceuticals, Spruce Biosciences, Theolytics, and Reneo Pharmaceuticals (a Pappas Ventures V portfolio company that he co-founded), and as a director for Horizon Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HZNP). In 2011, he spearheaded the founding of Lumena Pharmaceuticals (a Pappas Ventures IV portfolio company), and served as CEO until it was acquired by Shire plc in 2014. Prior to Lumena, Mike was President and CEO of Auspex Pharmaceuticals, and President and CEO of SGX Pharmaceuticals until its sale to Eli Lilly. Prior to joining SGX in 2001, Mike served as President and CEO of Trega Biosciences until its acquisition by Lion Bioscience. He also served as President of BioChem Therapeutics, the pharmaceutical arm of BioChem Pharma, from 1994 to 1998, and served as President and COO for Ansan during 1994. From 1974 to 1993, Mike served in various roles with Glaxo Holdings plc and Glaxo Inc., including positions as Vice President of Corporate Development and head of worldwide business development.

Mike previously served as CEO and subsequently Executive Chair of Amplyx Pharmaceuticals (a Pappas Ventures V portfolio company), which was acquired by Pfizer. He also previously served as a director for BioMarin Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: BMRN), Mirati Therapeutics (NASDAQ: MRTX) (a Pappas Ventures III portfolio company), Balance Therapeutics (a Pappas Ventures IV portfolio company), Selventa (a Pappas Ventures II portfolio company), Biothera Pharmaceutical, Ziarco Pharma (acquired by Novartis), and three public companies, SGX Pharmaceuticals, IDM Pharma and Achillion Pharmaceuticals.

Education:

University of Nottingham, United Kingdom (BS in Chemistry)

Ben Schell - May 31, 2013 - No Comments