Biopharmaceutical industry executive David Meek will deliver the keynote address at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ 119th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 15, in Los Angeles.
“At a time when medicine is being redefined by breakthrough therapies, David Meek stands at the forefront of that transformation,” says Vassilios Papadopoulos, dean of the USC Mann School. “His career demonstrates how bold thinking and disciplined execution can bring life-changing treatments to patients around the world.”
“I’m honored to join the USC Mann School community in celebrating this year’s graduates. This is a moment of extraordinary progress in science and medicine, and I look forward to encouraging graduates as they step forward to shape the future and delivery of health care,” Meek said.
Meek is a respected leader in the biopharmaceutical industry with more than 30 years of experience driving innovation, transformation, and growth across global organizations. Over his career, he has held executive and board‑level leadership roles and brings a distinctive global perspective, having lived and worked in France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and the United States.
He currently serves as chief executive officer of Genetix Biotherapeutics, formerly bluebird bio, where he led the company’s acquisition and transformation. Under his leadership, Genetix is advancing its position as a pioneer in gene therapy, delivering first‑in‑class, one‑time treatments for patients with severe genetic diseases, including sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.
His focus on patient‑centric innovation, operational excellence and commercial execution continues to help redefine the future of curative medicine.
Previously, Meek served as Chief Executive Officer of Ipsen, Mirati Therapeutics, and FerGene. He also held senior leadership roles, including executive vice president and president of oncology at Baxalta and chief commercial officer at Endocyte. He held global and general management positions at Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Oncology, after beginning his career at Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals.
In addition, he serves on the boards of several leading biotechnology companies and on the Board of Councilors for the USC Mann School.
A former U.S. Army Captain, Meek is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. He is known for combining strategic leadership, operational rigor, global perspective and a commitment to improving patients’ lives.
Learn more about USC Mann School’s 119th Commencement Ceremony at mann.usc.edu/commencement.