Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Languages
References
Timeline
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Tom Rossi

Tom Rossi

Beaconsfield,Canada

Summary

An accomplished, trilingual executive with extensive board and capital markets experience. Worked in Europe and North America and led large pharmaceutical organizations across a wide variety of therapeutic areas (Oncology, Cardiovascular Disease, Ophthalmology, Neuroscience, Vaccines, etc.) as well as a publicly traded, specialty pharma start-up. A results-oriented, decisive leader recognized for developing talent and building high-performance teams, fostering a culture of success. Strong analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills combined with a keen sense of urgency. A passionate and tenacious individual with an unrelenting drive to deliver impactful outcomes.

Overview

36
36
years of professional experience

Work History

PRESIDENT & CEO

SOLSTAR PHARMA INC.
Montréal, Canada
11.2021 - Current
  • Established in 2017, Solstar Pharma is a pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical company specializing in ground-breaking precision oncology and infectious disease drugs
  • Our primary focus revolves around leveraging small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology
  • Solstar Pharma has developed an advanced RNA interference (RNAi) platform technology using proprietary modified nucleic acid chemistry that enhances the stability and optimizes the mRNA target activity of siRNAs
  • The company has also pioneered an emulsifying polymer formulation, significantly improving the bioavailability of known Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

PRESIDENT & CEO, DIRECTOR

SANNA HEALTH CORPORATION
Toronto, Canada
11.2018 - 10.2019
  • Sanna Health, a privately held healthcare start-up, specialized in developing medical cannabis products that incorporated evidence-based, standardized formulations alongside innovative delivery platforms
  • The company held exclusive Canadian and Puerto Rican licenses for the renowned müv portfolio of premium cannabis products
  • These products were developed and distributed by AltMed LLC, a leading pharma-grade medical cannabis company based in Florida
  • The company successfully secured Cultivation, Processing, and Sales licenses from Health Canada
  • Additionally, it held a prequalified manufacturing and dispensary license in Puerto Rico
  • Sanna Health was acquired by AgraFlora Organics.

PRESIDENT & CEO, DIRECTOR

ACERUS (TRIMEL) PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
Toronto, Canada
01.2013 - 11.2017
  • Acerus Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded (TSX listed) and fully integrated pharmaceutical company, is dedicated to the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative prescription products in Women's and Men's Health
  • Successfully raised over CAD$140 million in equity financing, predominantly allocated to support product and clinical development programs
  • Obtained FDA and Health Canada approval for Natesto, the first and only nasal testosterone gel indicated for replacement therapy in adult males diagnosed with hypogonadism (low testosterone)
  • Licensed the rights to market Natesto in the US and Mexico to Endo Pharmaceuticals for USD$25 million upfront, a tiered supply price, and up to USD$165 million in regulatory and sales milestone payments
  • The US testosterone replacement market had 2016 revenues of USD$1.9 billion
  • Out-licensed Natesto in 15 European countries, South Korea, Brazil, MENA, and South East Asia
  • Built a commercial team and launched Natesto in Canada in late 2016
  • Acquired the Canadian rights to Estrace (17-β Estradiol), a product indicated for the treatment of menopausal symptoms with estimated annual sales of USD$10 million
  • Secured USD$45 million in debt and equity financing to fund the acquisition
  • In-Licensed Gynoflor (Estriol and Lactobacillus Acidophilus), an ultra-low dose vaginal therapy for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis, certain vaginal infections, and vaginal flora restoration
  • Developed Tefina, a "use-as-required" product for the treatment of Female Orgasmic Disorder.

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ACERUS (TRIMEL) PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
Toronto, Canada
08.2011 - 12.2012

COUNTRY PRESIDENT & CEO

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA
Montréal, Canada
01.2010 - 02.2011
  • Led an organization with 2010 sales of ~USD$850 million and 725 employees
  • Novartis Pharma was the fourth largest pharmaceutical company in Canada and commercialized products in the following therapeutic areas: Cardiovascular Disease, Oncology, Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatology, Ophthalmology, Transplant, and Respiratory medicine
  • In 2010, Novartis Pharma was the second fastest growing pharmaceutical company in Canada (+11% in sales) and named Top 50 Employers in Canada, second among all pharmaceutical companies
  • Executive Team comprised of 12 direct reports responsible for five business units and various functional teams (Human Resources, Legal, Finance, Medical, Market Access, Communications, Commercial Operations and Support)
  • Chaired the Country Executive Counsel and assumed a corporate, cross-divisional, co-ordination role across all operating units (Novartis Pharma, Sandoz, Novartis OTC, CIBA Vision, Novartis Vaccine & Diagnostics, Novartis Animal Health, Novartis Sterile Manufacturing)
  • Member of the Rx&D (Canadian pharmaceutical industry association) Board of Directors and Chaired the Rx&D Stakeholder & Partnership Committee.

