David R Epstein

David R. Epstein is executive partner at Flagship Pioneering, chairman of Axcella Health and executive chairman of Rubius Therapeutics. Most recently, he served as chief executive officer of Novartis Pharmaceuticals, a division of Novartis AG, from 2010 to mid-2016. Previously, David started up and led Novartis’ Oncology and Molecular Diagnostic units. Under his leadership the company’s oncology business grew to the second largest in the world. David has more than 25 years of extensive drug development, deal making, commercialization and leadership experience on a global scale. Over the course of his career he led the development and commercialization of over 30 new molecular entities, including major breakthroughs such as Glivec, Tasigna, Gilenya, Cosentyx and Entresto. He was recently named by FierceBiotech as one of the “25 most influential people in biopharma.” Early in his career, David was an associate in the Strategy Practice of consulting firm Booz, Allen and Hamilton. He has been an independent director of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. since January 1, 2016. David holds a B.S. in pharmacy with high honors from Rutgers University College of Pharmacy (1984) and an M.B.A. in finance and marketing from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business (1987).