COUNTRY PRESIDENT & CEO

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS BELGIUM & LUXEMBOURG
Brussels, Belgium
11.2006 - 12.2009
  • Led a pharmaceutical organization with 2009 sales of ~USD$300 million and 245 employees
  • The executive team was comprised of 12 business unit heads as well as functional team leaders
  • Novartis Pharma was the fastest growing pharmaceutical company in Belgium in 2008 and 2009
  • Sales grew by 40% from 2006 to 2009 while profits increased in excess of 60%
  • Member of pharma.be (Belgian pharmaceutical industry association) Board of Directors.

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT (COO), GENERAL MEDICINES

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA
Montréal, Canada
01.2005 - 10.2006
  • Led a team of Vice Presidents heading up four business units (Cardiovascular/Metabolism, Neuroscience, Respiratory/Dermatology/Infectious Diseases, and Arthritis/Bone/Gastro/Hormones) as well as Sales, Marketing & Sales Capabilities, Key Accounts, and Business Development
  • Responsible for Primary Care and Specialty products which generated sales of ~USD$400 million in 2005
  • Managed a promotional budget of ~USD$100 million and a headcount of ~500 associates.

GENERAL MANAGER, ONCOLOGY BUSINESS UNIT

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA
Montréal, Canada
03.2002 - 12.2004
  • Responsible for the Oncology business unit's P & L including a product portfolio of 6 products with 2004 sales of USD$110 million and a promotional budget of USD$18 million
  • Business Unit included integrated sales, marketing, medical, and other support functions
  • The Canadian Oncology business grew from sales of USD$55 million in 2001 to USD$110 million in 2004 and moved from #4 to #2 in market share ranking.

DIRECTOR OF SALES / MARKETING, VACCINES

MERCK CANADA
Montréal, Canada
03.1998 - 03.2002
  • Managed a product portfolio of 6 vaccines with 2001 sales of USD$115 million and a promotional budget of USD$5.2 million
  • Led the launch of Menjugate (Meningococcal C Vaccine), which generated sales of USD$92 million in its launch year
  • Led the expansion of the sales organization in preparation for the launch of Varivax (Varicella Vaccine).

BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR, PHARMACEUTICALS

BOEHRINGER MANNHEIM (ROCHE) CANADA
Montréal, Canada
01.1997 - 03.1998
  • Full P&L responsibility for the Canadian pharmaceutical business
  • Member of the SmithKline Beecham - Boehringer Mannheim (BM) Joint Marketing Committee responsible for the co-promotion of Coreg (Carvedilol)
  • Member of the executive integration team responsible for the planning and implementation of the BM - Roche merger.

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

BOEHRINGER MANNHEIM (ROCHE) CANADA
Montréal, Canada
06.1995 - 12.1996

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, DIABETES CARE

BOEHRINGER MANNHEIM (ROCHE) CANADA
Montréal, Canada
03.1992 - 05.1995

TERRITORY MANAGER

ORTHO CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS (a JOHNSON & JOHNSON COMPANY)
Montréal, Canada
04.1988 - 02.1992

Education

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS -

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
01.2011

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) -

JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY)
01.1996

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSc.) - Microbiology & Immunology

McGILL UNIVERSITY
01.1987

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Professional

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

PRESIDENT & CEO

SOLSTAR PHARMA INC.
11.2021 - Current

PRESIDENT & CEO, DIRECTOR

SANNA HEALTH CORPORATION
11.2018 - 10.2019

PRESIDENT & CEO, DIRECTOR

ACERUS (TRIMEL) PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
01.2013 - 11.2017

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ACERUS (TRIMEL) PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION
08.2011 - 12.2012

COUNTRY PRESIDENT & CEO

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA
01.2010 - 02.2011

COUNTRY PRESIDENT & CEO

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS BELGIUM & LUXEMBOURG
11.2006 - 12.2009

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT (COO), GENERAL MEDICINES

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA
01.2005 - 10.2006

GENERAL MANAGER, ONCOLOGY BUSINESS UNIT

NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CANADA
03.2002 - 12.2004

DIRECTOR OF SALES / MARKETING, VACCINES

MERCK CANADA
03.1998 - 03.2002

BUSINESS UNIT DIRECTOR, PHARMACEUTICALS

BOEHRINGER MANNHEIM (ROCHE) CANADA
01.1997 - 03.1998

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

BOEHRINGER MANNHEIM (ROCHE) CANADA
06.1995 - 12.1996

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, DIABETES CARE

BOEHRINGER MANNHEIM (ROCHE) CANADA
03.1992 - 05.1995

TERRITORY MANAGER

ORTHO CLINICAL DIAGNOSTICS (a JOHNSON & JOHNSON COMPANY)
04.1988 - 02.1992

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS -

HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) -

JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (BSc.) - Microbiology & Immunology

McGILL UNIVERSITY

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